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i_sstarttime_2018a_2018-08-31t09:02:38z1 Hearing Summary




PUBLIC
BILL SUMMARY For THE SCIENCE BEHIND CHANGING SCHOOL START TIMES

INTERIM COMMITTEE  SCHOOL START TIME INTERIM STUDY COMMITTEE
Date Aug 31, 2018      
Location SCR 357



The Science Behind Changing School Start Times - Committee Discussion Only


09:21:02 AM  

Dr. Lisa J. Meltzer, Associate Professor of Pediatrics at National Jewish Hospital, spoke about adolescent sleep patterns and the value of later start times.  She provided an overview of the stages of sleep and the biological developments that occur.

09:25:03 AM  

Dr. Meltzer talked about the impact of sleep on student performance and the biological changes that occur throughout the day, including melatonin rhythms.  She spoke about the correlation between behavioral problems and the amount of sleep a child gets regularly.

09:29:11 AM  
Dr. Meltzer spoke about the neurocognitive
deficits and effects on weight gain that less sleep can have on children
and youth. She also spoke about the signs of deficient sleep and the negative
impacts that technology in the bedroom, caffeine, and early school start
times can have.
09:32:17 AM  

Dr. Meltzer told the committee about several studies showing the positive impacts later school start times can have on crime, school attendance, a decrease in depression rate, and higher graduation rates.

09:36:03 AM  

Dr. Meltzer answered questions about the impacts of earlier elementary school start times, as well as the circadian rhythms in elementary-age students compared to high school students.

09:39:30 AM  

Dr. Meltzer discussed the implementation of later school start times in the Cherry Creek School District.

09:49:06 AM  
Dr. Meltzer discussed the positive changes
in mental health, physical health, and academic engagement in the Cherry
Creek School District after later school start times were implemented.
09:53:09 AM  

Dr. Meltzer answered questions from the committee.

10:00:00 AM  

Dr. Meltzer answered questions regarding the impacts of light, technology, and other devices on sleep patterns. She also answered questions regarding increased anxiety in teenagers.

10:08:07 AM  
The committee members continued to discuss the impact of technology on sleep.






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