The Nevada State Board of Education Is Debating Whether High School Students Should Start Later

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (702 Times, NV Globe) – The Nevada Board of Education reviewed school start times for Clark County high school students on Thursday.

The school day begins at 7:20 a.m. Some students and parents believe it is too soon. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children get up by 8:30 a.m. is the optimal time for middle and high school kids to get the necessary quantity of sleep.

California was the first state to implement later school start times but other states like Alaska, New York, New Jersey and Tennessee have proposed similar legislation.

Advocates for a later start time say academic performance improves along with better health for kids getting enough sleep.

Educators who oppose later start times, on the other hand, point out the unproductive domino effect of kids sleeping later if they start later.

The majority of the board supported the time shift.

Tim Hughes, a board member, chimed in on both sides stating, “I’m not sure if requiring certain times makes sense but are there methods to incentivise the system? You should have several possibilities because your parents cannot afford transportation.”

During the discussion, participants discussed about the prospective need for extra bus drivers and instructors if the time shift were to happen.

Vice President of the Board of Directors Mark Newburn said that changing the timing could be a good idea. “In my own testimony, I have calculus at 7 a.m. It was a bad experience at Rancho High School. I’m leaving this issue since it’s been brought up several times in the legislature, and any school system understands we can’t alter it because they were different characteristics and an opportunity to innovate. 130 parents need their kids to be later what type of alternatives can we provide the family.”

Credits: Fox 5 Vegas

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