This report is an excerpt from the National Education Commission On Time and Learning Final Report, "Prisoners of Time," published in April, 1994. In it, the Commission concludes that the reform movement of the last decade is destined to founder unless it is able to harness more time, and better management thereof, for learning. The excerpt discusses how students and teachers are prisoners of time and how schools in other countries handle time. Some innovative time schedules found in schools with high minority enrollments are highlighted. Specific recommendations include centering schools around learning rather than timing, using time in better and new ways, disregarding grouping of children by age, and establishing an "academic" day. Longer school days are advocated, with more technology and local action plans that involve community and parents. Elimination of government "red tape" and increased involvement by higher education as well as business, parents, students, and teachers in schooling is suggested. (NAV)