Dem bill calls for study of school start times

Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) has introduced legislation directing the Department of Education to study the effects of later start times on high school students’ academic performance.

Lofgren’s measure comes after the American Academy of Pediatrics released a policy statement last year that delaying school start times might help teenagers get more sleep, thereby improving their academic performance and overall well-being. Many high schools in the U.S. start before or around 7:30 a.m., sometimes before the sun even rises.

{mosads}The bill, titled the Zzz’s to A’s Act, would require the Department of Education to submit the findings of the study and recommendations to Congress.

Lofgren, who has been introducing versions of the bill since 1998, said the federal study would provide school districts across the country with reliable data.

“This study will help local school districts recognize and use new information about the importance of sufficient sleep and the impact that school start times can have on adolescent well-being,” Lofgren said in a statement.

Seven Democrats have signed onto the bill, including Reps. Mike Honda (Calif.), Raúl Grijalva (Ariz.), Grace Napolitano (Calif.), Tim Ryan (Ohio), Gerry Connolly (Va.), Luis Gutiérrez (Ill.) and Eric Swalwell (Calif.).