46th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2003

DESIGNATING FEBRUARY 7, 2003 "HOME SCHOOL DAY" IN THE SENATE.

WHEREAS, the state of New Mexico is committed to excellence in education and recognizes the importance of family participation and parental choice; and

WHEREAS, teaching children at home was the predominant form of education during most of our nation's early days; and

WHEREAS, most children in the first two centuries of the nation's history received their pre-college education at home, including many of the founding fathers, and the young country enjoyed an extremely high literacy rate on its way to becoming the most educated nation in the world; and

WHEREAS, the state of New Mexico recognizes the critical importance of the fundamental right of parents to direct the upbringing and type of education for their children; and

WHEREAS, the state of New Mexico recognizes in the official code that home education is a legitimate and viable educational alternative; and

WHEREAS, studies confirm that children who are educated at home exhibit self-confidence and good citizenship and are fully prepared academically to meet the challenges of today's society; and

WHEREAS, New Mexico home educators and home instructed students should be recognized and celebrated for their efforts to improve the quality of education in the state;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that Friday, February 7, 2003, be declared "Home School Day" in the senate, and that recognition be given to home school families, students and instructors for their dedication to quality education in New Mexico.