Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SR191

Introduced
3/10/23  

Caption

Urging The Department Of Education To Start High Schools No Earlier Than 9:00 A.m. And Elementary And Middle Schools No Earlier Than 8:30 A.m.

Impact

The anticipated impact of SR191 centers around enhancing students' overall well-being and academic performance. Early school start times have been linked to negative outcomes such as reduced sleep, increased irritability, and subsequent difficulties in concentrating during classes. By establishing later start times, the resolution aims to foster an environment conducive to better educational outcomes by ensuring students are well-rested and ready to learn.

Summary

Senate Resolution 191 (SR191) is a legislative measure advocating for a change in school start times in Hawaii. The resolution urges the Department of Education to mandate that high schools begin no earlier than 9:00 a.m. and that elementary and middle schools commence classes no earlier than 8:30 a.m. This initiative is grounded in considerations of student health and educational effectiveness, reflecting recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics regarding adequate sleep for school-aged children.

Conclusion

Overall, SR191 represents a proactive step toward re-evaluating educational practices in Hawaii with an eye towards improving student health and academic success. The resolution emphasizes the importance of aligning school operations with the well-being of students, thus reflecting broader trends in educational reform focused on holistic approaches to student development.

Contention

Discussions surrounding SR191 may include debates on logistic challenges, such as the need to adjust transportation schedules and meal service timings to accommodate the new start times. Furthermore, while proponents highlight the necessity of prioritizing student health, there may be concerns raised by stakeholders like parents and educators about the practical implications of altering longstanding schedules, particularly regarding after-school activities and working parents' routines.

Companion Bills

HI SCR165

Same As Urging The Department Of Education To Start High Schools No Earlier Than 9:00 A.m. And Elementary And Middle Schools No Earlier Than 8:30 A.m.

Previously Filed As

HI SR30

Requesting The Department Of Education To Conduct A Study On The Implementation Of Later School Start Times.

HI SCR42

Requesting The Department Of Education To Conduct A Study On The Implementation Of Later School Start Times.

HI HCR174

Requesting The Department Of Education To Conduct A Study On The Implementation Of Later School Start Times.

HI SB133

Relating To Education.

HI SB2016

Relating To Education.

HI HB2574

Relating To Education.

HI SR32

Urging The Department Of Education To Ensure That Each Public School And Public Charter School In The State, From Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve Has A Certain Number Of Mental Health Professionals.

HI SR177

Urging The Department Of Education To Disseminate Information To Educate Students And Teachers And To Raise Awareness About The Smoking Epidemic.

HI SR71

Urging The Department Of Transportation To Install Speed Bumps And Speed Limit Signage On The Portion Of Kapolei Parkway Between Kapolei High School And Kapolei Middle School.

HI SCR44

Urging The Department Of Education To Ensure That Each Public School And Public Charter School In The State, From Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve Has A Certain Number Of Mental Health Professionals.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.