Recent research shows that teenagers have doubled the amount of time they spend on homework since the 1990s. This is in spite of other, well-documented research that calls the efficacy of homework into question, albeit in the younger grades. Why are students spending so much time on homework if the impact is zero (for younger kids) or moderate (for older ones)? Should we ban homework? These are the questions teachers, parents, and lawmakers are asking.
Bans proposed and implemented in the U.S. and abroad
The struggle of whether or not to assign homework is not a new one. In 2017, a Florida superintendent banned homework for elementary schools in the entire district, with one very important exception: reading at home. The United States isnât the only country to question the benefits of homework. Last August, the Philippines proposed a bill  to ban homework completely, citing the need for rest, relaxation, and time with family. Another bill there proposed no weekend homework, with teachers running the risk of fines or two years in prison. (Yikes!) While a prison sentence may seem extreme, there are real reasons to reconsider homework.
Refocus on mental health and educate the âwhole childâ
Prioritizing mental health is at the forefront of the homework ban movement. Leaders say they want to give students time to develop other hobbies, relationships, and balance in their lives.
This month two Utah elementary schools gained national recognition for officially banning homework. The results are significant, with psychologist referrals for anxiety decreasing by 50 percent. Many schools are looking for ways to refocus on wellness, and homework can be a real cause of stress.
[contextly_auto_sidebar]
Research supports a ban for elementary schools
Supporters of a homework ban often cite research from John Hattie, who concluded that elementary school homework has no effect on academic progress. In a podcast he said, âHomework in primary school has an effect of around zero. In high school itâs larger. (âŠ) Which is why we need to get it right. Not why we need to get rid of it. Itâs one of those lower hanging fruit that we should be looking in our primary schools to say, âIs it really making a difference?'â
In the upper grades, Hattieâs research shows that homework has to be purposeful, not busy work. And the reality is, most teachers donât receive training on how to assign homework that is meaningful and relevant to students.
Parents push back, too
In October this Washington Post article made waves in parenting and education communities when it introduced the idea that, even if homework is assigned, it doesnât have to be completed for the student to pass the class. The writer explains how her family doesnât believe in homework, and doesnât participate. In response, other parents started âopting outâ of homework, citing research that homework in elementary school doesnât further intelligence or academic success.Â
Of course, homework has its defenders, especially in the upper grades
âI think some homework is a good idea,â says Darla E. in our WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook. âIdeally, it forces the parents to take some responsibility for their childâs education. It also reinforces what students learn and instills good study habits for later in life.â
Jennifer M. agrees. âIf we are trying to make students college-ready, they need the skill of doing homework.â
And the research does support some homework in middle and high school, as long as it is clearly tied to learning and not overwhelming.
Weâd love to hear your thoughtsâdo you think schools should ban homework? Come and share in our WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.
Plus, why you should stop assigning reading homework.