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 Proc. 8007 Title 3--The President country. Several of these centers have opened and are making a difference in victims' lives. To further ensure basic rights for all victims, we must also ratify a Crime Victims' Rights Amendment to the Constitution. To learn more about victims' rights and how to make a difference, visit crimevictims.gov. All Americans share a responsibility to help victims of crime, and our Nation will continue to work together to achieve justice for victims and build a more hopeful society for all. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 23 through April 29, 2006, as National Crime Victims' Rights Week. I encourage all Americans to promote awareness of victims' rights and advance this important cause. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 8007 of April 26, 2006 National Charter Schools Week, 2006 By the President of the United States of Arnerica A Proclamation Education is the gateway to a brighter future for our children and our Na- tion. During National Charter Schools Week, we celebrate charter schools' commitment to academic achievement, accountability, and innovation. We recognize the vital role charter schools play in fostering an America where children have the knowledge and skills they need to grow, succeed, and achieve their dreams. As a publicly funded alternative to traditional public schools, charter schools have expanded our understanding of public education by embrac- ing the spirit of discovery and providing innovative avenues for success. Almost 15 years after the founding of the first charter school, more than 3,600 charter schools in 40 states and the District of Columbia are teaching more than one million students. These institutions reflect our belief in the promise of America's youth and help fulfill our moral obligation to make sure that every child has a quality education. This year marks the fourth anniversary of the signing of the No Child Left Behind Act, which is helping schools close the achievement gap among America's youth. Using the same principles that guide No Child Left Be- hind, we are achieving educational excellence through charter schools by providing greater flexibility with Federal dollars and curriculum control at the local level. We are also providing parents with more information about school performance and school options and insisting on results through as- sessment and accountability. In the aftermath of the devastating hurricanes that struck our Nation's Gulf Coast last year, charter schools are playing a major role in welcoming back 44

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