Peak Learning Time

There is one thing that most people agree will help improve schools, and generally does not cost any money to do.  Yet, most schools don't do it.  Kids need to start the school day at a time that matches their biological needs.  For most elementary school students, that means early morning hours.  These little guys are normally up with the sun and ready to go!  When they have to wait - sometimes until as late as 9:30  - to begin learning, they are worn out before they begin.  For most middle school and high school students, getting up this early is nearly impossible.  It is really not their fault.  For reasons we don't fully understand, adolescents can't fall asleep until late at night.  When our societal requirements force them out of bed too early, they suffer from intense sleep deprivation.  There are some schools that start as early as 7:00 a.m., forcing kids to rise by 5:00 to get there on time.  Kids in this situation simply can't fall asleep early enough to get the sleep they need to function and learn during the day.

Most school districts could simply switch the start times for their schools and accommodate all age groups for optimum learning.  But, for some reason they don't.  It might be sports schedules, transportation schedules, or simply the preference of older administrators who want to arrive at certain times for work.  Whatever the reason, parents owe it to their kids to ensure that school start times match peak learning times in their communities.

Oh - and here is a bonus for you.  When adolescents get home from school later in the day, they are less likely to use drugs, get pregnant, or commit crimes.