An Act relative to school start times for middle and high school students
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill aims to shift the start times for middle and high schools in Massachusetts to later times, with the goal of improving student health and academic performance. It proposes a gradual transition to start schools no earlier than 8:30 a.m. and no later than 9:30 a.m. for middle schools and 8:30 a.m. for high schools. The bill outlines a process for school districts to develop and implement these changes, considering local circumstances and student needs. Ultimately, the legislation seeks to align school schedules with the biological needs of adolescents.
Key provisions
- Requires middle and high schools to start no earlier than 8:30 a.m.
- Requires high schools to start no earlier than 8:30 a.m.
- Establishes a process for school districts to develop and implement later start times.
- Directs the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to provide guidance and support to districts.
- Allows for flexibility in implementation based on local circumstances.
- Requires districts to consider the impact on bus schedules and extracurricular activities.
- Mandates a review of the impact of later start times on student achievement and well-being.
Who is affected
- Middle school students
- High school students
- School districts in Massachusetts
- Parents of students
- Educators
Notable changes
Bill text
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Sponsors
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3 on record
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
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