A Later Start: Does the Evidence Hold Up?

Move the First Bell

1Cedar Hollow Middle School should move its first bell from 7:30 to 8:15 next year. Arriving early is not the same as arriving ready to learn. A later start could give students a better chance to get enough sleep and participate in morning lessons. The change deserves a serious trial, not a quick dismissal.

2During adolescence, the body's sleep schedule often shifts later. Many young people find it harder to fall asleep early, even when they have a regular bedtime routine. An early alarm can cut short their sleep. Moving the bell would create more opportunity for sleep, although students would still need sensible evening habits. A later bell alone cannot make anyone go to bed.

3Our school tested an 8:15 start for two weeks. Teachers used the same morning check-in question before and during the trial: Did you feel alert during first period? Of the 80 students who answered both times, 34 said yes before the trial, compared with 55 during it. These responses suggest that the schedule is worth investigating. However, students reported their own alertness, and the trial did not measure how much they slept.

4There is a weaker argument circulating, too. Several students say a later bell will raise every student's grades. Their main example is one seventh grader who earned a higher quiz score during the trial. That score is encouraging, but one quiz from one student cannot establish what will happen to everyone. The student may simply have understood that particular topic better.

5Families have practical concerns. A later dismissal could interfere with sports, jobs, and care for younger children. During the trial, the activities director shifted practice times, but the school collected no information about family schedules. Successful practice changes therefore do not show that every scheduling problem has been solved. Before extending the change, school leaders should ask families about transportation and after-school responsibilities.

6Some supporters also argue that a neighboring school starts at 8:15, so that must be the right time for us. Another school's schedule is not evidence that our students will benefit. Still, the sleep-related reason and our limited alertness results justify a longer trial. Leaders should track sleep, morning participation, and scheduling difficulties before deciding whether to keep the later bell.