A later start date for state high schools may be on the horizon as the Nevada State Board of Education seeks public input through a new survey.
The 23-question survey is designed to explore solutions to key problems in Nevada’s public school system such as chronic absenteeism, behavioral issues, and low academic achievement.
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The survey is open through Oct. 4.
Looking into benefits
Later start times for high schools across the state have been under discussion for years with advocates citing research that later start times are better for students’ academic development — mainly due to their sleep schedules .
The statewide survey touches on these potential benefits, including how later start times could lead to improvements in students’ mental and physical health, attendance, classroom alertness, and athletic performance.
A 2022 study by the American Academy of Pediatrics revealed that school start times lead to “better overall developmental outcomes, longer sleep duration, and less negative mood” for students. However, they said more research is still needed.