State Study Explores Later School Start Times
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JACKSON, Tenn-The state is exploring later school day start times, after a study suggests that the later times contribute to better student performance; but are Jackson-Madison County school officials considering the change? In April, the Tennessee Office of Research and Educational Accountability explored the options of starting the school day after 8 a.m. They referenced a study conducted by the University of Minnesota, in their analysis. According to the study, schools in Minnesota that implemented a later start time saw improvement in student performance. Jackson-Madison County school officials said they considered the change more than three years ago, but decided against it for various reasons. Some parents said they welcome an earlier start for the school day. “Children would be able to get more sleep,” said Carla Currie, a parent. “If they want to be successful they have to have the proper amount of sleep. The Office of Research and Education Accountability did not offer a final conclusion of their analysis; but they did reinforce the laws and policies concerning Tennessee school calendars.
