But, he declared, not only are state legislatures cutting arts programs, but the Bush administration has also recommended "virtually no increase" in federal arts grants and termination of financing of the arts-in-education program.

Such an approach makes perfect sense to Dr. David Meoli, who runs Port Washington's arts-in-education program.

Building Self-Confidence Advocates for arts-in-education programs say children's achievements in the visual and performing arts increase their self-confidence and instill the kind of discipline needed for success in other areas.

Today, KidFilm is the largest-attended children's media festival in the United States bringing 13,000 children, educators and adults to this popular arts-in-education program.

The company provides community programs, including arts-in-education programs, training for emerging artists and a youth theater.

Just Buffalo offers an array of literary arts and arts-in-education programs.

Mr. Bridgewater's residency here is just part of a quiet, little-heralded revolution under way in schools all over Long Island: the coming of age of arts-in-education programs.

Last June alone, Suffolk County schools were involved in 176 arts-in-education programs, ranging from a session of gravestone rubbing to a lesson on "Science in the Kitchen" to a performance by clowns.

Like other arts-in-education programs that infuse dynamism and color into the school day, "ABC-Plus" is concerned with what happens when the actors leave the classroom and the regular teachers take over.

She has led the center since its founding three years ago, and has overseen the development of its arts-in-education program.