ATLANTA - Kay Sands told the state school board during a public hearing Monday that her son wasn't the only one who suffered during the semester he went without physical education.

ATLANTA -- For three hours Friday, a parade of parents, teachers and health advocates complained during a public hearing about a state proposal that would end mandatory physical-education classes for middle schoolers.

Given a choice, Emily Roberson would rather run through the keys on her flute than run across the gym.

ATLANTA - For months, physical education, art and music teachers have complained that education reform legislation reduced time for elective courses in middle schools, but the governor and education officials have reached an agreement that will likely appeal to both sides. Officials unveiled the plan to lengthen instructional time to five hours at an Education Reform Commission meeting Thursday. The plan will include tutoring and enrichment sessions in the five hours of class time for pupils who need extra help or a chance to enhance their skills.