Impact of School Start Time on Student LearningLog in to Download
Released February 2013. In the following report, Hanover Research presents an assessment of the literature regarding the most effective school start times for elementary, middle, and high school students. We review the actions of school start time change committees and pilot studies to provide profiles of schools that have implemented new start times. The current body of research suggests that later start times for middle and high school students can improve academic performance as well as out-of-school behavior. This report presents the background and benefits of ideal school start times, obstacles for implementing new school start times, and guidelines and models for implementing changes. The research is based on public school systems, but some of the ideas provided can be applicable in a private school setting.