THE WHITE HOUSE AT WORK



Friday, June 16, 2000

PRESIDENT CLINTON:
ENCOURAGING SUPPORT OF ARTS AND MUSIC EDUCATION

"Learning improves in school environments where there are comprehensive music and arts programs. They increase the ability of young people to do math. They increase the ability of young people to read. And most important of all, they're a lot of fun."

President Bill Clinton
Friday, June 16, 2000

Today, in East Harlem, NY, President Clinton visited a public elementary school to highlight the importance of music education as part of "VH1 Save The Music Today!" week. The President underscored his commitment to music and art education and their role in helping students achieve their full potential. In addition, the VH1 Save the Music Foundation announced a major donation to restore music education in New York City public schools.

STRESSING THE IMPORTANCE OF MUSIC AND ARTS EDUCATION. President Clinton visited PS 96, a formerly low-performing school that has turned itself around with smaller class sizes, after-school programs, school uniforms, and more parental involvement, and is now greatly expanding its music education program. During his visit, the President highlighted that a comprehensive music education is a valuable tool in improving academic performance. Research has shown that involvement in music and arts programs:

The President encouraged support for Save the Music, a non-profit initiative to restore music education programs in America's public schools and raise awareness of the positive impact music participation has on students. Since its inception in 1997, Save The Music has supported more than 120,000 children in music education programs, with the goal of restoring these programs for one million children over the next ten years.

A RECORD OF PROMOTING ARTS IN EDUCATION. Over the past 7 ½ years, the Clinton-Gore Administration has worked to give visibility to the importance of the arts in children's education, including the following:



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