PRIOR PRINTER'S NOS. 1971, 1972
PRINTER'S NO. 2022
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No.
417
Session of
2018
INTRODUCED BY DINNIMAN, EICHELBERGER, FOLMER, TARTAGLIONE,
SCHWANK, LEACH, BREWSTER AND RAFFERTY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2018
SENATOR EICHELBERGER, EDUCATION, AS AMENDED, SEPTEMBER 25, 2018
A RESOLUTION
Directing the Joint State Government Commission to establish an
advisory committee to conduct a study on secondary school
start time in this Commonwealth.
WHEREAS, The American Academy of Pediatrics recognizes
insufficient sleep in adolescents as an important public health
issue that significantly affects the health and safety, as well
as the academic success, of our nation's middle school and high
school students; and
WHEREAS, A recent poll conducted by the National Sleep
Foundation found that 60% of children under 18 years of age are
tired during the day and 15% said they fell asleep at school
during the year; and
WHEREAS, A February 2014 study by the Center for Applied
Research and Educational Improvement found academic performance
outcomes, including grades earned in core subject areas of math,
English, science and social studies, in addition to performance
on national and State achievement tests, attendance rates and
reduced tardiness, show significantly positive improvement with
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school start times of 8:35 a.m. or later; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate direct the Joint State Government
Commission to establish an advisory committee to conduct a
comprehensive study of issues, benefits and options related to
instituting a later start time to the school day at secondary
schools in this Commonwealth. The advisory committee shall be
comprised of the following:
(1) the Secretary of Education or a designee;
(2) a representative of the Pennsylvania Association of
School Nurses and Practitioners;
(3) a representative of the Pennsylvania Chapter of the
American Academy of Pediatrics;
(4) A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PENNSYLVANIA PSYCHOLOGICAL
ASSOCIATION;
(4) (5) a representative of the Association of School
Psychologists of Pennsylvania;
(5) (6) a representative of the Pennsylvania School
Boards Association;
(6) (7) a representative of the Pennsylvania Association
of School Administrators;
(7) (8) a representative of the Pennsylvania Principals
Association;
(8) (9) a Pennsylvania certified teacher;
(9) (10) a representative of a school bus transportation
organization;
(10) (11) an individual representing the interests of
students of disabilities;
(11) (12) a parent of a child attending a public school
in this Commonwealth; and
(12) (13) other individuals and organizations selected
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by the Joint State Government Commission;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission, in
conducting the study, do all of the following:
(1) Conduct a thorough and comprehensive study of
secondary school start times in this Commonwealth.
(2) Evaluate studies or initiatives promoted by national
education advocacy organizations relating to secondary school
start times.
(3) Prepare an assessment on the effect of establishing
a later school start time on the health, safety and academics
of students.
(4) Evaluate any potential negative impacts on both
public and private school entities and families that may be
associated with an altered school start time and consider
strategies for addressing potential problems.
(5) Review all available literature on the experiences
of public and private school entities in other states that
have instituted later school start times.
(6) Include any recommendations relating to the
advisability of establishing a pilot program to test later
school start times at select secondary schools in this
Commonwealth that are interested in participating in the
program;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission issue a
report of its findings and recommendations to the Senate no
later than 18 12 months from the adoption of this resolution.
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