A number of our teachers thought that it would be healthy for us to adopt a new “No Homework” policy. The idea would be that students would be free to do what they want after school with no worry about any school assignments.
Policy changes require two board meetings. Therefore, this change will not go into effect until the next school year, but we thought it would be important to share this new thinking early.
Recent research has shown that time spent on homework can be better put to use for other important activities – family interaction, physical activity, etc.
It is expected that a few of our families will question this change in policy, but understand that you can always provide your own children with extra academic work – if that is your choice.
Limiting the time students have for outside interest seriously curtails their ability to explore these areas of interest and can have a limiting impact on future decisions about careers, etc. This new approach should broaden the horizon for many of the Woodbury students.
Following a year of operating under this new policy, we will conduct a variety of studies to determine whether academic performance has suffered. In addition, surveys will be conducted of our students and their parents to see if “quality of life” issues have benefited from the change.
Our goal here is to increase student opportunities. Interestingly, it is believed that this approach will also increase student academic performance.
One of the critical benchmarks for success will be performance on the state testing – ASK and HSPA testing. We will be able to chart these performances against past years to have an added measure to help determine the success of the new “No Homework” policy.
Let’s face it, today’s society has placed many added pressures on the family. If the school can help relieve some of this tension, our children will be better off. The teachers will be able to utilize classroom time on new learning – without worry about who did or did not complete a prior night’s assignment. Additionally, mom and dad will now have the luxury of true family time each and every night. This presents a win-win opportunity.
Should you have any questions or comments about this proposed change in policy, feel free to leave a comment as part of this blog entry. It will be interesting to be able to follow the thoughts of others who hear about this idea and the various reactions.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
15 comments:
April Fools!!!
Amen. I believe in this no homework policy 100%. I just had a conversation with my son this morning about rushing through his homework to get outside. It is hard for me to force him to stay inside to do homework when the weather is nice outside. It's hard because in my heart I would rather him be outside. He is very active and in good health and I would like it to stay that way. I feel there is plenty of time in school to educate my children and at times it has been very stressful at home regarding the homework. Some teachers are reasonable with the amount of homework they give, but others are not. Some teachers are happy when the child hands in the homework they complete on their own, but some teachers seem to want the parent to sit with the child, reteach the child and turn in the homework corrected. This is all while you are trying to prepare dinner, take care of your other children (some still in diapers while some old enough to want you to sit with them too and help with homework) and get out the door to do the many activities children are involved in now.
I can't wait to get this started to see if it increases the student's academic perfomance. I already know it will decrease family tension. I only wish this was starting NOW.
Thank you for considering this and you have my vote!!!!!
This sounds like an awesome concept. I always felt Mr. Jones was a visionary leading the district in a positive direction and this decision solidifies that belief. My hat goes off to the board and the administration for such an innovative idea.
I agree with the other two posts and completely support this policy. There is an old saying that goes when you do the same thing you get the same result. So why not try something radical and abolish homework. Maybe it will even increase family and community relations giving students more time to do community service and volunteer work. I appreciated your boldness Mr. Jones and your desire to think rather fast outside of the box.
What an interesting idea and concept. I wonder if somehow this can be tied into the strategic plan and concept of educating the students from a holistic social and emotional perspective. Having students spend time with their family members in an effort to build that family unit and strengthen their moral family values rather then just focus on repetitive reading and writing activities. A very interesting proposal that the board has put forth, it will be very interesting to see howit unfolds next year.
What a great idea! I have read extensive research supporting this concept of giving kids more time to explore family connections and outside interests. I know this will help us build more well-rounded citizens. I am so proud that our district will be ahead of the curve in this new educational concept. Please let us know how we can support your efforts.
I so happy to see that Mr. Jones and the Board are leading in this national change movement. If you want to read more about what people are saying...
Educational Leadership Article
Wyoming Elementary School
Talk about back to family values!
I agree. My daughter attends catholic school & some nights the homework is simply ridiculous. By the time we are done with softball, soccer practive etc...my wife & I are helping her with homework until 9:30 p.m.
BRAVO Mr. Jones
All Previous Responses Insightful.
Life-experience Frequently Outshines Organized Learning Systems!
Well done, Mr. Jones
this is a great idea, but...... look at the date. April 1, doesnt that seem a little odd that he would post this bold idea on a day known for pranks and gags
If this is an April Fool's Day joke, I lost all respect for Mr. Jones. Grow Up!
Wake up folks! Look at the first letter of each paragraph.
Congradulations Mr. Jones! It's a job well done!
As for some, who is really at fault if you fell into the trap! Have a little fun once in a while.
Mr. Jones would never joke about something like this. I am sure this is for real. He is way too handsome and intelligent to joke about something as serious as this.
Bravo, well done, brilliant!!! Now make it happen!!
Homework...We are supposed to be giving homework?
Post a Comment