The National Education Commission on Time and Learning (NECT&L) is authorized by Public Law 102-62, the Education Council Act of 1991. The general focus of the study is an examination of the quality and adequacy of study and learning time of elementary and secondary students in the United States. This document summarizes the first hearing of the NECT&L which focused on issues in extending the school year. The proceedings of three panel discussions and their question-and-answer sessions are highlighted. Participants in the first panel discussion included: (1) James Dyke, Secretary of Education, Commonwealth of Virginia; and (2) Gordon Ambach, Executive Director, Council of Chief State School Officers. Discussants in the second session included: (1) R. S. Archibald, President, National Association for Year-Round Education and Superintendent of Schools, Marion County, Florida; (2) Bruce Walborn, International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions; (3) Lillian Brinkley, President, National Association of Elementary School Principals; and (4) R. David Hall, President and Ward 2 Representative of the District of Columbia School Board. The third panel discussion involved the following guests: (1) Harold Stevenson, Professor of Developmental Psychology, University of Michigan; (2) Jeanne Griffith, Associate Commissioner for Data Development, National Center for Education Statistics; and (3) Nancy Mead, Director, International Assessment of Educational Progress, Educational Testing Service. (LMI)