In Eau Claire schools, middle and high school start times are almost an hour earlier than primary start times. Studies have repeatedly shown that early school start times are particularly hard on adolescents, and almost always lead to some level of sleep deprivation. This sleep defecit severly impacts our teens’ ability to concentrate and learn.
Changing these start times will help make sure we’ve got kids at their best when it’s time for class. Altoona has just enacted this change, and in Eau Claire we can do it too. I’m very happy that a study on this question is already underway in our district, and I am advocating for this change to happen as soon as possible.