Report Title:

Public High Schools; Later Starting Time

Description:

Requires public high schools to begin classes at a later starting time.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

336

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2003

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

relating to education.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that a recent comprehensive study of thousands of Minneapolis high school students determined that students who could sleep later on school mornings were less likely to miss classes or stop coming to school regularly. The study, which is apparently the largest study conducted on the impact of high school starting times, further found that high school students generally obtained better grades and experienced less depression after the Minneapolis school district switched from a 7:15 a.m. start to an 8:40 a.m. start in 1997.

The researcher of the Minneapolis study, Ms. Kyla Wahlstrom of the University of Minnesota Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement, noted that attendance and continuous enrollment had improved significantly in affected high schools since the start times were changed.

The legislature finds that while Hawaii's schools, as well as many school districts around the country, have made high school classes begin earlier in recent years to accommodate after-school activities and for financial reasons, the early start times have become increasingly controversial as research suggests that teenagers behave better and appear more ready to learn when classes begin later. Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to require public high schools to begin classes at a later starting time.

SECTION 2. Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§302A-   Public high schools; later starting time. (a) Beginning with the 2003-2004 academic year, all public high schools shall begin classes no earlier than       a.m. and no later than        a.m.

(b) The department shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 to implement this section."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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