Letters to the Editor
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Homework Hell
Point one: I design and write end-of-grade tests and other assessment instruments, and I do my very best to make them sensible and meaningful.
Point two: I am in total agreement with Ayelet Waldman's statements in "Homework Hell."
Point three: As a person with decent and compassionate feelings for children, and as a test writer and editor, I believe that homework up to grade 7 should be minimal. Short math drills! Short reading assignments! Sprawling, interminable research projects that require heavy-duty adult input DO NOT HELP ANYONE LEARN TO DO ANYTHING USEFUL, including real research or passing any test I write. The best way to do really well on my reading tests is to read - and what to read is less an issue than most people imagine, so people of all ages should be free to follow their bliss - and get hardwired with the English language's behaviors and possibilities. And someone tormented with hours of post-school makework is not going to read voluntarily, with that special alertness and receptivity associated with pleasure. It is my firm belief that no synthetic, mechanistic "reading activities" or tutorials take the place of regular reading done for reasons of fascination and pleasure.
Point four: Children under 12 may be able to ape adult research activities, but they can't do research like an adult because they don't have the context, the life-on-earth experience and sense of connectivity that real research requires. And, do you know what? That's okay, because they don't need to do research. They can do it in high school and college. That's plenty early.
Point five: Parents can refuse to be part of "homework hell." Refuse to taxi the kid around on homework errands. Don't pressure the kid to do more than an hour's homework, MAX. Be an active advocate for the kid's right to be off shift when the school day ends, to get healthy exercise and socialize with other kids, to read and think and develop creatively and spiritually...which requires some idleness, even some boredom. People never learn what to do with themselves unless they have to think about the issue a bit.
Point six: A teacher does not have the right to immiserate your home. This is your child, your family life, and your own life. Your family life should not be tainted with memories of unnecessary conflict and embattlement on the home front. And, you know what else? You are out of school and should not feel compelled to repeat the experience. Take charge; say no; get a group of like-minded parents together to press the point if necessary, then press it with conviction.