1. a) Define mandate.
b) What would the proposed California law mandate?

2. a) Define exempt.
b) Who would be exempt from the start times required in the new law?

3. For what reasons would school districts need tens of millions of dollars if the bill becomes law?

4. What problem do opponents of the bill say many parents would have if it becomes law?

5. Until the 1990’s, traditional school start time was between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. Why do you think schools changed to such early start times?

6. For each of the following, state whether you agree or disagree and explain your answer.

• An early start time is bad for young people and “significantly affects the health and safety” of students. No school should start before 8:30 a.m.
• State or federal laws are necessary to force all school districts to move to later start times
• Mandating local schools to a one-size fits all start time is wrong. Each district (with parent input) should be able to set times that work for their student population.
• A later start time would create unintended costs and consequences for working parents responsible for getting their children to school and still arriving to work on-time.

7. a) What do you think is the best time for school to start? Explain your answer.
b) Ask a parent - and then a grandparent - the same question.