The American Academy of Pediatrics says teens need to sleep later. The Academy is challenging America’s schools to not start high school classes until at least 8:30 a.m.
The Ann Arbor School Board is considering whether to follow that advice. Board secretary Andy Thomas joined us to talk about the benefits and costs of later start times.
Thomas says for many students with such busy schedules, later start times would push back after-school activities, as well as when they start their homework, and when they go to sleep.
Ann Arbor elementary, middle, and high schools have staggered start times. A later start for high school students would create an overlap, and require more buses and drivers.
Ann Arbor is all about choice, Thomas says, and they want to be accommodating to students’ various schedules. A decision is not expected until March.
