In Some Districts, the Bell Tolls Later for Teens

By Millicent Lawton

Some education scholars would give their eyeteeth to see their studies used to revamp school policies in the same way that a few medical researchers have begun to influence districts nationwide.

From Oregon to Minnesota to Virginia, schools and districts have changed, or are thinking about changing, the time they ring the first-period bell.

One of the biggest reasons for tinkering with such a basic element of the school day is research on adolescent sleep needs that says teenagers don't function well, and may not learn as much, if they have to start school too...