STANDARDS

Common Core: RH.6-8.1, RH.6-8.2, RH.6-8.4, RH.6-8.6, RH.6-8.8, WHST.6-8.1, WHST.6-8.5, RI.6-8.1, RI.6-8.2, RI.6-8.4, RI.6-8.6, RI.6-8.8, RI.6-8.10, W.6-8.1, W.6-8.5, SL.6-8.1

NCSS: Individual Development and Identity • Individuals, Groups, and Institutions

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DEBATE

Expert vs. Expert

Should Middle Schools Do Away With Homework?

Imagine this: No homework. EVER. That may sound like a fantasy, but a number of middle schools nationwide have cut back on or even eliminated assigning homework.

Some education experts cite research showing that doing piles of worksheets and other such tasks doesn’t guarantee academic success—and that many assignments are little more than busywork. Even worse, they say, too much homework limits middle school students’ opportunities to participate in clubs and sports, relax with friends and family, and get enough sleep.

But other educators say that doing some homework each night is beneficial for middle school students. Such assignments, they argue, teach students to their time and improve their study habits. Some experts say that working independently on homework helps teens become more and sharpens their critical-thinking skills. Plus, others add, homework allows teachers to measure students’ knowledge, skills, and progress.

Should middle schools get rid of homework? Two education experts weigh in.

YES

With an unprecedented number of teens struggling with mental health issues, including sadness and hopelessness, students need a break. Yet some middle school students spend more time in class and doing homework than many adults put in at their 40-hour-a-week jobs.

Research has shown that doing a lot of homework doesn’t help students academically. One study found that teens given 90 to 100 minutes of homework per day scored worse on math and science tests than those given just 60 minutes’ worth. Another study concluded that having too many after-school assignments can make kids stressed out and sleep-deprived—two factors we know negatively affect health and learning.

Too much homework leaves teens stressed out and sleep-deprived. 

Homework also takes time away from other activities that foster youth mental health and wellness: play, time outdoors, exercise or sports, sleep, and connecting with family and friends.

That’s why we should challenge schools to limit schoolwork after the final bell rings. A homework ban would be best, so students and teachers would have time for other meaningful activities. But if teachers must assign homework, make it the exception, not the rule. Also, give students the right to opt out if they need to do something more important or to prioritize their health.

Students deserve to clock out after school to relax, get to bed on time, and stay healthy.

—VICKI ABELES
Filmmaker, and author of Beyond Measure: Rescuing an Overscheduled, Overtested, Underestimated Generation

NO

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Having students do assignments on school nights is important. I’ve studied the effects of homework for many years. Research shows that kids and teens who do an appropriate amount of homework each night perform better in class than those who don’t. Think about your experiences: Don’t you get higher test scores when you’ve practiced at home beforehand?

Completing assignments at home teaches you how to manage your time and finish what you start. It helps you learn how to solve problems and find answers on your own, setting you up to be a lifelong learner. Even more important, it shows you that learning doesn’t have to be limited to the classroom.

Homework improves study habits and helps teens in school. 

In addition, doing homework builds study habits. To stay on top of assignments, you have to be organized and disciplined—skills that you’ll need in high school and college. And homework is a good way for teachers to see whether you need help with certain topics.

Too much homework can be a problem: It gets in the way of enjoyable activities, such as sports, after-school programs, or just relaxing. That’s why experts suggest no more than 10 minutes of homework per grade level (70 minutes for a seventh-grader, for example).

For many students, homework is rarely fun (though some projects can be). But it pays off in the long run. You’ll look back and be glad you did it!

—HARRIS COOPER
Professor of psychology and neuroscience, 
Duke University, and author of The Battle Over Homework

SKILL SPOTLIGHT: Argument Writing

Should middle schools do away with homework? Make a list of reasons for each side. Then write an argument essay to support your claim. Include evidence from the article as well as your own experiences or research.

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