An elementary school in Oregon announced it will no longer assign homework. A similar policy decision by a Texas second-grade teacher went viral on Facebook three weeks ago and earned national applause, reflecting growing parental exasperation with homework.
The new schoolwide policy at Cherry Park Elementary in East Portland grew out of teacher research on the value of homework.
Despite the growing laments about too much homework, the Brown Center Report on American Education found that except for 9-year-olds — who used to have no homework and now have some — the homework load has remained stable since 1984. That doesn’t mean parental complaints about too much homework are invalid, but they are atypical, according to the report.
The Oregon school wants its students to do outside and family activities instead of homework, but the question is will kids spend more time with their families, play outside or read more? Or will they use the time freed from nightly homework for less physical pursuits?
Research finds kids ages 6-11 spend about 28 hours a week in front of the TV. And 71 percent of 8- to 18-year-olds now have a TV in their bedroom. Studies show American parents are now giving their kids their first real cellphones at age 10.
To join the discussion about homework bans, go to the AJC Get Schooled blog.
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