Brown Pushes for Music, PE, and Visual Arts for All

(Washington, D.C.) Today, Councilmember Kwame R. Brown introduced legislation that would require the Mayor and the Chancellor to implement a “Creative Learning Program” in all District elementary schools to take effect during the 2008-2009 school year. The legislation would make mandatory that each school be provided with music, physical education, and visual arts programs. The “District of Columbia Creative Learning Program Act of 2008” was cosponsored by all Councilmembers present at today’s meeting of the Committee of the Whole including Councilmembers Alexander, Bowser, Catania, Cheh, Evans, Graham, Gray, Mendelson, Schwartz and Wells.

“How is it that we can spend over a $1 billion on education and fail to provide a music teacher in every school in the District,” asked Brown? “Schools shouldn’t have to hold fundraisers to pay for music and arts programs. I’m going to fight hard for this legislation and continue working to improve our educational system.”

Brown introduced the legislation in light of Chancellor Michelle Rhee’s testimony during a Public Hearing on the closure of DC Public Schools, which was held yesterday by the Committee of the Whole.