[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.