California Senate Bill 328: The Good, the Bad, and How Districts Can Prepare
With the possibility of the passing of SB 328, school districts across the state are weighing their options and preparing for a drastic change to their school start times. While this bill is affecting one of the largest states in the nation, other states have passed similar bills—meaning there is now some knowledge of what it takes to make the change and what the results may be. There are pros and cons to these mandated start times, but regardless, administration is faced with pressure to reconfigure their operations while still meeting budgets and trying to satisfy parents.
Those in favor of the bill cite science-based findings around teens getting more sleep. According to the Scientific American, “Biological research shows that circadian rhythms shift during the teen years, pushing boys and girls to stay up later at night and sleep later into the morning. The phase shift, driven by a change in melatonin in the brain, begins around age 13, gets stronger by ages 15 and 16, and peaks at ages 17, 18 or 19.” Some benefits include better grades, increased attendance rates, and higher graduation rates. Considering that many schools receive funding based on attendance, it’s easy to see why this is a popular option.
“Considering that many schools receive funding based on attendance, it’s easy to see why [a later start time] is a popular option.”
Those who aren’t in favor of the change say that the research hasn’t yet proven that this change in circadian rhythms occurs in the teen years and, therefore, isn’t sure to help. There is also concern around forcing all districts to change start times regardless of their capabilities or the needs of the families they serve. According to an article on the California Educational Technology Professionals Association website, by Barrett Snider, Partner at Capitol Advisors Group, there are deeper issues to consider. “The main arguments in opposition to the bill relate to local control and the ability of local communities to address a myriad of issues that affect families, student wellness, and the broader community. These include issues related to bus routes and locally negotiated bus usage times (usually agreements with other local municipal agencies), which could potentially leave some students without the means to travel to school. Other potential issues include impacts to before and after school programs, sports offerings after school (resulting from later school end times), block scheduling, and collective bargaining.”
As this continues to become an increasing reality for districts in California, and across North America, the ability to determine the effects of a change are needed. Our bell time studies have helped districts see what cost savings they might see as well as determining how to most effectively use busses for after school activities. Additionally, we have been able to cut routes and diminish the effects of the national driver shortage. You can learn more in our case study on a bell time change done for Denver Public Schools in Colorado.
If you have additional concerns or questions about changing start times, contact us today.