One parent who supports the arts says, 'I believe that when a child performs, they hit a home run' VIDEO REPORT Is fine arts education an endangered species? CNN's Anne McDermott takes a look. (June 21) Windows Media 28K 80K

June 21, 1999
Web posted at: 8:44 p.m. EDT (0044 GMT)

LOS ANGELES (CNN) -- Cost-cutters have silenced the singing and erased art classes in many strapped schools across the nation.

But more and more people are having second thoughts, saying arts programs provide many benefits to students -- in sometimes surprising ways.

Watch this report for more.