should schools be allowed to start before 8AM? Options

[*tweeak*]

I'm going to attempt to use this as a topic for a persuasive essay, but before we can get the topics approved, we have to basically debate with the teacher on it, so I'd like to be prepared for some of the arguements I'll be up against. Please provide thoughtful reasoning on your opinion, as to why it's important for schools to begin at one time or another

[antix10_kos]

Here's the opinion part of my reply:

From grades 8-11, my school started at 7:30 am and got out at 2:50 pm. I had to get up at 5:30 to catch the bus. I'd come home and crash most of the time, esp. if I didn't get to nap in my morning classes....my performance did suffer, but I don't blame it wholy on lack of sleep either...

Now, I think that are alternatives to starting school so early in the day:

1) Start Later.

Wow, there's a simple one. How about switching start dates for elem. and secondary. schools? Well, this was actually considered in the district where I attended high school. It was shot down because of extra-curricular activities. If our high school didn't get out until 3:45, then our practices would be delayed and transportation to away events would clash with rush hour and chances are, it would mess with the scheduling of events since other districts in our area let out around 3:00. Also, a lot of secondary students watch younger siblings after school and not having them home to do so would put unnecessary strain on families and schools.

2) 4-Day Schedules

This is an actual solution right here: 4 Day Week. That's the whole document, for those who want to read it unchopped. Jump To The Research and Articles Section. There's the meat of you want to know. Now, how does this 4-Day Week help with early start times? The students generally have to go to school an extra 90 minutes a day to make it work...but think about it. A whole day off? 3 day weekends every weekend? A slew of optional programs that could help with educational process and make it easier for students to recieve tutoring and make up work and tests?? It's also been shown to help cash strapped districts cut costs. Families get more time to spend together, it's easier to schedule appointments, and secondary students can sleep in.

3) Flex Schedules

This was and is being discussed in the district where I attended high school and my nieces still attend school there. It would only be an option for secondary students, though. I think right now it is still in the formative stages for the high school because the hs in my hometown is hellishly overcrowded. Basically, students could choose whether to attend school from 6am to 1pm or from 11am to 5pm. Students could add extra hours if they wanted or they could take only the minimum depending on how many credits they need. They could choose to take classes as blocks or single hours and could work community service hours, tutoring and sports and band practices in during the day. It would also help facilitate work release, college release, and personal appointments. It's also been suggested that it could help cut transportation costs and other expenses, but it's been tied up in legislation for awhile here.


As you see, if schools are really interested in thinking outside of the box or desperate, they can come up with creative solutions to their problems.