Why Homework Isn't Working (And What Schools Can Do Instead)

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Homework has been a non-negotiable in education for as long as we can remember. Parents expect it. Teachers assign it. Students complain about it.

But here’s the uncomfortable question: Is it actually helping kids learn?

If we’re honest, we know the answer. Most homework isn’t reinforcing learning - it’s just reinforcing stress. Kids rush through it. Parents argue over it. Teachers spend hours grading it. And at the end of the day, what’s really being gained?

If homework was truly effective, every student would be excelling. Instead, we see unfinished assignments, copied answers, and a growing achievement gap between students who have support at home and those who don’t.

So, what if we stopped assigning homework just because we always have - and started rethinking what supports learning?

The Research: Does Homework Even Work?

The data on homework is mixed, but here’s what we know:

🍏 For younger students (K-6), homework has almost no impact on achievement.

• Studies show that for elementary students, formal homework provides little to no academic benefit.

• What does help? Daily reading - which has a significantly stronger impact on literacy and comprehension than worksheets ever will.

🍏 For older students, it’s about quality over quantity.

• Short, focused assignments that reinforce skills work better than long, repetitive tasks.

• Homework without meaningful feedback is just busy work. If students aren’t getting guidance on their mistakes, they aren’t learning.

🍏 There is a real opportunity gap.

• Homework assumes every student has a quiet space, internet access, and support at home.

• But what about the kid who’s babysitting a sibling? Or working a part-time job? Or just trying to get through the day? When we ignore these realities, we set students up to fail.

🍏 Engagement matters more than compliance.

• If kids are just completing assignments to check a box, it’s not real learning.

• Homework should be relevant, engaging, and purposeful - not just something to turn in.

What This Looks Like In Action

If traditional homework isn’t working, what should we be doing instead?

Flipped Learning: Homework Becomes the Lesson - Instead of sending home a worksheet, students engage with content at home (videos, articles, podcasts) and use class time for discussion, problem-solving, and practice.

Why It Works: Students get real-time support from teachers rather than struggling through work on their own.

Project-Based Learning: Apply, Don’t Memorize - Instead of nightly assignments, shift toward long-term, meaningful projects that require creativity and critical thinking.

Why It Works: Students retain knowledge better when they apply it in real-world ways rather than just memorizing for a quiz.

Reading, Reflection, and Discussion Instead of Rote Work - What if students discussed a concept with a family member instead of filling out a worksheet?

Why It Works: Reflection deepens understanding - and conversations at home can reinforce learning in ways that traditional homework never could.

Here’s the bottom line. Homework shouldn’t just take up time - it should add value. If it’s not improving learning, it’s just getting in the way.

Leadership Moves You Can Make This Week

Audit Your School’s Homework Practices

• Look at what’s being assigned. Is it meaningful? Does it align with what students need?

• If the answer is “Because we’ve always done it this way”, it’s time for a change.

Start Conversations with Teachers About Smarter Assignments

• Encourage staff to focus on quality over quantity.

• Challenge teachers to ask: Would I want to do this assignment? If not, why are we giving it to students?

Communicate With Parents

• Many parents see homework as a sign of rigor - but we know that’s not always true.

• Help families understand that the goal isn’t to eliminate responsibility - it’s to make sure what’s assigned actually helps students learn.

Pilot a New Approach

• Test out a new approach in one grade level or department.

• Gather feedback from teachers, students, and parents, and iterate based on what works best.

Final Thought: Homework Shouldn’t Be a Battle

If homework is causing stress, frustration, and disengagement, it’s time to rethink our approach. The goal isn’t to get rid of responsibility - it’s to make sure what we assign really helps students learn.

This week, take a hard look at the homework being assigned in your school.

• Is it meaningful?

• Does it add value?

• Would you want to do it?

If the answer to any of those is no, it might be time for a change.

📩 What’s your school’s approach to homework? Hit reply and let me know!

On A Recent Episode of The Principal School Podcast…

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