WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Education and 11 national organizations are co-sponsors of American Education Week and 1996 marks the 75th observance of this annual event that celebrates what is right about education in America; and
 
WHEREAS, the 1996 theme for American Education Week is “The Future Begins in Today’s Schools,” which underscores the need to prepare all students to understand technology; highlights the need to prepare our students to meet the challenges of the 21st century; and reinforces the responsibility of educators to help each and every child reach his or her potential; and
 
WHEREAS, the goal of American Education Week, since its establishment in 1921, has been to increase public understanding and appreciation of the nation’s schools; to encourage parents and non-parents to visit schools; and to build civic and community pride and support for education; and
 
WHEREAS, American public education serves as the foundation for a democratic society and has been recognized as a fundamental public good for well over a century; and
 
WHEREAS, the public schools collectively remain one of our most vital institutions and continue to provide America with productive citizens; and
 
WHEREAS, public schools play a vital role in building the future, one student at a time, enabling our diverse population to work and live together in a free society; and
 
WHEREAS, all Alabamians have roles to play in assuring that our students are prepared to meet the challenges of the next century because the future of our democracy and the health of our economy depend on the quality of education provided by our schools; and
 
WHEREAS, American Education Week is an excellent opportunity for Alabamians to renew and expand their support for public education:
 
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the members of the Alabama State Board of Education do hereby proclaim November 17-23, 1996, as American Education Week in Alabama and encourage local boards of education to participate in this celebration through activities that involve the entire community in order to increase public awareness about our schools and demonstrate to the public the importance of public education.