Homework is often a hot-button issue for schools. Even with a school homework policy, the homework practices of teachers vary in quality, with some teachers applying best practice standards, while others assign homework too difficult for some students, or collect homework without providing feedback to students. In addition, families in which…

The default policy in almost all schools is to assign homework on a regular basis. Alfie Kohn argues that this would make sense only if the homework is beneficial--which it usually is not. He proposes that we re-evaluate the quantity and quality of such assignments and help teachers to rethink the tendency to give homework even when it seems…

The authors describe the results of surveys conducted by a small school district in Massachusetts to determine homework practices and beliefs, including time spent on homework, parent assistance, homework format, and balancing of homework and other activities. The result was the establishment of a comprehensive homework policy, including…

Teachers assign homework because it teaches students self-discipline, is believed to increase academic achievement, fulfills people's expectations, and expands the curriculum. Problems with homework include completion difficulties, uncoordinated assignments, interference with important out-of-school activities, fostering of undesirable student…

When surveying parents on six types of involvement, the Family Center at Johns Hopkins University found that respondents were uninterested in regular school visits or participation in decision making but eager to help their children at home. In response, two researchers developed TIPS (Teachers Involve Parents in Schoolwork), an interactive…

Research findings indicate that homework gives parents a window on their children's school work and that families reshape their activities around homework. Principals, teachers, and parents need to cooperate in making homework policy and in deciding goals, evaluating present policies, and individualizing assignments. (MLF)

A recent study of schooling in five nations with well-developed educational systems (Canada, Denmark, England, Germany, and Japan) reveals that most of them share important characteristics not generally found in American schools. Results suggest that U.S. elementary educators should reconfigure school-year length, vacation time, and the pace of…

To improve its school failure rate, a Virginia intermediate school instituted Project Achievement, a privately funded program helping at-risk students complete homework assignments. Structured into three one-hour sessions featuring tutoring, interdisciplinary study groups, and special activities, the project is immensely popular. During the summer…

Elementary schools are getting larger, enrollments continue to climb, and Hispanic children comprise the biggest minority group. Teacher numbers are barely keeping up with student enrollment. Most elementary students do some homework daily. Technology use is increasing, adoption of new content standards is occurring, and tardiness, fighting, and…

After spending six years studying elementary schools of 10 countries noted for educational excellence (Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, and the United States), the authors reveal world-class standards they have identified for time-on-task, curriculum, assessment, parenting, and student behavior.…