Bill > S2221

This bill establishes an educational task force within the department of elementary and secondary education to study the impact of school day start times on middle and secondary school students. This task force, composed of nine members including state education officials, representatives from various educational associations like the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) and the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (MASS), a representative from StartSchoolLater.net, a parent, and a superintendent who has implemented later start times, will conduct a comprehensive review of scientific findings on adolescent sleep needs and their relation to health and academic performance. The task force will also identify school districts that have already adopted later start times, analyze student academic performance in those districts, and explore resources to help other districts implement later start times if the study suggests benefits to student learning. Finally, the task force is required to submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the state legislature by December 31, 2016.