California Bill Allows Schools To Start Later: How Much Will it Really Help?
Do You Think School Should Start Later?
- Yes! (78%, 18 Votes)
- No! (22%, 5 Votes)
Total Voters: 23
Loading ...Kids and teens alike are rejoicing over the upcoming California law that allows for schools to start later. This bill, that has been long-awaited by many, is planning to take effect in the course of the 2021-2022 school year. According to the Los Angeles Times, “The law will take effect over a phased-in period, ultimately requiring public middle schools to begin classes at 8 a.m. or later while high schools will start no earlier than 8:30 a.m.” Although there is a lot of research in favor of school starting at a later time, there may be some problems that could arise from the passing of this legislation.
Many may argue that there aren’t any downsides to this bill, and that we should just enjoy it, since students are getting the advantage of increased sleep. Despite this being a reasonable point, there are facts showing that this legislation might not be everything we all hoped for.
The issue with this bill is that it has the potential to disregard various common issues, such as families having to get to work on time, and activities/athletics taking place after school. Many parents or guardians that have to get to work at a certain time, must leave at a predetermined time to get to work. This means that many parents would have to drop their kids off at school around the same time as before the bill was passed. “…Because of their work schedules, not all parents would be able to take their kids to school at a later time. Students would be dropped at school early, losing out on the extra sleep they might have gotten…” states the Los Angeles Times editorial board.
Another possible downfall to this legislation being passed is the fact that school athletics and after school programs might get in the way of academic studies more than before. With the factor that school is being pushed back to a later time, this then results in all after-school activities being pushed back as well. Since most athletes and students that have after-school programs might not be getting enough time to work on academics as it is, school ending later will result in even more of a disadvantage. We need to take into account these after-school activities to decide what the best option is.
A reasonable solution to the problems that have arisen from the passing of this bill, is allowing for individual communities to determine what the best solution might be for the people in that specific area. “Teachers unions and school districts generally argued that decisions about the appropriate time to begin classes should be determined at the local level, allowing districts and schools to determine schedules that best meet the needs of their communities.” says Tauryn Luna. Having these decisions on a more local level will allow for more agreement which will satisfy more people.
I'm a sophomore, and the sports section editors of the Taft Tribune. Also yes, I’m a soccer player even though I don't typically look like one.
Elyssa Kae Marquez • Dec 11, 2019 at 10:39 am
This article contains two sides to the story, which is something I appreciate. There is a lot of information I can reflect my opinion on. I personally, would want school times to start later because I would like to get the sleep that i lack so then my eye bags won’t be the size of boulders. Overall, a great article, and very informative as well!
Jared K. • Dec 11, 2019 at 10:37 am
I liked your article. I found it very engaging and it also stated the pros and cons in detail.
Jared B • Nov 7, 2019 at 3:40 pm
I think this is great. My parent have to be at work at 8:20, and this shines light on the fact that now the kids will have to be at school longer and not be able to go into the classrooms. this means that while some kids get to get up later kids like me have to suffer through 30 more minutes of school. thank you for bringing light to the situation.
Adrian Hernandez • Nov 6, 2019 at 10:44 am
While I do believe that starting school at a later time would be easier for students, it would also greatly effect the parent’s schedule. If we were to start school at 8:30 this would leave parents at an three-way ultimatum, ask their employer if they can start work at 8:30 so that their schedule matches up with ours, dropping off their child the way they have always done, or making their child take the bus to school.
Sebastian Fuentes • Nov 6, 2019 at 10:43 am
I think that school starting later will be worse for students. Some students have after school activities after school, and with the schedule moving back, it will give the students less time for homework and studying.
Ashleen Kaur • Nov 6, 2019 at 10:42 am
This article has made me more open minded to the idea of school starting at a later time. The concept of allowing districts to decide the best time for school to start at for their specfic community should be applied. I had initially thought that school should start at a later time, but I have now changed my opinion due to the information in this article.
Wade Felt • Nov 6, 2019 at 10:38 am
I think this article provided a different point of view on the topic. I enjoyed reading it.
Nathan H • Nov 6, 2019 at 10:37 am
I must say this is an interesting take on the subject. At first it may seem that there is no downside to having school start at a later point but you raise some good points. I would have to agree that individual communities should decide, as situations differ greatly between schools. Intriguing and well written article overall.
Shailen Kumar • Nov 6, 2019 at 10:36 am
Nicely written article! I do agree with you that there are many downsides to the bill, but I also think that there are positives.