District 200 takes closer look at homework

Among the teacher who assigns it, the student who dreads it and the parent who wants it done, there are differing views about homework.

To get everyone on the same page, Wheaton Warrenville Unit District 200 might weave a list of recommendations into its existing homework policy for the 2011-2012 academic year.

The recommendations, which are available for review on the district's website, include ensuring that homework assignments have an identified purpose and support classroom instruction. Homework expectations also would be “clearly communicated” to students and parents.

“We have a board of education policy relative to homework that's very appropriate,” said Margo Sorrick, assistant superintendent for educational services. “But our teachers and parents are looking for a little more guidance.”

When the district conducted a survey about homework two years ago, more than 11,000 parents, students and staff members responded. What officials learned is that teachers and parents sometimes have very different interpretations of what is appropriate homework.

For example, most of the survey respondents complained about projects. As a result, officials are recommending that group projects not be assigned as homework “unless time is given in class to coordinate and complete the assignments.”

District officials said research also shows the amount of homework can have “a negative impact on the positive relationship between homework and student achievement.”

“At the middle school level and at the high school level, there's a point of diminishing returns,” Sorrick said. “If students have too much homework, it no longer contributes to the learning experience.”

Meanwhile, school can help parents develop strategies for managing homework.

“Parents don't want to have to teach their students at home,” Sorrick said. “But they do want strategies for how to manage homework and help their students be more successful.”

Once the public has had an opportunity to review the homework recommendations for 30 days, officials will make any necessary revisions. The school board is expected to review the recommendations in the spring.