That does not mean elementary students should have no homework, only that grades or results on standardized tests do not measure the benefits of homework. There is a problem, though, if family time is minimized and children no longer have time to play or if students don't graduate because of failing homework grades. Experts suggest approximately ten minutes of homework a night, starting in first grade, with an additional ten minutes each year. They also stress, however, the importance of teachers' addressing the issue of assignment quality. But before assigning homework, one needs to have clear goals, share those goals with children and parents, and make sure that those goals are being achieved.
Otherwise homework is an idle exercise.
Despite the experts' stress on monitoring the quality and quantity of homework, many students are left trying to cope with a huge, often boring, homework load. The school recommends that most work be finished in class and that assignments be creative and interactive, not busy work. This April 1999 NEA Today article describes Harris Cooper's research and includes his suggestions for making homework work. Through links from this site, users can access Dr. Bett's research on homework. The article also offers homework tips for parents, teachers, and students.