Does Keeping to the Books Set Students Ahead?
Taylor Dixon – PIC Current Assistant Producer
For many young people across the nation, the summer months are spent playing with friends and generally avoiding school work until September. For students in certain states however, rigorous summer homework keeps them sharp and prepares them well for the following year. A good idea, right? Actually, it’s a little unclear, as the assigned summer workload is under debate.
In the Washington, DC area for example, students have been familiar with summer homework assignments for years. Parents worry about the amount of work their students have to do however, as “first graders solve math problems, middle schoolers create plot summaries, and high schools students read Shakespeare, Dickens and Twain”, according to a recent Washingtonpost.com article.
Several educators, in fact, are re-evaluating whether these assignments indeed apply to the curricula their students will face the following year.
People in favor of rigorous study habits have argued that keeping their minds active during the summer combats various losses in knowledge. Think of a well oiled machine keeping to the books from June to August.
Those against summer homework argue that summer vacation should be just that: a break from the classroom and a time to kick back and relax. Students are sometimes too distracted or tired to study after long days out playing. Critics have also said summer homework causes students to complete assignments without instructor supervision, presenting grading issues once September rolls around.
The Washington Post quotes Gail Hubbard, supervisor of gifted education and special programs in Prince William County, as saying “I think the pendulum has shifted. I think we went for several years requiring more and more (summer work). Now the goal is to make sure it benefits the learner instead of burdens the learner.”
Some states are laying down more reasonable rules for summer homework. In Kentucky, students are given a two-week grace period after the school year begins to turn in their assignments. According to Maysville-online.com, parents and educators have been collaborating on best methods to keep their students’ minds active without robbing them of all their summer free-time.
Summer homework is a good idea in that study skills can stay sharp. The amount of work is largely up to the school district, however. You should stay involved in the planning process by joining the PTA or even meeting with your students’ teachers to design a better summer plan.
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