Comments on: Homework and behavior won’t affect grades under new BCPS policy

By: Debbie

Debbie — Tue, 06 Sep 2016 00:27:26 +0000

In reply to A very concerned parent. You are absolutely right.

By: Debbie

Debbie — Tue, 06 Sep 2016 00:02:53 +0000

This no homework policy is ridiculous. I agree BCPS system cherry-picks studies that support their misguided goals. I’m a RN with a bachelors degree I got 40 years ago. I wouldn’t be the skilled & knowledgable nurse I am if it weren’t for homework. My daughter is a Senior at Towson H.S. & wants to be a doctor. This policy is going to affect her GPA, potential scholarship money & getting admitted into college. Homework is a vital part of learning, it is academically beneficial & a standard that cannot be disposed of.

By: Debbie

Debbie — Mon, 05 Sep 2016 23:48:13 +0000

Homework is necessary. It is a HUGE part of learning. Students of any age can’t grasp subject matter from class room instruction alone, retain it & later pass a test. It can’t be done. Homework is absolutely needed. I’m a RN, with a Bachelors Degree, homework was a HUGE component of my nursing curriculum and my homework counted as a grade. I graduated 40 years ago and I wouldn’t be the skilled & knowlegable nurse that I am without doing my homework. My daughter is a Senior at Towson H.S. & wants to be a doctor. BCPS annouces on 8/23/16 this new NO homework policy. My daughter’s GPA, potential scholarship money & getting accepted into colleges she’ll be applying to will be affected if homework isn’t counted as a grade. If kids elect to not do their homework- fine it isn’t counted against them but the kids, like mine, that does her homework, her homework is graded. She’s getting screwed over by this new policy!

By: BCPS parent

BCPS parent — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 22:47:22 +0000

I do not like this change. Not penalizing a child for not doing their assignment or not handing it in on time fosters an atmosphere where the child doesn’t value their work. If the teachers don’t care if I hand it in, then why should I? That is the attitude that will result from this. They are children. Not adults.
Homework supports what the child learns in class. It reinforces it. It makes sense for chilren to to come home and complete homework. Parents are also there to provide support and in the cases where they are not, kids are allowed to get help after or before school.
Children don’t only learn math and reading and science in school. They also learn about responsibility. This will take away from that. I’m all for new innovative ideas that make sense. This isn’t one of them.

By: A very concerned parent

A very concerned parent — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 20:04:08 +0000

While there are some good ideas here–and busy-work homework can be a bane–the primary problematic change is the lack of real deadlines for homework or assignments. Not turning things in on time, with a few exceptions for emergencies, will do nothing for a student’s college or career readiness. College papers cannot be turned in late. Nor can office work or construction projects. Instead, if a student or individual is struggling, help can be given by real instructors. BCPS is adept at cherry-picking studies that support their goals only. Look up others. Here is one that offers some balance, showing the benefits of homework, as well as other related studies. http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/99/the-value-of-homework-is-homework-an-important-tool-for-learning-in-the-classroom