Online Opinions: Should High School Start Later?
Dr. Lane, sleep researcher: Teenagers' natural sleep cycles shift later during adolescence. Starting school at 9:00 may help many students get closer to the sleep they need, which can improve attention in morning classes.
Ms. Ortiz, bus manager: A later start would require changing primary-school routes as well because the same buses serve several schools. Hiring more drivers is possible, but it would increase costs.
Ken, student athlete: My team practices after school. If classes end later, winter practice could continue after dark, and students might reach home late. I support a later start only if practice schedules also change.
Mr. Bell, teacher: Last term, our school moved optional review sessions from 7:45 to lunchtime. Attendance doubled, although regular lesson times did not change. This suggests that fewer students are ready to learn early in the morning.
District Data from a Three-Month Trial
| Measure | 8:00 start | 9:00 start |
|---|---|---|
| Average first-period attendance | 91% | 95% |
| Students reporting 8+ hours of sleep | 34% | 52% |
| Average bus cost per student | ¥18,400 | ¥21,100 |
| Students in after-school activities arriving home after 7:00 | 12% | 27% |
Which two speakers' concerns are directly supported by the district data?
A student argues, “The district should adopt the 9:00 start and adjust activity schedules.” Which evidence best supports this position?
Online Opinions: Should High School Start Later?
Dr. Lane, sleep researcher: Teenagers' natural sleep cycles shift later during adolescence. Starting school at 9:00 may help many students get closer to the sleep they need, which can improve attention in morning classes.
Ms. Ortiz, bus manager: A later start would require changing primary-school routes as well because the same buses serve several schools. Hiring more drivers is possible, but it would increase costs.
Ken, student athlete: My team practices after school. If classes end later, winter practice could continue after dark, and students might reach home late. I support a later start only if practice schedules also change.
Mr. Bell, teacher: Last term, our school moved optional review sessions from 7:45 to lunchtime. Attendance doubled, although regular lesson times did not change. This suggests that fewer students are ready to learn early in the morning.
District Data from a Three-Month Trial
| Measure | 8:00 start | 9:00 start |
|---|---|---|
| Average first-period attendance | 91% | 95% |
| Students reporting 8+ hours of sleep | 34% | 52% |
| Average bus cost per student | ¥18,400 | ¥21,100 |
| Students in after-school activities arriving home after 7:00 | 12% | 27% |
Which two speakers' concerns are directly supported by the district data?
A student argues, “The district should adopt the 9:00 start and adjust activity schedules.” Which evidence best supports this position?