Katie Novak, Ed.D. Assistant Superintendent March 9, 2016 Homework Research Study Analyzing the Survey Results

Reviewing the Process Reviewed 42 peer-reviewed articles: October 2015 Coded research studies in meta-analysis: November 2015 Presented research to SC: November 2015 Presented research to staff & administered survey: January 2016 Collected survey data from students and parents: January 2016 Synthesized all data sources: February 2016 Present to SC: March 2016 Publish research paper with findings from research and data from teacher, parent, and study surveys: March 2016 Collaborate with all staff to develop homework practice recommendations: April 2016 Share recommendations with SC: May 2016

Research Review Research suggests that homework (i.e, reading) can increase parent involvement in the educational process which leads to better outcomes (Hampshire, Butera & Hourcade, 2014). Homework in grades K-5, however, should not exceed the 10-minute rule, per grade, per night. In middle and high school, homework does not relate to student course grades. Homework, is, however, associated with increased organizational, self-management, time management (Protheroe, 2009), and self-regulation (Xu, 2008a, 2008b) but these homework benefits plateau at 90 minutes in middle school and two hours per night in high school (Galloway, Connor & Pope, 2013). After that, homework is associated with negative outcomes.

Research suggests that homework should not exceed maximum time requirements. Please rate your agreement. Strongly agreeAgreeTotal Teachers47%43%90% Parents62%27%89% When you assign homework, do you collaborate with related team members to ensure that homework is reasonable? 60% yes 40% no

Do you feel that students receive too much homework, just the right amount, or not enough? Too muchJust the right amount Not enough Teachers %84%2% Parents %43%9% Students %46%6%

Teacher Themes 112 Respondents Autonomy Many staff members noted that homework practices should be managed by teachers. Reading Teachers at all levels noted the importance of students reading at home. Of 63 open-ended comments, 27 noted the importance of reading homework. Practice The last consistent theme was that teachers believe students benefit from mathematics practice at home. A number of teachers noted that practicing math is studying math.

Parent Themes 374 respondents Inconsistency Parents noted the lack of consistency between and among grades, subjects, and departments. Parents would like consistency that builds gradually from grade to grade. Lack of Coordination Parents noted that better coordination of homework and studying would be advantageous and would allow homework loads to stay under recommended levels. Difficulty with Homework on Vacations and Holidays In the open ended comments, over 20% parents noted that homework on vacations and/or holidays created the most stress on students and families.

Student Themes 641 Respondents Lack of Balance Students cited conflict with jobs, sports, music practice, clubs, family time, play/free time, and sleep. They noted that trying to balance everything causes lack of sleep, stress, health problems, and anxiety. Inconsistency Students noted that it’s difficult to manage time for homework because “Some nights, I have absolutely no homework. Other nights, I have around 2-3 hours plus. It seems like there is no in between.” Busy work Students note that they wished that teachers didn’t feel like they had to give homework “for the sake of homework.” They noted that some homework assignments are valuable, but sometimes it feels like “busy work.”

Next Steps We will contact best-in-class schools to learn about their homework expectations in March. A full research study, including the research and all data from student surveys will be published in March. We will present our full research study at staff meetings and collaboratively work with our staff to create recommendations for homework practices moving forward. In May 2016, we will share these recommendations at the SC meeting. Questions?