Why? They negotiated a plan with their children’s school, which legally exempts their children from having homework, ever.
The Milleys, both lawyers from Canada, grew tired of the nightly fight over homework. Rather than blindly enforce the school’s agenda, they did some homework of their own. What they found out was surprising.
Many of the studies they read failed to prove any decisive link between homework and school performance, especially for younger children. ( This article, from 2007, about how the amount of homework kids should get, touches on this topic.)
So they drew up something called the Milleys ‘ Differentiated Homework Plan:
“The two-page plan, signed by the children, parents and teachers, stipulates that “homework will not be used as a form of evaluation for the children”. In return, the pupils promise to get their work done in class, to come to school prepared, and to revise for tests. They must also read daily and practise their musical instruments at home.”
While I’m not sure I would ever have the conviction, or the stamina, of these parents when it comes to insinuating my personal agenda on my children’s public school, seems like you might as well homeschool, I can definitely relate to the sentiment.
Esther used to cry and yell every night about having to do worksheets, the same worksheets she did all day, when she was in first grade. I struggled with forcing her because deep down I was always thinking, “this kid (she was six) is already spent from a full day of school, is it really necessary to bring this stuff home?”
What do you think about this? Does it smack of helicopter parenting or just parents exerting their right to oversee their children’s education?
How do you feel about grade- school kids getting homework? Do you battle with your kid about it?
I have a friend in Utah who tells me her Kindergartner is bringing homework home. I was stunned. Thoughts?