Sonoma principal Jason Sutter on…. Homework

Too much? Too little? Jason Sutter urges parents not to stress out over the topic.|

There is a lot of talk about homework these days – too much, or not enough? People line up on both sides of the issue. Proponents of limiting elementary school homework advocate for schools to let kids be kids and spend time with family. Proponents of heavier doses of homework insist that it teaches responsibility and gives kids needed practice. Where does the Sonoma Valley Unified School District stand?

Current district policy is that elementary students read every night and do about 10 minutes per grade of other homework. In other words, read and 10 minutes for first grade, read and 20 minutes for second, etc. Now that policy is being reconsidered at the elementary level.

Research on homework has elementary schools questioning the type and amount of homework they assign.

Educational researcher John Hattie has reviewed studies on homework and concluded, “Homework in primary school has an effect of around zero.” He advocates not that schools get rid of homework at the elementary level but that they change their attitude. Here are his main points:

• Don’t get over obsessed with homework.

• Five to 10 minutes has the same effect as one to two hours.

• Homework should reinforce something you’ve already learned.

It’s unclear if or how the district policy will change, but many elementary schools are rethinking homework practices.

Jason Sutter is Principal of Prestwood Elementary School.

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