[Congressional Bills 106th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 266 Referred in Senate (RFS)]

  2d Session
H. CON. RES. 266


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                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             June 14, 2000

Received and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and 
                                Pensions

_______________________________________________________________________

                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION


 
 Expressing the sense of the Congress regarding the benefits of music 
                               education.

Whereas there is a growing body of scientific research demonstrating that 
        children who receive music instruction perform better on spatial-
        temporal reasoning tests and proportional math problems;
Whereas music education grounded in rigorous instruction is an important 
        component of a well-rounded academic program;
Whereas opportunities in music and the arts have enabled children with 
        disabilities to participate more fully in school and community 
        activities;
Whereas music and the arts can motivate at-risk students to stay in school and 
        become active participants in the educational process;
Whereas according to the College Board, college-bound high school seniors in 
        1998 who received music instruction scored 53 points higher on the 
        verbal portion of the Scholastic Aptitude Test and 39 points higher on 
        the math portion of the test than college-bound high school seniors with 
        no music or arts instruction;
Whereas a 1999 report by the Texas Commission on Drug and Alcohol Abuse states 
        that individuals who participated in band or orchestra reported the 
        lowest levels of current and lifelong use of alcohol, tobacco, and 
        illicit drugs; and
Whereas comprehensive, sequential music instruction enhances early brain 
        development and improves cognitive and communicative skills, self-
        discipline, and creativity: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), 
That it is the sense of the Congress that--
            (1) music education enhances intellectual development and 
        enriches the academic environment for children of all ages; and
            (2) music educators greatly contribute to the artistic, 
        intellectual, and social development of American children, and 
        play a key role in helping children to succeed in school.

            Passed the House of Representatives June 13, 2000.

            Attest:

                                                 JEFF TRANDAHL,

                                                                 Clerk.