Governors of More than 25 States Proclaim "School Choice Week," as Momentum for School Choice Captivates the Nation; School Choice Week is Largest Celebration of Education Reform in History

NEW ORLEANS -- Thousands of children, parents, teachers and community leaders this weekend celebrated the official kickoff of National School Choice Week 2012. (www.SchoolChoiceWeek.com)

The event -- held in New Orleans, Louisiana and featuring remarks by James Carville and performances by The Temptations, Ellis Marsalis, and "Trombone Shorty," -- kicks off a week that will feature more than 400 events spanning all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

Supporters of National School Choice Week believe that parents must be empowered to select the best schools for their children, and that elected officials must do more to expand access to great public schools, public charter schools, private schools, virtual schools, and homeschooling.

The governors of more than 25 US states have proclaimed January 22 -- 28, 2012 as "School Choice Week" in their states, and several big-city mayors and state legislatures have issued resolutions supporting the effort.

"National School Choice Week will comprise the largest celebration of school choice in American history," said Andrew Campanella, vice president of public affairs for National School Choice Week. "If you agree, as we do, that no parent should ever be forced to send their children to failing schools with no way to escape, we urge you to join our celebration and help champion real solutions that work for children and families."

For more information, or to find an event in your area, visit www.SchoolChoiceWeek.com.

Held in January, National School Choice Week shines an unprecedented spotlight on the need to empower families with better educational options. Find us online at www.SchoolChoiceWeek.com, connect with us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SchoolChoiceWeek, or Tweet with us at www.Twitter.com/SchoolChoiceWK.