Late Start

I laughed when I read an article this AM that showed high school students perform much better when they start school later in the AM.  Almost half of US high schools start before 8 AM, some much earlier than that. Only 15% start at 8:30 or later, despite mounting evidence (and anecdotally known for years!) that students are more alert (biorhythms?), have better attendance and fewer tardies, are better prepared, show less depression, and perform better.  Hmmm......  What's not to like?

Many school districts cite earlier starts because of logistics.  It's easier to arrange bus/transportation schedules, esp for multi-tiered districts.  After school activities are easier to schedule.  And, of course, jobs--what about student jobs?

So, let's dispense with "We're here for the students" and "Education is the most important thing."  Neither of these statements is true and never has been true.  It's what's been easier and "better" for administrators and teachers.

And, yet, we still have the same people (or same types of people) running our schools, making claims about improving education.  Bah!

BTW, I noticed that, for US taxpayers to get all of their money back from just the GM bailout, GM stock would have to triple its current price.  And, GM stock has already increased 25% from back when.  What are the odds of that happening?  Was the bailout a good thing?  There are lots of demerits.  More later......