r movement in the United Statesdelaying the start of classes in secondary schools and institutes (high school and high school equivalent) began to be produced. 90’s and wins strength In recent years, even before the pandemic left its mark on the mental health problems that intensified in the very young. Dozens of school districts across the country They are making changes and currently two states, California and Florida laws approved imposing minimum start times for the entire public school system: eight in the morning For students aged 10-13 and half past eight For children aged 14 to 18 years.
At least eight other states are working on similar laws, according to data from the National Conference of State Legislatures; For example, New York does not allow any school to start before 8:30 in the morning.
The idea of delaying the start of classes is supported and encouraged by many. academic associations and health professionals. Since 2014, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Academy of Pediatrics have been doing so, considering sleep deprivation a public health issue. He joined the American Medical Association in 2016. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) opposes starting classes too early.
cardiac rhythms
The basis of this position is scientific. This changes in circadian rhythms those that occur during adolescence do not fit into American school programs; 42% of institutes start classes before the age of 8 According to the latest available data from 2020, 82% before half past eight in the morning. 78% of students baccalaureate sleep less than eight hours down on a school day night eight to ten hours recommendation For teenagers aged 13-18. And lack of sleep has been linked to numerous problems: worst school resultsobesity, dysfunction metabolismfurther depressive symptoms including suicidal thoughts, risky behaviors, sports injuries and more traffic accidents.
Studies
Lots of analysis they proved the positive effect of delaying the start of classes. For example, when a one-hour delay was applied in 2016 Seattle students were found to have. 34 minutes of sleep gained And increased by 4.5% in average gradesIn addition improve participation rates. “Asking an adolescent to be awake and awake at 7:30 am is like asking an adult to be active and awake at 5:30 am,” said Horacio de la Iglesia, one of the authors of the study.
Another study published in November last year ‘Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine’, Analyzing 28 schools that delayed start times between 1999 and 2017 and socioeconomic factors and racedetected 10% improvement in graduation rates students and 7.44% when it comes to students economically disadvantagedalso a 3% increase in participation level.
California was it the state pioneer Approval of legislation for the entire public system 2019The . The model was followed in the law signed this month. Floridacopies the same gradual adaptation scheme to new programs within three years.
argument
However, the changes also cause controversy. For example, in the California and Florida cases, the laws opposition from teacher unions, some school districts, and also some parents. they argue that decisions about programs should be made at the local level depending on needs and criticism of not being heard enough societysomething that also prompted former California governor Jerry Brown to reject use what you say”one-dimensional model approach” (California law has exceptions only for some schools in rural areas).
Among the arguments against the law are often their economic impact in districts and schools, where needed, for example more buses and drivers. It also points difficulties many parents have in coordinating their work lives You’re worried about your kids’ new schedules and classes starting late. to lengthen until it’s too late as a result sports or extracurricular activities.
Source: Informacion
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