I recently heard from Lisa Grady, a parent of a fourth-grader from a community of 35,000 in southern California, who helped to form a group of fourth-grade parents in her pre-K – 5 elementary school. The group calls itself “For the Love of Learning” and has a mission statement: “To partner with our teachers toContinue reading “From My Mailbox: Fourth-Grade Parents in One School in Southern California Begin to Organize”
Author Archives: Sara Bennett
More Homework Won’t Equal More Proficiency in Math and Science
According to an article in Education Week, Pennsylvania State University researcher, Gerald K. LeTendre, has published a new paper in which he again finds that more homework is not associated with higher levels of average national achievement. “’The paper is a preliminary investigation with some fairly common-sense warnings not to start promoting or demoting homework’Continue reading “More Homework Won’t Equal More Proficiency in Math and Science”
Math Homework Gives Parents Anxiety
According to a survey conducted by Russell Research, nearly 3/4 (72%) of parents surveyed reported that their child has math homework on most school nights. Seven out of ten parents (71%) say that because the approach to teaching math has changed since their school days, it’s taking them more time to help their child completeContinue reading “Math Homework Gives Parents Anxiety”
Guest Blogger: An Eighth Grader’s Lament
Middle and high school students have been sending me essays they’ve written about homework. On occasion, I will be posting them here. (If you are a student and want me to consider your paper, email me.) Today’s guest blog entry is by Courtney, an eighth grader who goes to a middle school in the CentralContinue reading “Guest Blogger: An Eighth Grader’s Lament”
From the Mouth of a College Student
A student at Buena Vista University in Iowa argues eloquently that homework should not be assigned over spring break. Beaches, warm sun, a clear blue ocean. What a way to spend spring break. Mine went a bit differently. My plans consisted of a trans-Iowa trip with plenty of time with friends and family. Unfortunately, IContinue reading “From the Mouth of a College Student”
High School Student Takes on “Vacation” Homework
A high school student at one of the most elite public high schools in the country, “Stuyvesant High School in New York City, “persuaded the principal to put limits on homework over school breaks. According to an article in The New York Times, “Like the earnest boy in ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes,’ Sean pointed outContinue reading “High School Student Takes on “Vacation” Homework”
How Would Einstein Have Fared in Today’s Schools?
An article in the March, 2007, issue of Wired magazine titled, “The World Needs More Rebels Like Einstein,” states, “At a time when the U.S., worried about competition from China, is again emphasizing math and science education, Einstein’s genius reminds us that a society’s competitive advantage comes not from teaching the multiplication or periodic tablesContinue reading “How Would Einstein Have Fared in Today’s Schools?”
First Monday
This coming Monday is the first Monday in April. As suggested in The Case Against Homework, and in this blog every month, I recommend that every parent send a note expressing her/his views on homework to her/his children’s teachers, administrators, or School Board members on the first Monday of every month. As always, please letContinue reading “First Monday”
High School Teacher Explains Why He Doesn’t Assign Homework
A high school math teacher near Santa Cruz, California, writes in his blog that he doesn’t assign homework because, in his experience, an organized teacher can get all instruction and practice completed in class. Read “Why I Don’t Assign Homework” here.
Advice Needed: Part 2
In my last blog entry, I asked you to post comments to help out the woman from Pennsylvania who is struggling with her child’s teachers and school. Although I’ve received dozens of emails in the interim, only two people posted their suggestions on the blog. So again, here’s my plea: please post your suggestions inContinue reading “Advice Needed: Part 2”
Stop Homework 