Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Senate adopted a resolution introduced by Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS) today designating March, 2000 as Arts Education Month.

Senator Cochran said, "I hope that by designating March of this year as Arts Education Month, more schools will engage in activities that showcase, celebrate, reward, and provide new arts experience."

"Scientific research and other studies have shown that arts instruction provides multiple benefits for students that include higher I.Q.'s, better SAT scores, better math and language skills, less juvenile delinquency, better chances of higher education, and increased job opportunities," said Cochran.

Cochran added, "I am glad the United States Senate has recognized the importance of arts education with the adoption of this resolution."