PENNSYLVANIA TO OBSERVE AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK

Harrisburg, Nov. 18, 2003 – State Sen. Connie Williams introduced a resolution that declares the week of Nov. 16 through 22 as American Education Week in Pennsylvania. Senate members unanimously adopted the resolution Monday.

“Every child deserves an equal chance to obtain an education and pursue his or her dreams,” Williams said. “Public educators provide the necessary foundation that offer opportunity to every child.”

“Despite the fact that we are dealing with a difficult state budget, I felt it was important to observe American Education Week in Pennsylvania and draw attention to the importance of public education Pennsylvania’s students and to the future economic success of the Commonwealth.”

The first observance of American Education Week took place in December of 1921 when the National Education Association and the American Legion adopted resolutions of support for a national effort to raise public awareness regarding the importance of education after determining that 25 percent of the country’s World War I draftees were illiterate. A year later, the U.S. Office of Education joined the effort as an additional co-sponsor.

The national theme for the 82nd observance is “Great Public Schools for Every Child – America’s Promise.”

“Public schools are the backbone of our democracy, providing young people the tools they need to maintain our nation’s values of freedom, civility and equality,” Williams said. “By equipping students with both practical skills and broader intellectual capabilities, our schools must give young people hope and access to a productive future.”