The experts do agree on one thing: homework isn’t often used optimally by schools. Although it is often assigned in a one-size-fits-all format, students have many different ways of learning and assimilating information. Some do better with short-term assignments, some can shine when given a semester-long task, and some kids do better with team-based work. “Kids learn more when assignments are clever and fun,” says Denise Pope, Ph.D., Stanford University School of Education professor. Of course, not every teacher assigns tasks that will further every student’s interest.

While changing a less-than-perfect homework policy might be a daunting task best left to school committees, parents can do a lot to improve their child’s homework experience.

“Parents and kids need to have a solid understanding of what the homework is for,” says Joyce Epstein, Ph.D., scholastic researcher and director of the Center on School, Family, and Community Partnership at Johns Hopkins University. For example, it can provide insight for a teacher into how a student is doing. If parents are over-involved, no one profits. The teacher won’t know if a child needs help; the child won’t learn essential skills; and parents will most likely get frustrated.

Another purpose of homework is to teach organizational skills. “Kids who are organized outperform disorganized, albeit brighter kids on a regular basis,” says John Blaber, an English teacher at Redwood High School in Larkspur, California. “Parents should be sure their teen carries a planner/assignment log and copies that night’s homework off the board as soon as he gets into class.”

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Issue: October 2007