Research: Two new studies on homework pose concerns about schools’ misuse of the practice. The first study surveyed teachers across the nation and concluded that high school students are assigned an average of 3.5 hours of homework per night. The second uncovers the ramifications this practice, finding that these heavy loads take an emotional toll on both students and their families. The faulty assumption that heavy homework loads lead to success encourages tensions between parents and their children, increases stress, leads to sleep deprivation, and discourages other developmentally appropriate life lessons.
Practice: At Chrysalis we recognize that time spent outside of school is extremely valuable in the development of a child. It’s important that children nurture their relationships, explore their interests, and engage their passions outside of school. Out of respect for this time, the amount of homework we assign a student is directly related to their individual learning goals. Furthermore, we view homework as a measure of a student’s independence. While Chrysalis parents may need to help create a space or time for homework to be completed, they are dissuaded from active participation in the homework process.