Most parents believe teachers assign right amount of homework

A new national study shows approximately eight out of 10 parents believe that their child’s teachers assign the right amount – or even too little – homework.

“The MetLife Survey of the American Teacher: The Homework Experience” sampled the opinions of parents, students and education leaders. The findings include:

• The majority of those surveyed believe doing homework helps students learn more in school.
• Teachers spend an average of 8.5 hours a week – or 15% of the time they spend on all weekly school- related responsibilities – on students’ homework.
• Seventy-seven percent of students surveyed spend at least 30
  minutes doing homework on a typical school day. Forty-five percent of students spend at least one hour doing homework.
• Ninety percent of parents noted that helping their child with homework provides an opportunity for them to talk and spend time together.

“These findings underscore what educators have known all along. Parents and teachers must work together and communicate to make sure that students are not only receiving enough homework, but are also being challenged by the assignments and lessons they take home,” said NEA President Reg Weaver. “Helping a child with his or her homework is one of the best ways parents can become more involved in their children’s education. By fostering a positive attitude about homework, parents can help children develop fundamental study habits that will serve them well for life.”

Posted March 5, 2008