    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)]
    [June 27, 1991]
    [Page 732]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing the Education Council Act of 1991

    June 27, 1991

        Today I have signed S. 64, the ``Education Council Act of 1991.''
    This legislation is the first legislative success for our AMERICA 2000
    strategy and is an example of the constructive, bipartisan effort needed
    to transform our educational system.
        This legislation establishes a National Commission on Time and
    Learning and a National Council on Education Standards and Testing.
    Their establishment will help us to focus on issues critical to schools
    and students in this Nation and to rethink how we can best achieve
    educational excellence in America.
        The National Commission on Time and Learning, which is similar to
    the Commission proposed in our AMERICA 2000 plan, will examine the
    quality and adequacy of the study and learning time of the Nation's
    elementary and secondary students. It will consider issues regarding the
    length of the school day and year, the role of homework, the use of time
    spent for academic subjects, year-round professional opportunities for
    teachers, and the use of schools for extended learning programs.
        The National Council on Education Standards and Testing will report,
    by December 31, 1991, to the Congress, the Secretary of Education, and
    the National Education Goals Panel on the establishment of national
    education standards and an appropriate system of voluntary national
    testing, activities proposed in AMERICA 2000. It explicitly recognizes
    the importance of the National Education Goals Panel and its role.
        I urge the Congress to pass quickly the remaining legislative
    components of AMERICA 2000, including proposals that would create a New
    Generation of American Schools, promote parental choice, and establish
    Governors' Academies for Teachers and School Leaders. AMERICA 2000 is a
    vital part of our decade-long crusade to help America reach the National
    Education Goals. Passage of the ``AMERICA 2000 Excellence in Education
    Act'' will hasten our advance toward achieving those goals.

                                                                 George Bush

    The White House,
    June 27, 1991.

                        Note: S. 64, approved June 27, was assigned Public
                            Law No. 102-62. The statement was released by
                            the Office of the Press Secretary on June 28.