HOUSE RESOLUTION NO.4676, by Representatives Quall, Bailey, Schindler, Dunn, Ahern, DeBolt, Sump, McDonald, Warnick, Walsh, Upthegrove, Jarrett, Ericksen, Schmick, Kristiansen, Crouse, Anderson, McCune, Herrera, Armstrong, Kretz, Smith, Ross, Rodne, Pearson, Santos, Priest, Haigh, Roach, Barlow, Simpson, Haler, Skinner, and Hankins

     WHEREAS, The state of Washington recognizes home education as a valuable educational alternative; and
     WHEREAS, The importance of parental involvement in children's education and character development is critical; and
     WHEREAS, Homeschools offer families the opportunity for their children to receive an education that couples high standards with a sound environment based on individual family desires; and
     WHEREAS, More than sixteen thousand Washington children are currently being home educated; and
     WHEREAS, Studies confirm that children who are educated at home score exceptionally well on nationally normed achievement tests and are well-prepared to meet the challenges of today's society; and
     WHEREAS, Home education was one of the only means of education for much of America's early history; and
     WHEREAS, Many notable Americans, including George and Martha Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Abigail Adams, John Quincy Adams, Chief Seattle, Thomas Edison, Sacajawea, Helen Keller, Douglas MacArthur, Geronimo, Pearl S. Buck, Franklin Roosevelt, Patrick Henry, John Marshall, Abraham Lincoln, and Woodrow Wilson were primarily educated at home; and
     WHEREAS, Washington state recognizes home educators for their continued commitment to the diversity and quality of education in our state;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives hereby honor, thank, and celebrate the home-educating families in Washington state.

I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of
Resolution 4676 adopted by the House of Representatives
February 6, 2008

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Barbara Baker, Chief Clerk