The policy of delaying school start times aims to ensure students get adequate sleep, thereby enhancing learning effectiveness. In recent years, due to an education system focused on college entrance exams and a culture of after-school tutoring, high school students generally suffer from sleep deprivation. To address this, the Ministry of Education implemented a new policy in August 2022 to eliminate early morning self-study sessions and delay school start times.
The U.S. National Sleep Foundation recommends 8-10 hours of sleep daily for teenagers, while domestic experts suggest at least 7 hours is necessary to avoid impacting learning outcomes. Sufficient sleep is crucial for students' mental state and academic performance.
This study uses a high school in Hsinchu as an example to explore the impact of delayed school start times on students' academic performance. With the implementation of the 108 Curriculum Guidelines, Taiwan's education system has begun to promote competency-oriented education, emphasizing the development of students' soft skills such as self-directed learning and communication. The delayed start time policy also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of good health and well-being, and quality education.
Research results show that even after delaying school start times, students still commonly experience sleep deprivation and lack of concentration. Excessive use of electronic devices has led to later bedtimes and increased tardiness. This policy has also affected parents' transportation arrangements. The impact of delayed start times on academic performance cannot be determined by a single factor, but creating a conducive learning environment remains the policy's original intent.
It is recommended to continue reviewing and revising the policy in the future, cultivating both students' hard and soft skills, and providing appropriate educational mechanisms to better align the policy with actual needs and maximize its benefits.
