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No homework in Middle School
Anonymous January 8, 2009
My son is in 6th grade, and he has had hardly any homework during the 1st three months. The school said that they changed their policy about homework. I have heard of another school (private) that is doing the same. Has anyone experienced this?
healthy11 January 8, 2009
In my son's Middle School, the guideline was roughly 10 minutes of homework per grade, so a 6th grader could expect 60 minutes, an 8th grader about 80. Some nights were more, some less, but to have no homework or longer-term projects seems like it's not going to prepare the students for high school, unless your high schools adopt a similar policy. Colleges surely won't.
You might want to join Greatschools Middle School Group at http://community.greatschools.net/groups/11528, to chat with other parents about this issue.18805
acma4230 January 8, 2009
when my daughter was in 6th grade she had at least 1hr of hw a nite at the beginning. Then once she got herself into a routine she was able to finish in 40 min. I think 30 to 40 min of hw a nite is good for them it helps them review what they learned in school. She's in 8th now and most nites she gets about 40 min of hw.
Every subject also gives her a project to do during the school year.18803
ncusip January 8, 2009
Thank you for all the answers. I did go to the Middle School Group and was horrified to see the problems that other parents and their children are having. Now I consider myself lucky because overall I guess it is not that bad not to be overload with homework and have the chance to smoothly transition from Elementary to Middle school which is a huge change. My son seems more focused now that he is back from winter break and he is taking more initiative with his work and organization skills so I guess it is not that bad after all. It has given him time to adjust. THanks everyone for your answers and support. This is great!18802
TeacherParent January 13, 2009
There is no research that demonstrates homework helps kids learn. Homework is more of a tradition than a well-thought practice. You might get hold of a newer book called The Homework Myth by Alfie Kohn.
With that, some schools have rethought their homework policies and your son's school is one of them. I think it's a sign of a great school when the school keeps up with the research and is reflective about its practices and policies and then willing to make changes to be the best school they can be. Some schools don't do any of that and just go on doing what they've always done.18801
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