The “Homework Lady” Sounds Off

Cathy Vatterott, author of the upcoming ASCD book Rethinking Homework: Best Practices That Support Diverse Needs, joined the debate surrounding Marshall County, W.Va., where the school system is using her research to consider ending the district policy of penalizing students for incomplete homework.

In a Charleston Daily Mail article and an interview on MetroNews Talkline radio yesterday, Vatterott stresses that traditional homework practices are usually idealized and overrated. She does not believe in eliminating homework; however, Vatterott thinks teachers should ensure fewer take-home assignments and more targeted learning tasks: “When homework is really boring and painful and when kids don’t understand what they’re doing, it really impacts their view of learning,” said Vatterott.

Last month, The Juggle, a parent-focused Wall Street Journal blog, tackled kids “drowning in homework.” Vatterott acknowledges not only the importance of parents’ roles, but also the significance of socioeconomic status on students’ home environments. She advocates that “homework that cannot be done without help is not good homework.” In the end, Vatterott wants students to be responsible for their own learning, rather than the grade on their homework.

How have you handled “My dog ate my homework!”? What is your district doing to make homework more effective for all students?

 

Cathy Vatterott is a university professor and a former middle school teacher and principal. You can contact her at www.homeworklady.com. Her book Rethinking Homework: Best Practices That Support Diverse Needs will be published in July 2009.