
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, May 8, 1994                   TAG: 9405100038
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: D2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

SCHOOL DAYS

CAN'T you hear 'em now, the moans of school kids across Virginia?

The National Education Commission on Time and Learning wants America's children to stay in school longer every day, and to go to school more days - maybe year-round. YUK! It wants them to spend more of the hours in school on math, science, civics, geography, history, English and foreign languages - YECKKK! - and less time on nonacademic activities such as drivers' training.

The commission, those busybodies, say American schoolchildren will never reach world-class education standards - GROAN! - if they continue to spend an average of only 41 percent of their schoolday on core academic subjects.

Relax, relax, youth of Virginia.

In the home of Kings Dominion, Busch Gardens and soon-to-be Disney's America, the legislature will never let 'em do this to you.

A trivial pursuit such as academics hasn't swayed the Virginia General Assembly to undo its requirement that schools open after Labor Day. Some commission's fuzzy notions about world-class education standards certainly aren't going to convince the lawmakers to change now.

So, kids, don't worry; be happy. You live in a state that has its priorities straight. Get on down to the gym, shoot baskets or something. Chill out.

by CNB