Oklahoma governor proclaims 'School Choice Week'

For the third year in a row, Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin has recognized National School Choice Week in Oklahoma. Here's the text of her proclamation:

Whereas, ensuring that Oklahoma has a well-educated public is of great importance to our state’s leaders; and

Whereas, all children should have access to an education which prepares them to be successful in private life and equips them for civic responsibility; and

Whereas, Oklahoma has a multitude of high-quality traditional public schools, charter schools, virtual schools, CareerTech schools, private and religious schools, home schools, and more; and

Whereas, these schools have many excellent teachers who are committed to educating children; and

Whereas, the vital cause of parental choice and empowerment is one that transcends ideology and political party affiliation; and

Whereas, research demonstrates conclusively that providing children with multiple schooling options improves academic performance;

Now, therefore, I, Mary Fallin, Governor of the State of Oklahoma, do hereby proclaim the week of January 26 through February 1, 2014 as

“Oklahoma School Choice Week”

In the State of Oklahoma.