Washington Post: The Homework Debate

The Homework Debate. Kids, Parents and Teachers Disagree On How Much Is Too Much. Valerie Strauss. 27th Jnauary 2009. Read the article at http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/26/AR2009012602012_2.html

PEN comment: This issue arises annually across the developed world and still the homework load is piled onto the children. Whether it’s misguided educational philosphy or teachers trying to cover material they haven’t had time to in classes – it’s just plain crazy. Not only does compulsory schooling stake a claim on young people’s daytime it then inflicts insult to injury by invading their own evenings. Family and social cohesion is diminished  and youngsters mental health threatened when their world is so controlled and regimented. Additonlally, many parents are working themselves to the bone and are time poor – it is little wonder why we don’t have societal cohesion.