California’s governor has given middle school and high school students permission to sleep a little later on school days.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation on Sunday that will change the start times for middle schools and high schools. Under the new law, that’ll be phased in over three years, middle school can’t start earlier than 8 a.m. and high schools can’t begin their classes earlier than 8:30 a.m.
Newsom said in a statement, “The science shows that teenage students who start their day later increase their academic performance, attendance, and overall health.” (The Washington Post)
Hot Takes:
- This seems logical. It’s inhumane to begin school before 8 a.m.
- Not everyone is in favor of the change. Former Governor Jerry Brown vetoed similar legislation in 2018, saying the state’s school board and teachers union opposed it.
- One problem is that parents may not be able to adjust their work schedules.
- Newsom also signed a bill banning “lunch shaming.” (CBS News)