The American Academy of Pediatrics recommended in August 2014 that middle and high school classes should not commence before 8:30 a.m. Extensive research conducted by the Brookings Institute indicates that moving the start time just one hour later can provide a remarkable 9 to 1 benefit to cost ratio. This adjustment not only leads to improvements in grades but is more effective than other interventions, such as reducing classroom sizes.
For instance, one study found that schools that adopted later start times saw a significant increase in students’ GPAs, with averages rising by as much as 0.5 points in some districts. This change in timing is crucial for school classes to ensure students receive the necessary rest to perform academically and socially. Ensuring that school classes start later aligns with these findings and supports the academic success of students.
Benefits of Later School Classes
The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends that adolescents should average between 8 to 9 hours of sleep per night. Unlike adults, teens experience a shift in their circadian rhythm, making it difficult for them to fall asleep before around 11 p.m. Research has shown that their bodies do not produce melatonin, the natural hormone that regulates sleep, until this later hour.
Consequently, a school start time before 8:00 a.m. does not provide adequate opportunity for sleep, leading to detrimental effects on their academic performance and overall well-being. For example, studies have illustrated that students subjected to early start times are more likely to exhibit symptoms of sleep deprivation, such as mood swings, irritability, and reduced concentration, adversely impacting their school classes.
When adolescents consistently miss out on essential sleep, they are at increased risk for serious health issues, including obesity, depression, and anxiety disorders. Moreover, academic performance suffers significantly; students with insufficient sleep tend to experience a decline in grades and an increase in behavioural problems.
Particularly for disadvantaged students, the adverse effects of early start times are magnified, exacerbating existing inequalities. Schools striving to improve educational outcomes for these students may find a straightforward solution: by aligning school hours with the natural sleep patterns of teenagers, schools can enhance learning conditions, improve school classes, and promote overall student health and success.
Adjusting the start time of school has numerous benefits for students. When classes commence later, students report sleeping more during the week, which contributes to improved academic outcomes. Furthermore, research indicates that students experience a notable rise in their grades, attendance rates improve, and instances of tardiness decrease.
For athletes, there is a reduction in sports-related injuries due to better-rested bodies. Additionally, studies have shown that later start times correlate with lower car accident rates among teenage drivers, which is an important consideration for schools in terms of student safety and well-being.
Resource: the American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement.
In conclusion, the evidence supporting later school start times is compelling. Not only does it cater to the biological needs of adolescents, but it also aligns with educational goals to improve student performance and well-being.
Schools considering this change should look at comprehensive studies and pilot programmes that have successfully implemented later start times and the positive outcomes that have followed. The shift in start times represents a pivotal step towards healthier, more productive schooling for all students.
