This week in CQ Researcher

“Students Under Stress” by Marcia Clemmitt , July 13, 2007
Do schools assign too much homework?

The average homework load for first- through third-graders has doubled over the past two decades, even though research shows homework doesn't benefit such young children. Indeed, some schools require preschoolers to tackle academic subjects like reading and writing.

Some schools have responded by limiting homework for the youngest children and downplaying stress-causing programs, such as academic honor rolls. At the same time, however, U.S. high school students spend less time in class than students in most other countries, and their homework loads remain far below the two hours per day that research shows is optimal for college-bound students.

• Are students today under more academic pressure than in past generations?
• Are schools assigning too much homework?
• Are high-stakes tests putting too much pressure on students?

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