Parents cheer no homework policy, but are there benefits?

The homework wars found a new hero this week in a Texas teacher who told parents of her second graders she would not issue any homework this year.

After a delighted parent posted the teacher’s note to Facebook, it went viral, winning praise from moms and dads around the world who believe their children have too much homework.

But is the solution no homework?

One of the leading experts on how time impacts learning is Harris Cooper at Duke University. He understands the Texas teacher’s contention that homework has not been proven to improve academic performance in second graders.

But Cooper says homework for young students has other value. To read more about why Cooper recommends some homework, go to the AJC Get Schooled blog.

About the Author

More Georgia teachers are getting free or cheap master’s degrees. Here’s how.

With teacher turnover rates on the rise, school systems and universities are partnering in a growing effort to recruit and retain Georgia educators.

Georgia school districts prepare for cellphone ban ahead of state deadline

Metro Atlanta schools will be using lockers, pouches and the honor system to keep students from using their phones.

Atlanta school board votes to extend superintendent’s contract

The school board has extended Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Bryan Johnson’s contract, touting his “Back to Basics” approach.

The Latest

Credit: Daniel Varnado/For the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

More Georgia teachers are getting free or cheap master’s degrees. Here’s how.

Atlanta school board votes to extend superintendent’s contract

Georgia school districts prepare for cellphone ban ahead of state deadline

Featured

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

New Georgia election audit targets voters registered at P.O. boxes and businesses

Georgia election officials are trying to find inaccurate voter registrations of people registered at P.O. boxes or business addresses.

Rent an apartment, or just a bedroom, at this new Atlanta skyscraper

Amid rising costs and changing lifestyles, Society Atlanta offers a co-living model designed to shake up traditional apartments.

DISPATCH

In Georgia’s melon mecca, watermelon wizards’ ears are sweetly attuned

In the heart of Georgia's watermelon country, everyone has a trick to tell if a melon is ripe. One way is the sound a melon makes when it is thumped. Or better, patted.