Gov. Mike Parson has officially declared January 22-28 as School Choice Week in Missouri. Over the next four weeks, more than a dozen other governors are expected to join this proclamation. During the week, state, city and county leaders nationwide will formally raise their voices to create awareness of the importance of customizable education options.
Gov. Mike Parson
Parson’s proclamation comes on the heels of a year of historic school choice expansions nationwide. The proclamation highlights the importance of high-quality education options for the future of Missouri children. It also recognizes the contributions and hard work of teachers, parents and community leaders who invest in local schools.
Missouri School Choice Week coincides with National School Choice Week, a weeklong national celebration of K-12 education that takes place during the last week of January. Parents, schools and other organizers have planned 376 activities across the state, including rallies, in-school activities, a citywide schools open house in Kansas City, a charter school fair in St. Louis and virtual-school student rally in Jefferson City. More than 25,000 events have been independently planned for the week nationwide, raising awareness about school choices of every type.
“Missouri’s school choices are cause for celebration as educational opportunity helps children thrive in different learning environments,” said Andrew Campanella, president and CEO of the National School Choice Awareness Foundation. “This proclamation will bring more families into the celebration of how school choice helps all students in Missouri achieve their full potential.”
Kansas does not recognize School Choice Week.
National School Choice Week shines a spotlight on effective K-12 education options for children. As a not-for-profit effort, the Week focuses equally on traditional public, charter, magnet, online, private and home education options. Every January, participants plan tens of thousands of events and activities, such as school fairs, open houses, and student showcases, to raise awareness about school choice across all 50 states. Year-round, National School Choice Week develops resources and guides to assist families searching for schools or learning environments for their children. The effort is nonpolitical and nonpartisan and does not advocate for legislation.
For more information, visit schoolchoiceweek.com/missouri.
–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice