Legislation has been signed into law that will have classes starting later for most middle and high schools in California in the next several years. The later start time is in response to medical research that shows most teens are sleep deprived, as a result of changes to their biological clocks (that prevent them from going to sleep early). When it goes into effect in 2022-23, the law will require middle schools to begin no earlier than 8 a.m., and high schools to start regular classes after 8:30 a.m. The bill exempts rural districts because of bus scheduling challenges and also excludes “zero periods,” which are optional courses offered by some schools before the regular school day begins.
