Educa t i o n
Homework: Love it or Loathe it?
Text by Emily Kathleen Alberts Is homework really necessary? Research has been unclear as to whether homework improves student performance, particularly at the elementary school level. Paula Bolte (a.k.a. the Toylady) of Imagination’s Toys in Blacksburg says: “Homework is just not the right type of work that should be happening between children, their parents and educators.” Bolte explains that things like creative play and communication (reading, writing) prove better metrics of success than bringing home binders of sedentary busy work. But what does the board of Montgomery County Public School (MCPS) have to say on the matter? According to MCPS spokeswoman Brenda Drake, the district is in the middle of a strategic planning session, 28
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and “the role of homework, especially at the elementary school level, is certainly in the discussion.” Barbara Wickham, director of elementary education, explains: “The district has had discussions around ensuring that homework is meaningful, purposeful, age appropriate, and follows evidencebased best practice.” One Blacksburg elementary school, Margaret Beeks, has pioneered this new path. Based on a decision by the former principal, teachers at Beeks have scaled back the “busy work” homework for the past two years – and aside from unfinished classwork or targeted skill work, kids are simply asked to read for 10 to 20 minutes each night. “Reading encourages the fundamentals,” says Drake. “Plus, when students read at
home, they can find books that work for them, in addition to the traditional stuff they read in school.” So, as the MCPS school board deliberates, some 10,000 kids spread across 20 elementary schools eagerly await the verdict. But it’s not just a district-wide discussion. It’s an international debate. Starting in February [2020], students at 256 schools across the United Arab Emirates are no longer given assignments to complete outside the classroom. “The no homework rule will create a balance between academic requirements and family life, which is essential for growth and personal development,” the Ministry of Education says. When asked for their opinion on the matter, kids will likely tell you
March/Apri l 2020
