Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
Region I
Schools Division Office of Dagupan City
Dagupan City National High School
"m the Impact of a 7:30 AM Start Time on Attendance and
Academic Performance Among Senior High School Students at
DCNHS”
PROPONENTS:
BATINGAN, ALEJANDRO JR. II R.
CALDONA, MICHAEL JR. L
CALLANTA, SIMONE C.
CASTRO, JOHN RHEY S.
CAYABYAB, SAM ANDRE C.
DINALANTA, JIMER DELOS SANTOS
FERNANDEZ, REAVEN JOSH D.
FERRER JOHN RUSSEL U.
SEPTEMBER 2024
Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
Region I
Schools Division Office of Dagupan City
Dagupan City National High School
CHAPTER I
BACKGROUND OF THE PROBLEM
The correlation between school start times and student outcomes has attracted growing
interest from educators, policymakers, and researchers. During puberty, adolescents undergo a
shift in their circadian rhythms, leading to later sleep and wake times. This biological change
often clashes with early school start times, resulting in sleep deprivation among students.
Numerous studies, including those by the National Institutes of Health and the National Heart,
Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), have emphasized the negative effects of insufficient sleep
on adolescents’ cognitive functions, emotional regulation, and overall health. Sleep deprivation
has been associated with reduced attention, impaired memory, and lower academic performance.
Additionally, students who do not get enough sleep are more likely to experience mood
disorders, such as depression and anxiety, which can further impact their school attendance and
engagement.
PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND
In many high schools, classes begin as early as 7:30 AM. This early start time can lead to
insufficient sleep among students, which can affect their attendance and academic performance.
Research indicates that students who do not get enough sleep are more likely to have lower
grades, higher absenteeism, and increased tardiness. The problem is particularly pronounced
among senior high school students with demanding academic and extracurricular schedules.
Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
Region I
Schools Division Office of Dagupan City
Dagupan City National High School
RATIONALE
The rationale for this study is to evaluate the specific effects of a 7:30 AM start time on
student attendance and academic performance among senior high school students. By
understanding these effects, schools can make informed decisions about start times that could
improve student outcomes. This study aims to provide empirical evidence on whether flexible
scheduling and homework policies could lead to better attendance and higher academic
performance, thereby supporting students' overall well-being and success.
THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
This research is based on the Circadian Rhythm Theory, which posits that humans have an
internal biological clock that regulates various physiological processes, including sleep-wake
cycles. According to this theory, adolescents have a delayed sleep phase, meaning they naturally
fall asleep and wake up later compared to younger children and adults. Early school start times
can disrupt adolescents’ circadian rhythms, leading to insufficient sleep and daytime sleepiness,
which can impair cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and academic performance.
The Circadian Rhythm Theory suggests that a 7:30 AM start time may not align with senior
high school students’ natural sleep-wake patterns, potentially leading to sleep deprivation and
negatively impacting their academic performance. This theory provides a framework for
Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
Region I
Schools Division Office of Dagupan City
Dagupan City National High School
understanding how an early school start time can influence students’ sleep duration and,
consequently, their attendance and academic achievement.
The Sleep Deprivation Theory complements the Circadian Rhythm Theory by focusing on
the adverse effects of inadequate sleep on health, cognitive abilities, and overall well-being. This
theory asserts that sleep deprivation, particularly among adolescents, can result in decreased
attention span, reduced concentration, and impaired decision-making skills. In the context of a
7:30 AM start time, students may struggle to get enough sleep, leading to chronic sleep
deprivation. As a result, their ability to participate in class, comprehend lessons, and maintain
academic performance may be compromised. This theory underscores the potential negative
consequences of insufficient sleep caused by early school schedules.
The Social-Ecological Theory broadens the understanding of how multiple factors at
different levels—individual, interpersonal, organizational, and societal—interact to influence
sleep patterns and academic performance. According to this theory, students’ sleep behaviors and
academic outcomes are shaped not only by their biological rhythms but also by family dynamics,
school policies, and societal expectations. For instance, a 7:30 AM start time may create
challenges for students and their families in terms of adjusting daily routines, transportation
logistics, and overall well-being. This theory highlights the need to consider the broader social
context when evaluating the impact of early school start times on attendance and academic
performance.
Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
Region I
Schools Division Office of Dagupan City
Dagupan City National High School
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
Figure 1. Conceptual Framework
The researcher adopted the Input-Process-Output (IPO) model for this study to evaluate the
impact of the 7:30 AM start time on attendance and academic performance among senior high
school students at DCNHS. The input includes key variables such as student profiles (age,
gender, grade level), sleep duration, attendance records, and academic performance. These inputs
are crucial for examining the effects of early start times.
Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
Region I
Schools Division Office of Dagupan City
Dagupan City National High School
The researcher gathered data through surveys to assess sleep duration and used school
records for attendance and academic performance. Statistical analysis was applied to identify
trends and correlations between sleep, attendance, and academic outcomes.
The output of this study is a clear understanding of how the 7:30 AM start time affects
students’ attendance and academic performance, to provide recommendations to the school
administration on optimizing start times for better student outcomes.
PARADIGM OF THE STUDY
Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
Region I
Schools Division Office of Dagupan City
Dagupan City National High School
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
This study aims to evaluate the impact of a 7:30 AM start time on attendance and academic
performance among senior high school students at DCNHS.
Specifically, the study seeks to address the following questions:
1. How does a 7:30 AM start time affect the average sleep duration of senior high school
students?
2. What is the relationship between attendance rates and academic performance before and
after implementing the new start time?
3. How do changes in attendance correlate with changes in academic performance metrics?
HYPOTHESIS
There is a significance A 7:30 AM start time affects the average sleep duration of senior
high school students.
There is a significance between attendance rates and academic performance before and after
implementing the new start time.
There is a significance of changes in attendance correlated with changes in academic
performance.
Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
Region I
Schools Division Office of Dagupan City
Dagupan City National High School
SCOPE AND DELIMITATION
The coverage of this study will focus on evaluating the impact of a 7:30 AM start time on
attendance and academic performance among senior high school students. The respondents will
be selected from students enrolled during the academic year 2024-2025 at Dagupan City
National High School.
The participants will be purposely selected based on their attendance records, which will be
obtained from their class secretaries, and their grades in subjects such as English and Personal
Development. The study will focus on attendance, pre-tests, performance tasks, and quizzes.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The findings of this study will have significant implications for:
Students: The results will provide valuable insights into the impact of early school start
times on students' academic performance, attendance, and overall well-being. This information
can be used to advocate for changes in school schedules that better align with adolescents'
natural sleep patterns, potentially improving their educational outcomes and quality of life.
School Administration: The study will offer data-driven evidence to support decisions
regarding school start times. By understanding the potential negative consequences of early
Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
Region I
Schools Division Office of Dagupan City
Dagupan City National High School
schedules, school administrators can explore alternative options that may enhance student
learning and engagement.
Policymakers: The findings of this research can inform policy decisions related to school
start times at both the local and national levels. The study may provide evidence to support the
implementation of later school start times, which have been shown to improve student outcomes
in other regions.
Future Researchers: This study will contribute to the existing body of research on the
relationship between school start times and student outcomes. It will provide a foundation for
future studies that explore this topic in greater depth and investigate the potential benefits of later
start times for different student populations.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
School Start Times: This refers to the time at which the school day officially begins for
students. It is a significant factor influencing students' sleep patterns and overall well-being,
particularly for adolescents whose biological clocks naturally shift during puberty.
Overall Health: The results highlight how sleep deprivation can increase the risk of obesity,
depression, anxiety, and other health issues.
Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
Region I
Schools Division Office of Dagupan City
Dagupan City National High School
School Attendance and Engagement: The results discuss how sleep deprivation can lead to
increased absenteeism, tardiness, and disengagement from school activities.
Academic Performance: The results discuss how sleep deprivation affects grades, standardized
test scores, course completion rates, and graduation rates.
