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California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill that obliges middle schools and high schools to adjust classes to a later time.
Senate Bill (SB) 328 stipulates that classes should start at 8:00 a.m. or later. Proponents said that this aims to promote good health among teenagers. It also recognizes that the early start time in middle schools and high schools causes sleep deprivation, which leads to absenteeism, bad academic performance, and depression. This is backed by a study from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The bill will fully take effect starting July 2022. However, optional activities done before the start of regular classes are exempted from this ruling. Schools in rural areas are also excluded because of bus schedules.
The bill was approved with a 44-17 vote last month in the California State Assembly after being disapproved twice by previous administrations. Bill author Senator Anthony Portantino is happy with Newsom’s approval and delighted that the governor values scientific research. He also praised the governor for prioritizing children’s health and welfare.
Despite praise for the new bill, there are still some who do not agree with the ruling. The primary opponents of the bill include school administrators and academic organizations in California.
Opponents argued that the ruling will affect many things, including programs or sports that students participate in before and after classes. It will also affect transport schedules and school personnel’s employee contracts. Some school superintendents said that the needs of students, parents, and staff should all be considered when determining class schedules.