Most of us assume that getting a zero for failing to do work is fair. But here’s an article that shows why the zero is unfair and should be abolished. It’s a must read. I know of a teacher who slipped the article in her colleagues’ mailboxes as an “FYI.” You might consider doing theContinue reading “The Case Against the Zero”
Author Archives: Sara Bennett
Stophomework Is on Holiday Break until January 7
Have a relaxing, peaceful, and homework-free holiday.
Brookings Institute: Time Spent on Math Homework Doesn’t Help Test Scores
According to a press release issued by the Brookings Institute, the 2007 Brown Center Report on American Education finds that homework DOES NOT improve scores on standardized math tests.
Guest Blogger: The Experts Tell Us
Today’s guest blogger, Diane Hewlett-Lowrie is the mother of a six-year-old son. Diane works in education and interpretation with the New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry. She grew up in Scotland and believes in nurturing the development of the whole child. Her experience with homework to date has been that it is pointless, hasContinue reading “Guest Blogger: The Experts Tell Us”
Op-Ed in Contra Costa Times, California
Today’s post is an op-ed published in the Contra Costa Times on November 15. It’s written by Kerry Dickinson, who was Monday’s’s guest blogger. Homework is Culprit by Kerry Dickinson I was both thrilled and perplexed with the front page article “Healthy development tied to nature” on Nov. 8. I’m thrilled because our family lovesContinue reading “Op-Ed in Contra Costa Times, California”
Parents Organize in Danville, California
Today’s guest blogger is Kerry Dickinson, 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 Health Director, and a licensed marriage and family therapist in the SanContinue reading “Parents Organize in Danville, California”
Senior Dad Revisits Homework
In the last two weeks, Stan Goldberg, a podcaster from the Bay Area who is better known as Senior Dad has interviewed two parents involved in trying to change homework policy in their communities, Amanda Cockshutt and Tracy Mason. Amanda, who wrote a guest blog entry last June, and whose letter to a local newspaperContinue reading “Senior Dad Revisits Homework”
Summary of Meeting between Davis, California Parents and Representatives of the Superintendent
Last week, five parents in Davis, California, met with the Director of Curriculum and the Associate Superintendent to discuss homework policy. Here’s the report back to the Superintendent: Today we met with five parents, representatives of the 40 parents who signed the letter to you. The parents expressed numerous concerns with the district’s homework policyContinue reading “Summary of Meeting between Davis, California Parents and Representatives of the Superintendent”
Davis, California, Parents Meet With Representatives of the new School Superintendent
In my last blog entry, I wrote about how parents in Davis, California, welcomed their new school Superintendent with a letter asking him to meet to discuss homework policy. Last week, 5 parent representatives met with the Director of Curriculum and the Associate Superintendent. Here’s what one of the parents told them: My name isContinue reading “Davis, California, Parents Meet With Representatives of the new School Superintendent”
Brilliant Idea from Parents in Davis, California
Forty parents in Davis, California, sent their new Superintendent of Schools the following welcoming lettter. As a result, the Superintendent scheduled a meeting to discuss homework. Dear Mr. Superintendent, Welcome to your new position as Superintendent. I know you have many policy matters to assess, and we, the undersigned parents, believe that one of themContinue reading “Brilliant Idea from Parents in Davis, California”
Stop Homework 