After three months of reviewing research on homework and meeting with parents, principals, and teachers, the Toronto, Canada, School District Board is now taking a very close look at a new proposed homework policy. The proposal focuses on quality, not quantity, suggests that homework in the early grades be limited to reading, talks at lengthContinue reading “Toronto School Board Considers Scaling Back Homework”
Author Archives: Sara Bennett
Guest Blogger: My Life as a Homework Protester
Today’s guest blogger is “FedUpMom”, the mother of a 10-year-old who attends a public school in the suburbs of Philadelphia. My Life as a Homework Protester by FedUpMom My life as a homework protester began last year, when my daughter was in 4th grade. The straw that broke the camel’s back was an assignment whichContinue reading “Guest Blogger: My Life as a Homework Protester”
On Vacation Until April 1
What to Do About Reading (cont’d)
In this blog, and in every media interview, I often lament that students don’t read for pleasure. If you’re also interested in this topic, I suggest you read The Book Whisperer, a blog in Teacher Magazine by Donalyn Miller, who writes about how to inspire and motivate student readers. Here’s an excerpt from a recentContinue reading “What to Do About Reading (cont’d)”
From My Mailbox: Letter from a Teacher in England
The other day I received thiis letter from a middle school teacher in England: Dear Sara I have been a teacher for the past thirty years and I completely agree with you about homework. I often feel like a lone voice in the staff room. My brother’s two children (ages 9 and 12) have beenContinue reading “From My Mailbox: Letter from a Teacher in England”
Step 3 in San Marino, California: Presentation to the School Board
In San Marino, California, Tracy Mason has been organizing parents to try to change homework policy in her District. You can read about what she’s been doing here and here. When she got the opportunity to talk to the School Board, this is what she said: Hello. Thank you for allowing me to address theContinue reading “Step 3 in San Marino, California: Presentation to the School Board”
More on Finland
The editor of OpenEducation.net sent me this link to Several Lessons to Be Learned From Finland. The article provides a more indepth look at why the Finnish school system is successful and provides suggestions for ways other systems could incorporate some of Finland’s educational policies.
Teachers in England Will Soon Debate Motion to Abolish Homework
The Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) in England, a union which represents 160,000 teachers, will debate a motion at its annual conference next week calling for an end to homework for elementary school children and cutting back the amount for teenagers. According to The Telegraph, “The move comes amid growing fears that children areContinue reading “Teachers in England Will Soon Debate Motion to Abolish Homework”
Interesting Online Radio Interviews
Rae Pica, a children’s physical activity specialist for 27 years and the author of 17 books, has a wonderful online radio program called BAM! Body Mind and Children. Some of her recent interviewees have been: Carol Dweck, David Elkind, Alfie Kohn, Dr. Jane Healy, and me. You can listen here.
Guest Blogger: Update from Danville, California
Today’s guest blogger, Kerry Dickinson, gives an update on her organizing efforts in Danville, California. Kerry is the mother of two middle school age boys, a former middle and high school teacher, a current part-time substitute teacher, and a stay at home mother. She, and Julie Kurtz, the mother of two teens, a Mental HealthContinue reading “Guest Blogger: Update from Danville, California”
Stop Homework 