WHEREAS, 2007 marks the 400th anniversary and celebration of the settling of Jamestown as the first permanent English settlement in the Americas; and

WHEREAS, Jamestown represents the establishment of the traditions of representative government, the rule of law, free enterprise, and cultural diversity which form the basis of American culture today; and

WHEREAS, the commemoration of Jamestown provides many opportunities for Virginians to renew their commitment to civic engagement; and

WHEREAS, Delegates to the First Annual Congressional Conference on Civic Education acknowledged the urgent need to address the low level of civic engagement in America; and

WHEREAS, only 24 percent of eligible voters ages 18-19 voted in the 2006 mid-term election; and

WHEREAS, the civic mission of schools is essential to the purpose of education; and

WHEREAS, civic education teaches students the tools to maintain our democratic republic; and

WHEREAS, studies have shown that classroom time devoted to civics instruction has declined throughout the nation; and

WHEREAS, according to the 1998 civics report card of the National Assessment of Educational Progress, just 25 percent of America's schoolchildren could achieve a proficient score in their knowledge of civics and government; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly designate the third week of September, in 2007 and in each succeeding year, as Civics Education Week; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates post the designation of this week on the General Assembly's website.

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