No Homework Policy

There’s no scientific evidence that homework improves the academic performance of elementary students. Homework research czar Harris Cooper, of Duke University, compiled 120 studies in 1989 and another 60 studies in 2006 that prove this fact. All it does is negatively impact kids’ attitudes towards school, learning, and their parents (the homework enforcers).

This allows the kids to want to focus more in class & give their all.

A teacher who implemented this policy expressed that it brought out the best in a lot of students! It changed their study habits permanently. They created habits that I hope will continue on with them for years and years to come. They knew that in order to continue having no homework, they truly had to give her their all during the day. It wasn't easy. They had to not only complete their assignments, but complete them well. They had very, very little down time, and She expected more from this group of kids than ever before. Some rose to the challenge and THRIVED under the challenge... ...and some kids didn't care.

She had a handful of students who were not at all motivated by a lack of homework. These were the kids who repeatedly ended up taking work home because they weren't completing it in class (usually due to them being distracted and not on-task). Some kids learned quickly that this isn't what they wanted, and a few kids never did quite learn.

While most parents loved the idea, there were a small number of parents who did not! They worried that they would become accustomed to not having homework and have a difficult time next year when their teacher required it again. They worried they wouldn't get enough skill practice. The parents were reassured that, if they requested it, the teacher would send home supplemental practice. Not one of the parents who initially expressed concern over the policy ever ended up asking for homework.

There were some students that specifically asked for homework after class assignments they particularly loved!

There were also some students that absolutely needed the practice, they were given one packet a quarter (due at the end of the quarter) that existed of what that specific child needed help with.

Any work that did make it home after school was only due to a child not completing their daily work & 20 minutes of reading.

No Homework allows kids to be kids.

No Homework allows them more time to expel energy aside from the given 20 minutes of recess at school.

No Homework means more much needed time with family.

No Homework means less stress on the elementary school aged children.

No Homework means time to decompress before extracurricular activities or appointments.