Through reauthorization of the Act in 1994, the Administration expanded the program to include school safety issues, enhanced program accountability by requiring needs assessments and performance indicators, and initiated targeting of program resources to districts with the greatest need for additional support. Children participate in expanded recreational, educational, and enrichment activities, and in the program's first year, the Highland Park Police reported a 40 percent drop in juvenile offenses in the areas where the Community Learning Centers are located. In addition, the grade point averages of after-school participants have gone up. Finally, in Mineral County, Montana , after-school programs serving middle and high school students have helped bring about a 12 percent decrease in alcohol use, a 22 percent decrease in physical fights on school property, and a 100 percent high school graduation rate. Our schools have a role to play in helping young people develop a moral compass.
Character education is a growing field that deserves our attention .
Religion also has a proper place in our public schools. Our children do not give up their religious freedom when they go in the schoolhouse door. Young people can voluntarily say grace, meet at the flagpole, or join a Bible Club. The rule of thumb is very simple. Public schools can teach about religion but they cannot preach about religion.