SJP to help failing US schools

Sarah Jessica Parker has signed up for a new scheme to help failing schools in the US.

The Sex And The City star - who has three children with husband Matthew Broderick - joins fellow Hollywood celebs Kerry Washington and Forest Whitaker, who are also part of the new initiative with the Obama administration to adopt failing schools and help turn them around by integrating arts education.

Others taking part in the two-year programme include artist Chuck Close, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, dancer Damian Woetzel and actress Alfre Woodard.

The President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities will announce the new Turnaround Arts initiative for eight schools with officials from the White House and US Department of Education today (Monday).