Reps. McMillin, Meltzer, Lund, Genetski, Pavlov, Agema, Ball, Terry Brown, Daley, Denby, DeShazor, Hansen, Haveman, Knollenberg, Kowall, Kurtz, Lori, Marleau, Meekhof, Moss, Pearce, Proos, Rogers, Schuitmaker, Slavens and Tyler offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 269.

            A resolution to declare the week of May 2 through May 8, 2010, as Home Education Week in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, Homeschooling is the fastest-growing educational trend in the United States,

growing by an estimated 15 percent per year with over 2 million children nationwide now in a homeschool program; and

            Whereas, The state of Michigan has long recognized that parents and legal guardians have a natural and fundamental right to direct the care, education, and upbringing of their children; and

            Whereas, Homeschooling provides young people with a strong foundation of values and

academic skills needed to become responsible citizens of our state and nation; and

            Whereas, Homeschooling parents understand they are to be the primary educators and know that parental supervision and involvement play a major role in the education of students; and

            Whereas, Homeschooling parents know that teaching morals and values is essential to the

complete education of the student since every member of society continually makes moral decisions; and

            Whereas, Homeschooling parents are dedicated to producing academically-strong students who also commit themselves to service, with studies demonstrating that homeschool students have a stronger understanding and higher participation rate in the governmental system and elections, and a significantly higher percentage are involved in community organizations; and

            Whereas, Numerous individuals of note are products of homeschooling, including George Washington, Thomas Edison, Helen Keller, Agatha Christie, and Franklin D. Roosevelt; and

            Whereas, Homeschoolers come from a diverse number of socioeconomic backgrounds and are from a variety of races and creeds; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare the week of May 2 through May 8, 2010, as Home Education Week in the state of Michigan.