I’ll have a new post on Monday. In the meantime, if your child had homework over this vacation and you’re unhappy about it, tell the teacher (or administrator) how you feel about it. If you need a suggestion of what to write in a letter or email, or say in a telephone conversation or person-to-personContinue reading “Happy Thanksgiving”
Author Archives: Sara Bennett
Recent Media
Since The Case Against Homework came out in late August, the book has been discussed in dozens of newspapers and magazines, and I’ve been interviewed countless times for radio, TV, and print media. The reception from audiences everywhere has been fantastic. After almost every radio show, the hosts have told me they’ve received more callsContinue reading “Recent Media”
Teenagers Drastically Need More Downtime
The Philadelphia Inquirer ran an article this week by Dr. Daniel Gottlieb, a clinical psychologist, family therapist, and author of, among other things, Letters to Sam: A Grandfather’s Lessons on Love, Loss, and the Gifts of Life. I was excited to read Dr. Gottlieb’s article because he talks about what students themselves can do toContinue reading “Teenagers Drastically Need More Downtime”
In Hong Kong, Homework Spawns Abuse
According to an article by the German Press Agency, a father in Hong Kong was convicted of abuse this week for making his 9-year-old son walk naked through the streets for failing to do his homework. Earlier this year, also in Hong Kong, a 10-year-old boy died by suffocating inside a suitcase, where his parentsContinue reading “In Hong Kong, Homework Spawns Abuse”
Forums
There are some really interesting conversations going on in the forums, so don’t forget to visit them. If you haven’t registered, it’s really easy. Just follow the simple steps under the heading “Register.” Although you have to register in order to participate, you can register anonymously if you want and your profile information remains privateContinue reading “Forums”
School Leaders in Wake County, North Carolina, Encourage Teachers to Stop Penalizing Students for Not Doing Homework
According to an article from the Raleigh News and Observer, more and more teachers are beginning to question the value of homework. In Wake County, North Carolina, school leaders are encouraging teachers to stop giving zeros for late or missed homework assignments. And a middle school in Raleigh, East Millbrook Middle School, no longer countsContinue reading “School Leaders in Wake County, North Carolina, Encourage Teachers to Stop Penalizing Students for Not Doing Homework”
Guest Blogger: A Father’s Lament
Today’s guest blogger is John Painter, the editor of readingtonparents.org. On that web site, you’ll find interesting articles on a variety of topics, including: scripted learning, cheating, and homework. You’ll also find a pretty decent homework policy from the Readington, New Jersey, School District. Here, the father of two describes the all-too-familiar trials of aContinue reading “Guest Blogger: A Father’s Lament”
First Monday
Today, November 6, is the first Monday in November. As suggested in The Case Against Homework, and in this blog on October 2, I recommend that every parent send a note to her/his children’s teachers, administrators, or School Board members on the first Monday of every month. (If your school celebrates a holiday today, thenContinue reading “First Monday”
West Allegheny, Pennsylvania, School District Implements Homework Policy Setting Maximum Time Limits
According to the post-gazette.com, a new homework policy in West Allegheny, Pennsylvania sets limits for the maximum amount of time students should spend on homework each night. The guidelines also state that test preparation counts as homework and a student shouldn’t have more than two tests on the same day. If a student consistently spendsContinue reading “West Allegheny, Pennsylvania, School District Implements Homework Policy Setting Maximum Time Limits”
Immigrant Parents Face “Distinctive Challenge” in Helping Their Children with Homework
An article in today’s New York Times (subscription required) highlights a big problem with homework when parents aren’t equipped to help. Parental involvement is a buzzword in education, a recommended cure for high dropout rates, poor test scores and almost everything else that ails schoolchildren. But for immigrant parents, helping their children absorb lessons inContinue reading “Immigrant Parents Face “Distinctive Challenge” in Helping Their Children with Homework”
Stop Homework 