ILLINOIS — High schools in Illinois may have to delay their school day start time if a new Illinois bill is passed.
According to HB 2951, the bill would prohibit public high schools from having a start time earlier than 8:45 a.m.
The proposal was scheduled for an Education Policy committee hearing on Wednesday morning after its first reading on Feb. 2.
According to the American Psychological Association, when schools start later, it was shown to improve mood and lead to better attendance and grades, including fewer car crashes among high schoolers.
The National Education Association mentioned these positive impacts of starting later but also noted some drawbacks impacting after-school activities and a parent’s schedule.