July 24, 2009
(State House) – Senator Cynthia Stone Creem (D-Newton) is sponsoring legislation on high school starting times. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) would be required to conduct a study to determine the effect starting times have on academic performance, and examine the feasibility of adopting later hours.

“Research has shown that additional sleep often results in more alert students, better attendance, and decreased tardiness,” said Senator Creem. “I believe that insufficient sleep is a problem for many teenagers and adjusting high school starting times could potentially improve their academic experience and their health.”

The bill was released with a favorable recommendation from the Joint Committee on Education, and is now in the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.