News from all over - San Jose
Alarmed by indicators of student stress like cheating and substance abuse, a handful of Bay Area schools are reducing an education staple: homework.
Oak Knoll Elementary in Menlo Park has mostly banned homework -- except reading, special projects or catch-up work. Palo Alto's Addison Elementary and the Berryessa School District in San Jose are discussing the issue.
Critics said homework steals time that increasingly busy children need to play or spend with family. Homework proponents argue that it teaches students to be more responsible and manage their time.
Fueled by parent complaints, the too-much-homework issue has taken root primarily in wealthy communities with high-achieving schools. Struggling schools are still trying to involve parents in their children's education.
And some schools are trying to find a balance. Ohlone Elementary School in Palo Alto assigns homework to the parents.
Source
Oak Knoll Elementary in Menlo Park has mostly banned homework -- except reading, special projects or catch-up work. Palo Alto's Addison Elementary and the Berryessa School District in San Jose are discussing the issue.
Critics said homework steals time that increasingly busy children need to play or spend with family. Homework proponents argue that it teaches students to be more responsible and manage their time.
Fueled by parent complaints, the too-much-homework issue has taken root primarily in wealthy communities with high-achieving schools. Struggling schools are still trying to involve parents in their children's education.
And some schools are trying to find a balance. Ohlone Elementary School in Palo Alto assigns homework to the parents.
Source
