This paper was prepared to assist the National Education Commission on Time and Learning. It provides a review of available research on major issues facing the commission and is organized to conform to the commission's legislative mandate as expressed in Public Law 102-62. An overview section reviews the major points discussed in each section of the paper. Subsequent sections present information on the following topics: the history of the length of the school day and year in the United States; the length of the school day and year in the United States and other countries; ways in which time is being allocated to academic subjects; ways that schools can better motivate students so that they learn more in the available time; the extent to which time spent on homework increases total learning time and achievement; ways in which students spend time outside of school; ways in which the extended school year affects teachers' professional development; the implications of extended learning programs for use of school facilities; additional costs to state and local governments resulting from school day/year extensions; and current approaches to extending schooling in the United States. References accompany each section. Twelve exhibits are included. (LMI)