Ever feel sleepy when it’s time to get up for school? If you think school shouldn’t start so early, you’re not alone. Lots of scientists and doctors agree. That’s why some groups are pushing for later start times.
There’s good news for some students who like to snooze*. California passed a new law. It sets rules. High schools will start at 8:30 am or later. Middle schools will start at 8 am or later. So students might get more minutes of California dreaming.
Research shows that most adolescents need about nine hours of sleep a night. They usually get their best sleep between 11 pm and 8 am. So if students get up at 5 or 6 am, they miss some good sleeping time. Students who don’t get enough sleep can have health problems. They have trouble learning, too. It’s hard to learn when you’re nodding off at your desk!
But some people think starting schools later isn’t so smart. They argue there’s no way to be sure students will get more sleep. After all, the law can’t make students go to bed! And schools that start later finish later. That leaves students with less free time. Like what? Sports, jobs, chores, and homework. And let’s not forget fun!
Maybe another problem is buses! If all schools start near the same time, a district* has to pay for more buses and drivers. That’s one reason so many high schools start very early.
In fact, several schools outside California have a ready set later start times. Seattle Public Schools is an example. High schools there start no earlier than 8:45 am. A new law may soon be passed in Ohio. It would push back start times in that state.
How about you? Like to start school bright and early? Or would you rather snooze till the sun is high in the sky?
【小题1】According to the new law, California high schools may start at__________.| A．6 am | B．7 am | C．8 am | D．9 am |
| A．1 to 5 | B．13 to 18 | C．30 to 40 | D．60 to 70 |
| A．Adolescents sleep best between 11 pm and 6 am. |
| B．The new law can make the students go to bed early. |
| C．Enough sleep helps students learn well and stay healthy. |
| D．Schools in Seattle don’t have a law for later starting time. |
| A．Should students go to school later? | B．Should students go to bed early? |
| C．Should students leave school later? | D．Should students do homework early? |
