Homework intended to help NOT hurt students
Should homework be assigned? Milton’s Director of Education Dr. Daphne Kirkpatrick said that homework is beneficial to a student’s mind and the way they work. She added that homework should be assigned.
According to Dr. Kirkpatrick, anyone who is curious about the district’s homework policy can find the policy on the school’s website. This is found under the “school board” tab and by clicking on “policy manual.”
The policy manual includes the requirements for students when it comes to homework. It defines the purpose of homework as to “provide practice and reinforcement of skills presented by the teacher.” It also includes that, “each student shall be responsible for completing homework assignments as directed.”
Dr. Kirkpatrick added that homework can have some negative effects, including causing stress and anxiety. She said that students shouldn’t be bombarded with homework.
According to Dr. Kirkpatrick, teachers should be concerned about their students being stressed. Sometimes it’s due to the amount of homework the teacher assigns, she added.
She also said that students shouldn’t be learning new concepts from homework. She added that homework is assigned to train the student’s mind on material already taught.
Dr. Kirkpatrick added that principals could encourage teachers to assign homework to students.
Regarding the high school policy, Co-Principal Mr. Michael Bergey said, “We do not encourage or discourage this. It is up to the teacher’s discretion.”
Social Studies Teacher Mr. Nick Vega said that he typically does not assign homework. “A lot of my subject area relies more on interpretation, discussion, and argument than finding the “correct” answer, and I feel those skills are better practiced in a group setting,” he said.
Math Teacher Mr. Morris Davis said he does assign homework, “In math, homework serves several purposes,” he said. “Homework should be an integral part of the learning process. In order to become proficient in any activity it takes practice.”
