SENATE DOCKET, NO. 178        FILED ON: 1/14/2013

SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 215

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PRESENTED BY:

Cynthia S. Creem

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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:

The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:

An Act authorizing a study of starting times and schedules.

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PETITION OF:

SENATE DOCKET, NO. 178        FILED ON: 1/14/2013

SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 215

[SIMILAR MATTER FILED IN PREVIOUS SESSION
SEE SENATE, NO. 192 OF 2011-2012.]

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the Year Two Thousand Thirteen

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An Act authorizing a study of starting times and schedules.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

SECTION 1. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the department of elementary and secondary education is hereby authorized and directed to conduct a comprehensive study relative to the effect which high school starting times have on the health and academic performance of students. Said study shall include, but not be limited to, a survey of high school starting times and the duration of high school academic hours throughout the commonwealth, and shall make findings relative to the effect which high school starting times have on student academic performance and health. Provided further, that such study shall make recommendations relative to whether high school starting times should be scheduled later in the morning, and how school districts can adapt school day starting times to enhance student education and health. Said study shall also review and make recommendations relative to other school day scheduling issues which affect high school starting times. Said department, in the conduct of said study shall examine relevant scientific studies and academic research, and shall request comment and suggestions from students, teachers, and education policy makers, provided further, that said department shall conduct no less than two public hearings to ensure public input and comment.  A copy of said study shall be filed with the senate and house clerks and the senate and house chairmen of the Joint Committee on Education not later than six months after the enactment of this act.