Well designed homework should not require parents to teach their children
acquisition-stage skills and thus will also help parents serve in a supporting
role. Several meta-analytic studies have found that high parental expectations
also make a significant impact on student achievement (Jeynes, 2011). Parents
should create a homework environment that is conducive to learning (Cooper
& Nye, 1994; Patton, 1994). There should be a specific time and area
for homework completion. The area should be distraction free and have the
necessary materials for completing homework (Redding, 2000, 2006). Parents
should also encourage their children and maintain involvement (Patton,
1994). Teachers can assist parents by conveying these suggestions at back to
school nights, in classroom newsletters, and at parent–teacher conferences.