Save the Arts in Georgia!

The governor's education plan proposes to slash 30 minutes off middle school teachers' planning time, reducing it from 85 minutes to 55 minutes. That is time students use for exploratory classes such as performing arts, computer classes or state-mandated physical education.

Under the governor's proposed scenario, students could schedule music instruction for only half of the school year, instead of the entire year. The 30 minutes would be redistributed among the four core academic subjects. One solution now under consideration is dropping the state mandate for physical education so that students could choose among exploratory courses, according to Barnes' education adviser.

A rally is tentatively planned at the Gold Dome for Monday, March 13, 4-6 pm. Musicians should bring their instruments, music for "Georgia On My Mind" will be provided.