Herriman City Journal January 2020

Page 1

January 2020 | Vol. 30 Iss. 01

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HOMEWORK BANNED AT TWO ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

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By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

T

wo elementary school principals have done their homework on the subject of homework and found that it doesn’t help students learn. “We want what’s best for our kids,” said Butterfield Canyon Elementary Principal Amanda Bollinger. “If homework is not what’s best for our kids, emotionally or educationally, then we should not be doing it.”

THE PROBLEM WITH HOMEWORK

The decision to ban homework at both of the schools was based on research by John Hattie, who looked at thousands of studies to find what factors have the most impact on student learning. “When you start looking at what does make an impact, it’s not homework in the elementary school,” said Bastian Elementary Principal Amanda Edwards. “We’re really looking at the ’why’ behind what we’re doing, and if the ‘why’ isn’t in line with our outcome of student learning, then we’re looking at ways and brainstorming ways to shift that so that we’re really focused on student learning.” Petrina Steele, sixth grade teacher at Bastian, said students who don’t need the extra practice are usually the ones who consistently turn in homework while those who struggle often can’t get help at home and don’t turn it in. Rachelle Christensen, who has three children in at Bastian, agrees homework is unnecessary. “I have very bright children, so they didn’t need extra practice on concepts,” she said. “I understand getting sent No homework means more family time for the Shipley family. (Photo courtesy of Karen Shipley.) homework that you weren’t able to finish but wasn’t fond of extra work after their seven hours spent in school.” THE END OF THE HOMEWORK BATTLE long we would have spent this year with three kids if we had FEELING THE STRESS Unsurprisingly, there has been a positive reaction from homework.” Bollinger said student stress was a major reason for imboth students and parents to the policy, which is new this Heather Garcia, whose children attend Butterfield Can- plementing the no-homework policy. She said the number of school year at both Butterfield Canyon and Bastian elemen- yon Elementary, said as family with two working parents, it is referrals for anxiety has increased in the past few years. Since tary schools. now easier to maintain a more regular and calm daily routine. the no homework policy was implemented this year, that numBollinger said between high expectations from parents “My experience in the past with homework was that it ber has decreased. and misunderstandings about how to complete the assignment was time-consuming and took away from valuable family “One of my jobs in teaching elementary school is to help (“That’s not how my teacher does it!”), homework had be- time and opportunities,” she said. “It caused frustration and my students develop a love of learning,” said Melanie Smith, come a battle between students and parents. constant oversight to ensure that homework was done.” a kindergarten teacher at Butterfield Canyon. “Homework “Homework was definitely the cause of contention and anElishia Barajas said daily homework caused her family time can easily develop into negative feelings about school.” ger in my home,” Christensen said. “We did it right after school stress as well. They normally have about three hours between Karen Shipley said two years ago, her daughter’s dysor it wouldn’t get done, and I never had a good reaction.” the end of school and bedtime to fit in homework, dinner, ac- lexia made it difficult for her to finish her homework. The She said her children are learning just as much this year tivities and family time. consequent stress was damaging her daughter’s self-esteem. but are much happier. “It didn’t leave much time to be a kid,” Barajas said. She missed out on social opportunities when incomplete work “We enjoy our time spent together much more and have “They didn’t sleep as well since their mind never shut down kept her from recess and “Fun Fridays.” time for family activities now,” she said. “I can’t imagine how before bed.” Continued page 8

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