Texas House Public Education Committee Examines Strategies for Success

URGENT! IMMEDIATE ACTION NEEDED! On Tuesday, Feb. 9, the Texas House committee on public education will hold a hearing in Austin to examine the "best practices" and strategies to encourage at-risk students to finish high school. Please contact the following House public education members ASAP and tell them the best way to increase graduation rates is to start the day later for teens. Chair Jimmy Don Aycock: http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/member-page/?district=54 Vice Chair Alma Allen: http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/member-page/?district=131 Here is a short script that can be used: Over 20 years of adolescent sleep research have irrefutably shown that starting high school later in the day increases academic achievement, graduation rates, attendance, and well being. Numerous studies have indicated later start times increase performance in all core subjects, benefiting the disadvantage at twice the rate as their peers. According to the Brookings Institute's 2011 Hamilton Report, later start times are the most cost effective way to close the achievement gap. Adult convenience, misplaced priorities and widespread fear of change prevent most districts with school start times in the 7 o'clock hour from making the needed change. State parameters are needed to provide school districts the necessary framework to set daily school hours that promote the academic achievement for all Texas children. Thanks!