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In response to concerned parents, Fairfax County is among several localities nationwide looking at shifting high school opening hours a bit later after some studies showed that teens need more sleep in the morning hours to function most effectively. Here's what washingtonpost.com readers had to say about the idea.
"I have to sympathize with the students on this one," writes LL314, adding, " 7:30 is too early."
DCNative9 offers less sympathy. "I think there is good 'life training' in getting oneself acclimated to starting at the same time the work world does."
But SWBarnes2 disputes that, arguing that, "...there is a biological difference in teens that makes it hard for them to have the same circadian rhythm as adults. A quick google with 'teenagers circadian rhythm' will find lots of hits. The 'work world' is built around adults with adult circadian rhythms. So it's lousy life training to force kids to go contrary to their bodies becuase it's easier for adults."
mslifell2 pens a detailed logistical analysis of how a later starting time might or might not work, along with budgetary considerations and other elements of the bureaucracy.
Do you think counties should pay heed to the sleep studies? How would later start times work in a practical manner? Views?
By Lindsay Howerton |
February 6, 2006; 1:36 PM ET
| Category:
Education and Science
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Posted by: Mom of teens | February 9, 2006 05:05 PM
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When I was in high school (decades ago), we started at 9 a.m. Since I lived in the boonies, I caught the bus around 7 or 7:30, so could nap until I got to school. Although I live in Fairfax now, close to the high school, I hated sending my kids to wait for the bus in the dark winter mornings.
And where does DCNative9 get the idea that the adult work world starts before 7:30? Yes, some people are at work earlier than, but some also work evening or night shifts. Does DCNative9 advocate that school should start at 3 or 4 in the afternoon?
As for the "convenience of adults" - I had always been told that the staggered school start times were to keep costs down by using the buses and bus drivers to the maximum by having them take kids to elementary, middle and high schools.