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Senate approval of later school times a start for California

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The American Academy of Pediatrics and a long list of sleep experts say starting school days early takes a harsh toll on teens. “The research is clear that adolescents who get enough sleep have a reduced risk of being overweight or suffering depression, are less likely to be involved in automobile accidents, and have better grades, higher standardized test scores and an overall better quality of life,” pediatrician Judith Owens wrote in 2014. “Studies have shown that delaying early school start times is one key factor that can help adolescents get the sleep they need to grow and learn.”

Given this history, it’s welcome news that the state Senate passed legislation from Sen. Anthony Portantino, D-La Cañada Flintridge, on Tuesday that would prevent middle and high schools in California from starting class before 8:30 a.m.

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Less welcome? Senate approval came on a near party-line vote, with minority Republicans dismissing what sleep experts say and depicting the proposal as akin to coddling students. And the powerful California Teachers Association still opposes the bill, alas, so it may not survive.

If approved by the Assembly and signed by the governor, the measure would take full effect in 2020, leaving ample time to work out logistics — if agreement can come on protecting students’ health. Later school starts are an idea whose time has come.

Twitter: @sdutIdeas

Facebook: San Diego Union-Tribune Ideas & Opinion

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