California Middle Schools, High Schools Could Start Later

CALIFORNIA -- California's middle schools and high schools may begin later if Gov. Jerry Brown chooses to sign a bill that was recently passed by both chambers of the state Legislature. Senate Bill 328 would require the change by July 2021 if the bill is signed into law.

The bill comes as the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that schools start later, finding adolescents are not getting enough sleep to be effective in school.

The Center for Disease Control found that during the 2011-2012 school year 75 to 100 percent of public middle and high schools in 42 states started before 8:30 a.m.

In California, the average school day start time for middle and high school students is 8:07 am according to the CDC. (Get Patch real-time email alerts for the latest news from your California neighborhood. Also, download the free Patch iPhone app or free Patch Android app. Also, be sure to follow your local Patch on Facebook!)

“Every year we discuss as parents, educators, and legislators the best practices for our children and their education," Sen. Anthony Portantino, who authored the bill, said. "The data on this measure is clear and that is starting the school day at a later time improves the quality of education, health and welfare of our children. So let’s do it."

Citing the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the CDC found adolescents who didn't get enough sleep are more likely to be overweight, not engage in daily physical activity and perform poorly in school.

Read the full bill here.

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