Education chief: Maybe start school day later

WASHINGTON (AP) -- High school students could start their days later and get more sleep if the nation's top education official gets his way.

Education Secretary Arne Duncan on Wednesday said studies have shown that students do better if they start their school day rested. But Duncan added the decision is up to local schools and says he won't be telling superintendents when to schedule their first bells.

Duncan acknowledges a later start time could be problematic for bus schedules but adds schools are there to serve students, not adults.

Duncan also says "common sense" tells him teenagers are struggling to wake up early and make it to the buses. He says students who arrive at school rested and ready to learn do better.

Duncan spoke to NPR's "The Diane Rehm Show."