.
May 7, 2010
Brian Jeon
Students may initially believe the new homework policy will personally benefit them, but it could have diminishing effects on their academic experience. The new homework policy prevents homework from being assigned over breaks and Fridays, and restricts the amount of homework that can be given on a weekday, to allow for more “family” time. At first glance, most students would be elated that they can enjoy their breaks and weeks more, but is this new policy really benefiting anyone in the long run?
Even before the new policy was set, this year has had more furlough days than before. As a result, all classes are put under pressure as the teachers try to teach curriculum that were designed with more time in mind. Restricting the amount of homework on weekdays may not seem like it has a big impact on a day-to-day basis, but the time that is taken away from teachers who wish to give additional work to fulfill their curriculum on schedule adds up. Teachers may have to rush their lessons as the school year ends, or on a worst-case scenario, not be able to teach their students the required information.
Teachers cannot hope to cope when up to a month of time that can be spent on projects and homework is suddenly made obsolete. To keep up pace with the shortened years, teachers will have to assign tests on the day that their students come back from breaks to avoid conflicting the new policy. More academically intensive classes such as AP Biology depend on the breaks to make up for the lost days. Upon returning to school from breaks, students will face denser work because the new policy shaved off even more days.
A test given upon returning from break gives students a more difficult, implied workload although it does not conflict the policy.
Not all teachers assign homework over breaks. The option for homework was always present, but it is reserved for when it is absolutely needed.
Especially now with the shortened years, taking away the opportunity to deal with the harsh schedules would be foolish.
