Many parents are echoing Rosen's sentiment over the loss of family time. The homework battle pits parents who are fighting for quality time with their kids against educators and others who are trying to ensure that students make the grade. You have to have rituals. You have to create a history you share. The authors call for an end to homework and a revamping of the way schools handle extra schoolwork.
School belongs at school.
Homework proponents say it reinforces what a child has learned during the day and fosters self-discipline, independent learning, good work habits and responsibility. It also gives parents insights into what their children are learning during the school day. Harris Cooper, one of the nation's leading homework experts, supports after-school assignments. However, as children grow older, he says, the link between how much they do and how well they are doing in school grows stronger. My feeling is that all children should be doing homework, but the amount and type should vary based on their age, development level and home circumstances.