I have been listening to this debate from multiple angles for more than a year now.
What do I think?
First, I do believe we should take the research seriously about too-early starts for adolescents and teens. We want to structure school in ways that support good health and well being.
Next, I've noted that schools across the country are considering time changes to accommodate the new research.
And, it's true that there's more research to do particularly about ideal timing for the programs related to young children.
My thoughts at the moment include the following:
- Beginning high school a bit later is a good idea, but we don't want to start it so late that students miss out on positive after school sports and other opportunities.
- Beginning elementary early, but not too early is ideal. If elementary school begins too early parents will have additional day care costs and less access to high school after school babysitters, tutors, and helpers. Also it's likely that a too early start will be difficult for students.
- Beginning all students at the same time seems advantageous, but financially challenging since more busses will be needed. The townspeople will have to decide what's most important with regard to the dollars they spend for education.
- Earlier starts will mean increased enrollment for after school programs for young children--will after school programs be able to accommodate that change?
From where I stand, I am very flexible at this time with regard to school start times, however I'm opposed to starting school too late for young children since they are most energetic early in the day when it comes to challenging learning. I'm also worried about a too-early start given the fact that a too early start may mean that some students are sleepy, yet the value-added to an early start may mean easier commutes for parents and more after school play time and we know that play is very important to children's development.
It will be up to community members to make a decision that is a positive decision for most--it will be impossible to please everyone with a change like this. What do you think? What do your neighbors think? It's important to weigh in on this decision if it matters to you by attending information meetings, speaking to school committee members and school leaders, and deciding what you support.
