'No homework' movement is being considered in some of Utah's elementary schools
(KUTV) — The standard assignment of homework by teachers to deepen a student's understanding and practice when learning a new concept isn't as widely accepted as it was in the past.
A movement that began in 2016 is now surfacing in Utah that is contrary to conventional thinking that homework is the best way for young students to learn.
In 2017, the Park City School District piloted a "no homework" policy at Jeremy Ranch Elementary School - except for reading.
Like other schools across the nation that are choosing to eliminate homework, PCSD was finding out if the research that shows homework doesn’t do much to boost achievement had merit.
The research stemmed from Princeton schools periodically implementing homework-free weekends, following the lead of West Windsor-Plainsboro schools in 2015.
Then second-grade teacher Brandy Young, of Texas, announced she would no longer assign homework with her letter to parents who posted it on social media. It read:
Research has been unable to prove that homework improves student performance.
She further explained in her letter that research didn't bear out the benefit of homework for young students, saying it was more important for them to play and get to bed early.
Now that other Utah school districts are entertaining being home-work free, 2News Ginna Roe would like to know what you think, email her at garoe@sbgtv.com. You may also participate in the social media poll below.
