RUNNING HEAD: Later School Start Times 1

Later School Start Times

Holden Downing

Piketon High School

Abstract
Later School Start Times

I believe that with later school start times that itd not only benefit academics but also physical

and mental health. My purpose in writing this paper is to better educate those that dont know

about this topic. Im approaching this topic by stating pros and backing it up with research and

evidence found. This paper is a factual report and the points I plan to cover are sleep deprivation,

biological changes, academic performance, and after school activities. I feel readers should be

interested in my topic because I feel people dont know the side effects of adolescents in early

start times., especially with the physical mental health of the child. These are serious issues

facing early start times such as depression.

Later School Start Times

Later School Start Times

My topic is over later school start times and why I believe that itd be in the best interest

for students. I have conducted a survey and found research and studies that show in fact that later

school start times would benefit. I believe that later start times would benefit because I have

dealt with the depression, anxiety, sleep deprivation, and stress myself. Some of these are

mental illnesses, school is not supposed to do that to you. You shouldnt have to dread waking

up every morning. I for one am physically and mentally exhausted as Im sure others are as well.

What is sleep deprivation? Its the condition of not having enough sleep it can be either

chronic or acute. A chronic sleep-restricted state can cause fatigue, daytime sleepiness,

clumsiness and weight loss or weight gain. It affects the brain and cognitive function. Now you

may see why early start times are an issue. With most start times being before 8:30 am, evidence

now shows that starting middle and high school before the sun rises is out of sync with the

biological clocks of young people. ( Start School Later, 2017, P.1). Most adolescents get less

than 8 hours of sleep a night while it's recommended teens between 13 and 18 years of age

sleep eight to ten hours each night. (Hafner, 2017, P.1). Being sleep deprived can cause dangers

such as depression, athletic injuries, and car accidents. There are many roots to this problem,

some of which are homework, after school jobs and activities, and biological changes. (The

consequences of sleep deprivation during the teenage years are serious), many are unable to

maximize the learning opportunities offered. A sleep research group has stated that later start

times would result in alertness and performance, also helping the childs safety and mental

health. Stress and depression becomes an issue for some adolescents. While they are not only

pushing themselves parents and teachers are as well. Teenagers nowadays are so hard on

themselves and feel the need to be perfect 24/7 well its impossible everyone has flaws. Some

teenagers have to have after school jobs and some are in after school activities. Trying to juggle
Later School Start Times

those two things and have school to worry about is a lot for people our age. Some adolescents

begin to stress about being stress just creating more stress and this can lead to depression.

Depression is also causes from a lack of sleep also known as sleep deprivation. I feel that school

systems should learn and look more into this topic because I don't think they known the severity

and the effects of some of this issues.

From here on biological changes happen in adolescents during puberty. Puberty is a

transitional period between childhood and adulthood, during this period a growth spurt occurs,

secondary sexual characteristics happen, fertility is achieved, and psychological changes take

place. Biological changes affect adolescents with early school start times because a natural shift

of the body's internal clock occurs during puberty. Most teens have a biological change for late

night bedtimes, which can cause a problem with early start times. When teenagers hit puberty

they experience biological changes, causing sleep deprivation. A 2015 analysis from the

Centers for Disease Control found that 83% of schools start before 8:30am. (Hafner, 2017, p.

1). The debate over school start times typically results with the schools arguing that itd

complicate after school sporting events. Teens 13-18 years old have been recommended 8-10

hours of sleep, but data shows students sleep 7 or less on school nights. (Hafner, 2017, P.1).

The academy says many dangers associated with the lack of sleep, some being depression and

athletic injuries, It even cited a published study that linked a one-hour delay in start times with a

16.5% drop in the rate of car crashes among student drivers. (Hafner, 2017, P.1). A study

analyzing college students found their ideal start times to be after 11 a.m. or noon. (Hafner,

2017, P.1).

Academic Performance is the extent to which a student or teacher has achieved their

educational goals If a student is tired, they will be unable to concentrate on their education and
Later School Start Times

that reflect on your grade of the class. Research and studies show that a students brain is not

functioning the way it should be until after a certain time in the day. Starting later would be cost

saving from re-using the same buses by staggering start times between schools. Any after school

activity would adjust to the later start and end times whether it's sports or jobs, education comes

first. Evidence shows that starting middle and high school students before the sun rises is out of

sync with the biological clock for young people, According to the American Academy of Sleep

Medicine, a natural shift in the timing of the body's internal "circadian" clock occurs during

puberty, causing most teens to have a biological preference for a late-night bedtime, which can

conflict with early school start times.(American Academy of Sleep Medicine,2016,P.1). Not

only does starting school at these hours cause widespread sleep deprivation but also physical,

psychological, and educational problems. No research has been shown for the benefits of starting

school before 8 or at 8 am.

After-school activities are sports and jobs. An after school job is linked to improving

social skills, and sense of self and relationships with adults. Early school start times can affect

the students with early start times because some have to close at their job resulting in getting

home close to 11 depending on when you close, not only are they tired but also have school

work to finish. While having a late night then having to wake up early. Today schools care more

about sports and dress codes then our academics and performance. I feel that students should be

comfortable and alert when going to school to get the best education to our abilities.

References

Hafner, J. (2017, April 18). Schools should start later to prevent accidents, depression, scientists

say. Retrieved September 12, 2017, from https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-

Later School Start Times

now/2017/04/18/schools-should-start-later-prevent-accidents-depression-scientists-

say/100573390/

Backgrounder: Later School Start Times. (n.d.). Retrieved September 12, 2017, from

https://sleepfoundation.org/sleep-news/backgrounder-later-school-start-times

(n.d.). Retrieved September 19, 2017, from

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/12/161215085930.htm

What's the Big Deal? (n.d.). Retrieved September 19, 2017, from

http://www.startschoollater.net/whats-the-big-deal.html

Downing, H. M. (2017, September). Research Survery. Retrieved September 9, 2017, from

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdj9Saii30OjsWdjxCilHpq2DQkHgnNIKG1tngS1

XoU32pFEw/viewform

Rubric rating submitted on: 10/13/2017, 12:10:00 PM by danielle.cook@redstreaks.org

3 5 8 10

Intro: Discussion of Minimal discussion Minimal discussion Limited discussion Clearly identifies
Research of research focus of research focus or of research and discusses
Your score: 8 and purpose of purpose of research. focus/purpose of research
research.Research Research question research. Research focus/purpose of
question and thesis and thesis is not question and thesis research. Research
is poorly articulated well articulated is described but not question and thesis
or is absent as well articulated is clearly articulated
altogether

Intro: Background Provides very little May not give Gives the reader Briefly gives the
Information & infomoration for the enough information enough information reader enough
Later School Start Times

Importance audience. The to thoroughly to thoroughly information to

Your score: 5 importance or familiarize the familiarize thoroughly
significance of the auidence with the themselves with the familiarize
study is not clear. topic or goes into a topic but goes into a themselves with the
too much detail.The little detail. The topic without going
importance or importance or into too much detail.
significance of the significance of the The importance or
study is superficial. topic is describe but significance of the
not articulated very study is emphasized
well. and clearly
articulated.

Background An incomplete The history or The history or The history or

Information or description of background of the background background
Methodology subject's history or subject is overly information of the informaiton of the
Your score: 5 background is general or too subject is described, subject is
provided. OR specific. OR but not clearly thoroughly
Description of how Description of how articulated. OR described and
the data was the data was Description of how clearly articulated.
collected, what/how collected, what/how the data was OR Provides
many data sources many data sources collected, what/how accurate, thorough
were analyzed, plan were analyzed, plan many data sources description of how
of analysis or of analysis or were analyzed, plan the data was
measurement measurement of analysis or collected, what/how
instrument is very instrument is measurement many data sources
confusing/not somewhat instrument is were analyzed, plan
articulated confusing/not adequate but of analysis or
sufficiently. clearly articulated. limited. Limitations measurement
Limitations of the Limitations of the of the study are instrument.
study are not study are addressed addressed but are Limitations of the
addressed. but are inaccurate. generalized. study are clearly
described.

Use of Sources Not all information Most information is All information is All information is
Your score: 3 is supported with supported with supported with supported with
credible sources. A credible sources. A credible sources. An credible sources. A
clear understanding vague understanding understanding of clear understanding
of who has already of who has already who has already of who has already
written about this written about this written about this written about this
subject is not subject is subject is mostly subject is
demotnstrated. demotnstrated. demotnstrated. demotnstrated.

Findings/Results: Level of detail is Level of detail is Level of detail is not A comprehensive

Organization (a) severely insufficient, and as sufficient, and level of detail
Your score: 5 insufficient, and there are more there are some provided and are
there are serious organizational organizational well-
organizational issues.Tables/figures issues.Tables/figures organized.Tables/fig
issues.Tables/figures are not clear/concise are not as ures clearly and
Later School Start Times

are not clear/concise in conveying the clear/concise in concisely convey

in conveying the data. conveying the data. the data.
data.

Findings/Results: Results are not Results are not very Results are not very Results are clearly
Organization (b) clearly explained. clearly explained. clearly explained. It explained. There are
Your score: 5 The paper is lacking Some major is clear that there are multiple major
any major findings. findings are hinted major findings, but findings that are
at, but not clearly they are not clearly clearly and
explained. articulated. The thoroughly
findings are not all described separately
described in-depth and in depth.
or separately.

Discussion Interpretations/ Interpretations/ Interpretations/ Interpretations/

Your score: 5 analysis of results analysis of results analysis of results analysis of results
severely lacking in lacking in are sufficient but are thoughtful and
thoughtfulness and thoughtfulness and somewhat lacking in insightful, are
insight, are not insight, are not thoughtfulness and clearly informed by
informed by the clearly informed by insight, are not as the studys results,
studys results, and the studys results, clearly informed by and thoroughly
do not address how and do not the studys results, address how they
they supported, adequately address and do not as supported, refuted,
refuted, and/or how they supported, thoroughly address and/or informed the
informed the refuted, and/or how they supported, research question
research question informed the refuted, and/or
research question informed the
research question

Conclusion The paper fails to The paper reiterates The paper reiterates The paper
Your score: 3 reiterate the thesis, some of the the thesis, major concludes very
major claims, and following: thesis, claims, and nicely with a
significance. New major claims, and significance, but is reiteration of the
information could significance. Some not as smooth. If thesis, major claims
be provided. new information is appropriate, a and the importance
provided may be recommendation is while offering a
provided. A made. No new look to the future. If
recommnedation information is appropriate, a
may be appropriate, provided. recommendation is
but is not provided. made. No new
information is
provided.

Documentation of Does not cite Cites some data Cites most data Cites all data
Sources sources. obtained from other obtained from other obtained from other
Your score: 3 sources. Citation sources. APA sources. APA
style is either citation style is citation style is
inconsistent or used. accurately used.
Later School Start Times

incorrect.

Spelling & Excessive spelling Noticeable spelling Minimal spelling & No spelling &
Grammar and/or grammar and grammar grammar mistakes grammar mistakes
Your score: 10 mistakes mistakes

Manuscript Format: Title page Title page deviates a Title page Title page has
APA completely deviates bit more from APA approximates APA proper APA
Your score: 8 from APA formatting. The formatting. The formatting. The
formatting. The abstract is mostly abstract is mostly abstract is clear and
abstract does not clear but a little clear and concise. concise.
clearly summarize wordy.
the paper.

Sentences Headings and Headings & Used correct Used correct

demonstrate correct subheadings subheadings less headings & headings &
usage, punctuation, completely deviate consistent subheadings almost subheadings
and capitalization. from suggested consistently consistently
Your score: 10 formatting or are
absent altogether

Comments:
Total: 0/100 *No citations*

None of your information is cited. I pointed this out in your sketch, but it was not fixed. The
essay is only half the required length and only begins to discuss the issue. There is no discussion
of the empirical research (the study) and it doesn't seem that you have included the required
number of scholarly peer-reviewed sources. You have until Monday to add the citations or the
zero stands. This will make the second time I have given you an opportunity to add the citations.
Rubric rating submitted on: 10/18/2017, 8:42:18 AM by danielle.cook@redstreaks.org
3 5 8 10

Intro: Discussion of Minimal discussion Minimal discussion Limited discussion Clearly identifies
Research of research focus of research focus or of research and discusses
Your score: 8 and purpose of purpose of research. focus/purpose of research
research.Research Research question research. Research focus/purpose of
question and thesis and thesis is not question and thesis research. Research
is poorly articulated well articulated is described but not question and thesis
or is absent as well articulated is clearly articulated
altogether

Intro: Background Provides very little May not give Gives the reader Briefly gives the
Information & infomoration for the enough information enough information reader enough
Importance audience. The to thoroughly to thoroughly information to
Your score: 5 importance or familiarize the familiarize thoroughly
significance of the auidence with the themselves with the familiarize
Later School Start Times

10

study is not clear. topic or goes into a topic but goes into a themselves with the
too much detail.The little detail. The topic without going
importance or importance or into too much detail.
significance of the significance of the The importance or
study is superficial. topic is describe but significance of the
not articulated very study is emphasized
well. and clearly
articulated.

Background An incomplete The history or The history or The history or

Information or description of background of the background background
Methodology subject's history or subject is overly information of the informaiton of the
Your score: 5 background is general or too subject is described, subject is
provided. OR specific. OR but not clearly thoroughly
Description of how Description of how articulated. OR described and
the data was the data was Description of how clearly articulated.
collected, what/how collected, what/how the data was OR Provides
many data sources many data sources collected, what/how accurate, thorough
were analyzed, plan were analyzed, plan many data sources description of how
of analysis or of analysis or were analyzed, plan the data was
measurement measurement of analysis or collected, what/how
instrument is very instrument is measurement many data sources
confusing/not somewhat instrument is were analyzed, plan
articulated confusing/not adequate but of analysis or
sufficiently. clearly articulated. limited. Limitations measurement
Limitations of the Limitations of the of the study are instrument.
study are not study are addressed addressed but are Limitations of the
addressed. but are inaccurate. generalized. study are clearly
described.

Use of Sources Not all information Most information is All information is All information is
Your score: 3 is supported with supported with supported with supported with
credible sources. A credible sources. A credible sources. An credible sources. A
clear understanding vague understanding understanding of clear understanding
of who has already of who has already who has already of who has already
written about this written about this written about this written about this
subject is not subject is subject is mostly subject is
demotnstrated. demotnstrated. demotnstrated. demotnstrated.

Findings/Results: Level of detail is Level of detail is Level of detail is not A comprehensive

Organization (a) severely insufficient, and as sufficient, and level of detail
Your score: 5 insufficient, and there are more there are some provided and are
there are serious organizational organizational well-
organizational issues.Tables/figures issues.Tables/figures organized.Tables/fig
issues.Tables/figures are not clear/concise are not as ures clearly and
are not clear/concise in conveying the clear/concise in concisely convey
in conveying the data. conveying the data. the data.
data.
Later School Start Times

11

Findings/Results: Results are not Results are not very Results are not very Results are clearly
Organization (b) clearly explained. clearly explained. clearly explained. It explained. There are
Your score: 5 The paper is lacking Some major is clear that there are multiple major
any major findings. findings are hinted major findings, but findings that are
at, but not clearly they are not clearly clearly and
explained. articulated. The thoroughly
findings are not all described separately
described in-depth and in depth.
or separately.

Discussion Interpretations/ Interpretations/ Interpretations/ Interpretations/

Your score: 5 analysis of results analysis of results analysis of results analysis of results
severely lacking in lacking in are sufficient but are thoughtful and
thoughtfulness and thoughtfulness and somewhat lacking in insightful, are
insight, are not insight, are not thoughtfulness and clearly informed by
informed by the clearly informed by insight, are not as the studys results,
studys results, and the studys results, clearly informed by and thoroughly
do not address how and do not the studys results, address how they
they supported, adequately address and do not as supported, refuted,
refuted, and/or how they supported, thoroughly address and/or informed the
informed the refuted, and/or how they supported, research question
research question informed the refuted, and/or
research question informed the
research question

Conclusion The paper fails to The paper reiterates The paper reiterates The paper
Your score: 3 reiterate the thesis, some of the the thesis, major concludes very
major claims, and following: thesis, claims, and nicely with a
significance. New major claims, and significance, but is reiteration of the
information could significance. Some not as smooth. If thesis, major claims
be provided. new information is appropriate, a and the importance
provided may be recommendation is while offering a
provided. A made. No new look to the future. If
recommnedation information is appropriate, a
may be appropriate, provided. recommendation is
but is not provided. made. No new
information is
provided.

Documentation of Does not cite Cites some data Cites most data Cites all data
Sources sources. obtained from other obtained from other obtained from other
Your score: 3 sources. Citation sources. APA sources. APA
style is either citation style is citation style is
inconsistent or used. accurately used.
incorrect.

Spelling & Excessive spelling Noticeable spelling Minimal spelling & No spelling &
Grammar and/or grammar and grammar grammar mistakes grammar mistakes
Later School Start Times

12

Your score: 10 mistakes mistakes

Manuscript Format: Title page Title page deviates a Title page Title page has
APA completely deviates bit more from APA approximates APA proper APA
Your score: 8 from APA formatting. The formatting. The formatting. The
formatting. The abstract is mostly abstract is mostly abstract is clear and
abstract does not clear but a little clear and concise. concise.
clearly summarize wordy.
the paper.

Sentences Headings and Headings & Used correct Used correct

demonstrate correct subheadings subheadings less headings & headings &
usage, punctuation, completely deviate consistent subheadings almost subheadings
and capitalization. from suggested consistently consistently
Your score: 10 formatting or are
absent altogether

Comments:
Total: 75/120