![](http://theqandatimes.com/files/media/UserImages/img_704.jpg) | Dr.Glenn Fortmayer is Superintendent of USD 247 Southeast. He has been a superintendent for four years and administrator for 15 of 23 years in education. He is working with Southeast on initiatives including: expanding student learning opportunities, technology integration, and increasing instruction that authentically engages students every class period of every day with an emphasis on project based learning. For more information call 620-457-8350.
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Education Issues
2012-08-30 08:44:47
Homework? What homework? I don't have any homework.
A- Homework has been a source of debate and research for many years. It is absolutely true that in some classrooms or schools homework does not even exist. In others, it is given in small amounts and may be limited to the amount that can be given. Still, in other classes and schools, the amount of homework can amount to hours every night. There are good and bad reasons for the differing amount.
Some inappropriate uses of homework include it being for disciplinary reasons, to make a class appear more rigorous to parents, to replace instruction, and to intentionally create a grade separation between those who can complete the work and those that can’t due to schedule conflicts, less ability, and less home support. These are unethical reasons to assign homework.
There are valid reasons to assign homework. It provides an opportunity to practice what was taught to increase retention. Students that do homework have shown to be more capable of being successful in post K-12 education and jobs where homework is required more extensively. Homework can provide an opportunity to allow more time for assignment completion and practice than may be available during the school day.
Even good uses of homework have pitfalls that must be carefully accounted for in order for homework to maintain its usefulness. Many students do not complete homework independently. The work is often completed in varying degrees, if not totally, by friends, siblings, or parents. These other people may mean well trying to help, but invalidate the homework by doing any part of it. Homework can be unfair to students in several ways. If materials are involved, students lacking parental support at home or in a family with limited finances may have difficulty getting the materials. Families where parents can’t be home due to work or other demands often place older siblings in the role of caregiver to younger siblings reducing the older students’ time for homework. Away parents are not home to assist, tutor, or hold students accountable to complete homework or ensure pro-homework environment exists. Athletes can also have time constraints making homework difficult or impossible. Many students are in a position where they must work. Their shifts can be long and make it impossible for them to complete homework. Finally, many times even when homework is completed, students can practice incorrect techniques and become frustrated at having wasted their time or make it more difficult for them to learn because they have to unlearn wrong procedures or information.
The question of homework is indeed difficult. At USD 247 Southeast teachers are required to consider the pitfalls above and assign homework judiciously. Homework grades represent a minimal part of a grade because of the lack of accountability of the student to complete it alone. Administration works with teachers to balance the frequency, length, purpose, and type of homework to the curriculum and student needs.+
Interested students, parents, and patrons should contact their local districts for more information.