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. Many other important Administration initiatives also are contributing to success in reducing youth violence and drug use.