As a tutor of many years, I have discovered a deep divide on the topic of homework. Some of the families I work with are overburdened by after school tasks, while other families are requesting homework plans. In either case, parents are displeased with the lack of balance and have been asking WHY? So, let’s shed a little light on the role of homework in your child’s education, and take a look at the Pro’s and Con’s. The Purpose of Homework: A Double-Edged Sword From an educator’s standpoint, homework is designed as a tool to reinforce what has been taught in school, allowing students to practice skills, deepen their understanding of subjects, and encourage independence in their learning process. Assignments that are designed to stimulate critical thinking, creativity, and deeper learning provide immense value to students. For some, particularly those who thrive on structure and consistency, homework can serve as an effective means to solidify understanding and cultivate good study habits. It allows them to explore topics at their own pace, developing a sense of autonomy and responsibility. However, this can sometimes fray at the edges. Studies have shown that excessive homework can lead to stress, burnout, and a decrease in academic motivation. When assignments pile up, feelings of overwhelm override the joy of learning, turning it into a chore. High school students, for example, are often juggling multiple classes, extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, and social obligations, leading to anxiety and a reluctance towards academic engagement. The pressure to complete homework can interfere with family time, relaxation, and even physical health, resulting in sleep deprivation and an unhealthy work-life balance. Parental Perspectives Parents often find themselves in the eye of the homework storm, watching their children dealing with the stress and expectations. While many parents understand the importance of homework, they may grow concerned watching the struggle. The stress of having to assist with challenging assignments can lead to friction in the parent-child relationship, adding layers of frustration to an already pressured environment. On top of that, not every household has the same resources or support systems, which can compound feelings of inadequacy among those who lack access to essential tools or knowledge. Other parents feel that without homework their child will either fall behind, or not be prepared for the competition of getting excepted into preferred Universities nor prepare them for the rigors of higher learning. SO, lets take a further look at both sides of the coin. The Pros of Homework 1. Reinforcement of Learning: At its core, homework serves as an effective tool for reinforcing concepts and skills learned in the classroom. By engaging with material outside of school hours, students have the opportunity to practice and solidify their understanding, leading to greater retention and mastery of subjects. This fosters an environment where students become actively involved in their own learning processes. 2. Development of Time Management Skills: Homework provides students with a platform to develop essential life skills, foremost being time management. With multiple assignments due across various subjects, students learn to prioritize tasks and allocate their time effectively. These skills are invaluable as they transition to higher educational levels and, eventually, into the workforce, where deadlines and organizational skills play a pivotal role. 3. Promotion of Independent Learning: Beyond rote practice, homework encourages students to become independent learners. It empowers them to explore subjects more deeply, seek answers beyond the classroom, and take ownership of their educational journey. This aspect nurtures critical thinking and problem-solving skills, laying the groundwork for lifelong learning. 4. Parental Engagement: Homework offers a unique opportunity for parents to engage in their children’s education. It opens lines of communication between families and schools as parents can interact with the material their children are studying. This involvement not only strengthens the home-school connection but also affords parents insight into their child’s academic strengths and weaknesses. 5. Preparation for Future Educational Challenges: Regular homework routines condition students for future academic challenges, particularly in higher education where the expectation of independent study becomes paramount. The ability to handle assignments autonomously aligns closely with the demands of college or vocational training, thereby easing the transition into more rigorous educational environments. The Cons of Homework 1. Increased Stress and Anxiety: Conversely, homework can often lead to significant stress and anxiety among students. The pressure to complete assignments while juggling extracurricular activities, family obligations, and social lives can be overwhelming. This stress can detract from the quality of learning and, in some cases, lead to burnout, detrimentally affecting a student’s overall well-being. 2. Not Always Effective: Research indicates that the effectiveness of homework can vary widely by age group and subject matter. For younger students, excessive homework may yield small returns, dampening enthusiasm for learning. Critics argue that the focus should be on nurturing curiosity and a love for learning rather than adhering to strict homework regimens. 3. Equity Concerns: Homework can inadvertently add to educational inequities. Not all students have access to a helpful learning environment, resources, or support at home. This disparity raises ethical questions about the fairness of assigning homework to all students equally. 4. Imbalance in Life Skills: While homework can teach valuable skills, an overemphasis on assignments can lead to an imbalance in other critical areas of child development. Students may find themselves sacrificing physical activity, social interactions, or family time in favor of completing assignments, potentially hindering their overall growth and well-being. The relentless pursuit of academic excellence may overshadow the cultivation of well-rounded individuals. 5. Potential for Ineffectual Busy Work: A downside in the homework debate is the prevalence of busywork—assignments that do not contribute meaningfully to learning. When homework is perceived as work for the sake of keeping students busy, it can create resentment and disengagement. The focus should be on quality over quantity. emphasizing assignments that genuinely contribute to educational growth. Conclusion Moving forward, the challenge lies not in abolishing homework altogether, but in reshaping it into a more effective, equitable, and meaningful component. If you feel
As we make our way back in from the Holiday break, the goal for the New Year may be to take care of falling grades and missing homework assignments, or simply staying on top of it all! Falling behind in school is a challenge that many children face, whether due to learning differences or personal commitments, if you find your child lagging in their studies, here’s a guide to help you navigate this challenging situation. **Recognize the Signs** Before taking action, identify if your child is genuinely falling behind. Signs may include: – A sudden drop in grades – Difficulty completing assignments – Increased frustration during homework time – Lack of enthusiasm about school or learning – Changes in behavior, such as withdrawal or irritability Understanding these signs can help you determine when it’s time to step in. **Open Communication** Engage your child in an open and non-judgmental conversation. Ask them how they feel about school, which subjects they enjoy, and where they think they struggle. Creating a safe environment for expression helps them articulate their feelings and challenges. Share your observations and reassure them that it’s perfectly okay to seek help. If They Are Behind, Don’t Give Up! There are ways to get back on top… 1.**Talk to Their Teacher!!** Teachers are invaluable allies in your child’s education! Schedule a meeting to discuss your child’s performance and gather insights on their classroom behavior, participation, and tailored learning needs. Teachers can offer strategies to support your child’s learning, recommend additional resources, or connect you to special services if needed. If they have gotten behind in their assignments teachers are often willing to give points for material made up, or offer extra credit assignments. 2. **Assess Learning Styles** Every child has a unique learning style that can influence their academic success. Some children are visual learners, while others may excel in auditory or kinesthetic learning environments. Observe how your child absorbs information best. You might consider providing varied resources such as videos, interactive activities, or hands-on projects that align with their preferred learning style. 3. **Establish a Routine** Creating a structured daily routine can significantly improve a child’s academic performance. Establish specific times for homework, studying, recreational activities, etc. Consistency helps children feel more in control and develop better time management skills. It is also helpful if they have a study area that is organized, and free from distractions. 4. **Explore Evaluation and Support Services** For persistent academic challenges, it may be beneficial to evaluate your child for learning differences or disabilities. Consultation with a pediatrician or psychologist can provide clarity and direction. If your child is found to have specific learning needs, the school is obligated under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to create an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan to tailor their education accordingly. *Also, if you notice signs of anxiety, stress, or depression, a school counselor or child psychologist is a valuable resource in navigating providing coping strategies. 5.**Stay Patient, Encouraging and Engaged** Show genuine interest in your child’s educational journey. Patience and encouragement play a large part in getting your child reinvested and feeling good about themselves. Set realistic goals that emphasize progress rather than perfection, celebrate small victories, whether mastering a difficult concept or improving a test grade. Reading together, discussing topics from class, simply talking about the school day can reinforce concepts learned in school. And finally, find Additional Support like Elite Tutors…. If struggles persist, consider seeking tutoring or after-school programs designed to provide extra assistance in specific subjects. Local community centers, libraries, and schools often offer resources and programs to help students catch up. Online platforms with interactive learning tools can also add an engaging dimension to traditional education. Here at Elite, we want you to know that if your student falls behind in school, you are not alone. We have tutors who can help with not only the subject matter needed, but with consistency, time management, and who serve as mentors invested in inspiring your child to see the joy in learning. Happy New Year on behalf of the Elite Team!
Elementary students face a higher level of demand to learn and use Common Core Standards in Elementary School English Classes: Many elementary students face challenges learning and using Common Core English Language Arts (ELA) standard requirements now used in many public and private schools throughout the United States. Why do students need to know Common Core in elementary school English classes? These standards were created to help students be more competitive and prepare them for middle and high school and ultimately college and/or the workforce. Since college entrance exams, specifically the new SAT, incorporate skills students learn through common core, mastering these skills becomes even more important at the elementary school level. English Language Arts/Literacy (ELA/Literacy) and Common Core Standards: ELA/Literacy based on Common Core standards call for a deeper understanding of how students reach their answers and they must analyze, reason, and apply their own thoughts in class and homework assignments. There is an increased demand on students in elementary school to master a deeper understanding of reading materials and be able to implement their understanding in real-life scenarios. Shifts in ELA/Literacy Requirements at the elementary school level: Students must think for themselves and be able to use their own reasoning. They will need to be able to explain or write about what they have in read and be able to infer meaning from text. They are also required to provide evidence based on their reading and writing exercises. In addition, students are exposed to more nonfiction, informational texts rather than exclusively literature based reading assignments. How can tutoring help students with ELA/Literacy based on Common Core standards? Many tutors specialize in Common Core standards and can help students understand what is expected of them and assist them with the required skills needed to succeed in elementary school English. Contact Elite Home Tutoring for questions or information concerning ELA/Literacy Common Core standards and tutoring, www.elitehometutoring.com.
What is the California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE)? The CHSPE is a timed test that measures a student’s knowledge and proficiency in reading, writing, and math. Passing students will earn a Certificate of Proficiency by the California State Board of Education, which is recognized in California as an equivalent to a high school diploma. The exam allows students currently enrolled in high school to earn the certificate and leave high school early to go to college or start working. Who can take the CHSPE Exam? Students currently enrolled in public high schools in the state of California can take the CHSPE Exam if they are at least 16 years of age and are in the second half of their their sophomore year or later. The exam is only valid for students in the California public school system. If the student plans on attending a college in another state, they must verify with the college if it will accept the exam. Which subjects are on the CHSPE Exam? The CHSPE Exam covers English Language Arts, including an essay, and Math. The English section covers reading comprehension, spelling, grammar, and writing skills which correspond to tenth grade English in the California public school system. There are 84 multiple choice questions in the English section, plus an essay. The essay question is open-ended and requires students to outline and present their point of view. The Math section covers math skills learned in seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth grade in the California public schools system. There are 50 questions in the math section and the focus is on daily math problems and situations. The CHSPE Exam is timed test, and lasts three and a half hours. Students must pass both the English and math sections of the exam, but can retake the test as many times as needed. How can tutoring help prepare for the CHSPE Exam? Since the CHSPE Exam covers several years of high school, a specialized tutor can help students prepare for the exam. Contact Elite Home Tutoring for questions or information concerning the CHSPE Exam, www.elitehometutoring.com