School Board Passes Modified Homework Policy

As part of a yearlong initiative to reexamine and, where possible, to reduce student stress, the on Monday night approved a modified homework policy advising teachers to assign students homework that is "meaningful in nature."

A more concrete change is that students will have a "reasonable length of time," or no less than two days, to make up for missed assignments following an absence for illness or other reason, such as a religious holiday.

Another change, said Board Member Elaine Kusel, who presented the policy for a second and final reading, is that teachers should coordinate their schedules so students don't have final projects or tests all due on a certain day.

The change was made following dialogue in a yearlong discussion, as well as in surveys filled out by students, parents and staff, that students may have been receiving too many assignments for "busy work" with schedules that were overwhelming for some.

Schools Superintendent Valerie Goger said the new policy will seek to encourage homework assignments that further learning about material taught in classrooms, rather than "complete what was taught in class."

The policy received a no vote from Board Member Michael Byrne, who said he believes that homework assignments sometimes should include repetition that is not always "meaningful."

"Some homework is not going to be rocket science, it's repetition," Byrne said.

Board Member Robin McKeon said the policy does not prohibit repetition for homework in subject areas such as math.

Byrne said repetition is the key in many subjects and activities, be it sports or other learning. "I am arguing you just took out the whole reason for homework," he said.