Not That Anything Will Change but Later Start Times Get Better Results
This article about later start times in high schools appeared in the NY Times and was reprinted in the Seattle Times. The author, Nancy Kalish, makes many good points including:
"So why hasn't every school board moved back that first bell? Well, it seems that improving teenagers' performance takes a back seat to more pressing concerns: the cost of additional bus service, the difficulty of adjusting after-school activity schedules and the inconvenience to teachers and parents. But few of those problems actually come to pass, according to the Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement at the University of Minnesota. In Kentucky and Minnesota, simply flipping the starting times for the elementary and high schools meant no extra cost for buses. Nor have after-school jobs and activities been affected as anticipated. And though team practices and matches might have to start a bit later, student participation has usually stayed the same."
As well:
- better attendance, both in students being there and being on-time
- lower dropout rate
- fewer teen car crashes
- higher scores on standardized tests
"So why hasn't every school board moved back that first bell? Well, it seems that improving teenagers' performance takes a back seat to more pressing concerns: the cost of additional bus service, the difficulty of adjusting after-school activity schedules and the inconvenience to teachers and parents. But few of those problems actually come to pass, according to the Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement at the University of Minnesota. In Kentucky and Minnesota, simply flipping the starting times for the elementary and high schools meant no extra cost for buses. Nor have after-school jobs and activities been affected as anticipated. And though team practices and matches might have to start a bit later, student participation has usually stayed the same."
As well:
"Massachusetts has opened more than a dozen "expanded learning time" schools, which add about three hours to the school day. Students spend additional time on such subjects as math and English, but also enjoy plentiful art, music, physical education and recess -- all of which are being slashed at many schools.
Also, why not make sure there's built-in time for doing homework? That way, children could get their work done at school where professionals can help them, freeing them to spend time with their families when they do get home."
My experience with Hale is that my son felt more alert (self-reported) and the teachers said students seemed to "be there" more during the early periods. All of this would take organization but the benefits seem mighty.
Comments
It would be nice if less decisions were based on cost and more on what's good for students. (you may call me a dreamer....)
Will it be possible to have high schoolers on staggered schedules to make more flexibilty with the classes they take, homework centers, etc?
Seriously, is anyone interested in really making a push for this to happen in Seattle? I apologize if I'm ignorant, but has a serious, organized attempt been made already?
What are the typical start times for Seattle middle schools and high schools?
My children's elementary schools start at 9 am and 9:10 am respectively, which works well for us. But before-school Spanish was a short-lived experiment . . . for us and several others, unfortunately.
I have experienced a number of these moments. They go like this:
I see a situation. The situation cries out for a remedy. I think to myself "Somebody ought to do something." I think, "Somebody ought to take action." And then, the Jesse Jackson moment when I realize "I am somebody". After that, it's all simple. I take action. I do something.
You need to see yourself as somebody. Somebody capable to take the necessary action. Don't be afraid that you'll screw it up. Don't worry that you're just one small voice. Take courage and confidence in the worthiness of your cause. Inspire others to the best that is within them. Don't lose hope. And remember, even if all of your efforts are futile, that doesn't absolve you of the obligation to make those efforts. All you can do is your best, but you must do that.
I suggest that you approach this effort first by contacting the District officials and learning who is responsible for these decisions. Is it Mr. Tolley or does each high school decide for themselves? If it is each principal deciding for themselves, then contact the principals - politely and respectfully - and aske them if they haven't already considered making the change. Learn why they have not made the change. Address those concerns.
Good luck.
elementary, 9:00-3:00
middle, 7:45-2:15
high, 8:10-2:50
Those are for the lower schools my kids attend, and our likely high school, Ballard.
That early middle school start time has been a huge problem. The amount of homework, while so far not excessive, is greater than elementary school and must be completed daily as opposed to the packet-model due at the end of the week. You would think the extra time in the afternoon would be good for completing homework, but kids either stay after school for activities or come home to an empty house in many families. Homework remains an evening affair in most cases, and bedtime disruptions can cause a serious problem the next morning. --Lisa
What happened at Hale was you had an active group of parents, an agreeable principal AND teachers who were okay with it. If the school(s) fight it, good luck.
I just think the will isn't there. But, as Charlie said, organize a group, contact PTAs of middle and high schools (it's work but that's being an activist). Ask to talk at their PTA meeting/board meeting. There really aren't problems that couldn't be surmounted; it just might take looking at it from a different angle. Tell your Board Director it matters. Talk to the folks in Transportation to pick their brains.
There is a plethora of research/news out there. (I have a lot of it from trying to convince Hale although I take no credit for its change because it was on its way by the time my son got there.)
There's no reason it can work elsewhere and not here.
Helen Schinske
THis year she has physics as her hardest class. However it starts at 7:40. She isn't late, she gets to bed by ten or so. She is flunking despite working hard.
I think the class time has a lot to do with it,
She isn't the only one.
Does anyone know if the HS walk zones are purely based on distance? We are within Roosevelt's walk zone (2.5 miles)but my kid would have to cross (go over or under) Aurora and I-5 to get there. That didn't seem impossible until I realized that he'll have to do the whole thing with a thirty pound pack at 7 in the morning. Given Seattle's geography, that can't be unusual.
The assessment about sports seems to be the correct one as to why this change doesn't happen and I am baffled by this argument. How can sports trump academics? I would guess because people don't believe it is true that kids do better coming in later. That we are coddling them by saying it. But people are so worried about the traffic that the larger schools - Ballard, Roosevelt and Garfield who are in King-co 4A - would endure to get to games around the Sound. I think there needs to be push back that academics trumps sports (and I say this as someone with a son who plays soccer).
As for the distance, I think, yes, the walk zone is based on distance and not geography. Anyone else?
Isn't it true that most teen vandalism/crime/sex happens in the afternoon? Start school later, they will sleep in the morning and be safely supervised until parents get home from work. Win-win-win!
In my day, the swim team had practices before school. Dunno whether schools still do that.
Helen Schinske
Fife High School swims in the mornings.
How about letting high schools start by scheduling some classes outside the normal school day. Then see who attends.
most high schools start at 7:45 and end at 2:15.
If some sections of classes were held from 2:30 - 3:25 and 3:30 to 4:25 then students could take those and show up for school at 9:45 AM rather than 7:45 AM.
An alternative program really means an alternative - some programs I hear convince students they should drop out. I can't stand Washington's schools - running start is the best alternative Washington has. What a waste of human beings.
At my school in Southern California we had a 98% attendance rate and all graduates were accepted into a post-secondary program. It was hard work.
We set realistic expectations and our efforts were rewarded. Stop pretending that your textbooks work - if your students are not engaged there is something wrong. Learning is a natural process. Preaching standards is unnatural.
Washington has lost complete confidence in public schooling. The people responsible need to resign. Go somewhere else with your fool ideas. Otherwise its going to get very expensive.
Now we will all have to wait for a revolution. Minorities have every reason to be angry - the schools here are out of compliance.
The only reason you still have Title I is the Feds don't want the responsibility and it would embarrass conservatives who reformed basic education when they passed NCLB. Don't forget MSP's are partially responsible and they were funded by NSF and who runs that ship - AAAS. The only people getting rich off public education are conservative republicans - look at how many textbooks come from Michigan.
You should be asking yourself why you can't become better teachers? Answer: You blindly follow your textbooks and you actually believe kids can discover what they need to know to pass the WASL. Give me a break. Most of these kids finish high school unable to pass the SAT - 60% can't even pass an eighth grade test. Even kids are starting to wonder why there are super seniors still taking 9th grade math classes with 8th grade textbooks. Stop deluding yourselves. Get real.