The End of Homework: How Homework Disrupts Families, Overburdens Children, and Limits Learning

by Etta Kralovec, John Buell

Etta Kralovec and John Buell are educators who dared to challenge one of the most widely accepted practices in American schools. Their provocative argument first published in this book, featured in Time and Newsweek, in numerous women's magazines, on national radio and network television broadcasts, was the first openly to challenge the gospel of "the more homework the better."


* In 1901, homework was legally banned in parts of the U.S. There are no studies showing that assigning homework before junior high school improves academic achievement.
* Increasingly, students and their parents are told that homework must take precedence over music lessons, religious education, and family and community activities. As the homework load increases (and studies show it is increasing) these family priorities are neglected.
* Homework is a great discriminator, effectively allowing students whose families "have" to surge ahead of their classmates who may have less.
* Backpacks are literally bone-crushing, sometimes weighing as much as the child. Isn't it obvious we're overburdening our kids?

Genres: Education, Teaching, Reference, School, Academic

136 pages, Paperback

First published July 17, 2000

Reviews

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this one better. The authors compare the homework burden of students to the burdens we have as adults. I love the idea that kids should have an 40-hour school week, including school activities, and homework. They interviewed kids, both drop-outs and successful kids, and homework is the one thing that consistently is seen as a burden, a source of unhappiness with school, and a primary reason for the hopelessness some kids feel. I liked that it made me think about what I do as a teacher.

[Cortney · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this because I was hoping to get a more nuanced take than the emotional tirade that was "The Case Against Homework". This book definitely lays off of the overblown tug at your heartstrings homework sob stories, which is a plus. It also shares more of the history of homework in relation to public schooling, and how homework has evolved within the framework of public education. I would say that this is infinitely better than "The Case Against Homework" and was actually thought provoking and well written. At times it can meander, and it is still light on hard, research based evidence. In the end, I think reading an Alfie Kohn essay on this subject would probably be more illuminating than reading this book or "The Case Against Homework". I was trying to research this out of interest and because it is relevant to my career, but I'm still disappointed in how the current conversation seems a bit as useless as people arguing over whether or not their imaginary best friend is the coolest- lean on research, still a too heavy on "anec-data" for my tastes.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

These authors and I come from different places of prioritizing research, but I think in the end we share the same 1920s-style progressive ideal for education. One of my favorite arguments here is that homework creates a greater gap between haves and have-nots as affluent homes take on the qualities of the schoolroom--clean, well-lit, with books, computers and knowledgeable adults who are committed to education--while many other students have far more precarious educational settings at home. The conclusion we share is that students could be served well by having a variety of learning experiences and environments, from search-and-rescue to sports to just kickin' it with the family, but I'm maybe less optimistic that chaotic homes can provide that enrichment any more than they could support homework in the traditional model.

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

After teaching for a couple of years, this was the first examination of homework I'd read. As I think back, it is disturbing that in all of my pre-service preparation and in-service professional development, homework merited next to no attention. While there are several later books that also examine this venerable institution - Alfie Kohn's The Homework Myth comes to mind - I'm not sure any do a better job. It is a quick read, and all teachers should be familiar with the arguments herein, even if professional experience points to different conclusions.

[Wendi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had very few objections with the authors' general arguments in "The End of Homework". But I found the rationale a bit overblown and stretched at times. I liked that it was a quick read, because it was already too repetetive (could have been condensed to an essay). Overall I enjoyed pausing to question this fundamental part of school life - homework - that is rarely scrutinized or given space in public dialogue.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's revealing. I can't imagine a life without giving homework to my students, but I picked up this book hoping it would illuminate the path towards no more paperwork. Alas, it was not to be. I don't think there's any way to avoid sending review work home, but golly gee, I'd LOVE not to have to do it.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know if I appreciated this one as much as The Homework Myth by Alfie Kohn. I agree with the the fact that homework disrupts families, overburdens children and limits learning.. I personally don't think that the author focused on these point enough in the book.

I also didn't agree with many of the authors social/economic and political views expressed in the book.

[Mr.soule · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome. I love the chapter on the history of education, and I love the suggestion that teachers and schools can intrude (through homework) into the privacy of family life. Seriously, everyone wants children to succeed academically, but it has to be done the right way. This book serves as a great addition to the discussion of the proper role of homework and education.

[Jonna Higgins-Freese · Rating 2 out of 5]

The sections on the history of homework (hint: it's been an ongoing conversation throughout US history) were relatively interesting. The rest of it can be summed up as: there's no real research that shows much benefit of homework even to narrowly defined academic outcomes, much less quantifies the balance and tradeoff in family time, social activity, and student interest lost.

[Ryan · Rating 2 out of 5]

According to this author, a big problem facing America is too much emphasis on academics. What planet are they living on? In my world, all anyone cares about is sports, watching TV, and playing computer games. Homework is the least of our worries.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found it informative, makes one wonder why homework is so stressed as important (and this is coming from a teacher!) Well, I know why we give homework, to get kids ready for the homework they are going to receive next year. The problem is, we now give homework in preschool - it is a standard.

[James Witherspoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really hits home why I despise homework. Any reason why I can tell you is in this book. The authors really hit this one out of the park. If you are in school currently or were with in the past 20 years I suggest you read this fine piece of non fiction.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing earth-shaking. Out of date. Don't bother, unless you think that lots of homework is a good thing. It's not.

[Rachael Davis]

A bit of a slow read but still has interesting points.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't like homework. It takes up all your time. It's better to read or play.

[Jennifer Taylor · Rating 1 out of 5]

Poorly researched and what was researched and utilized was repeated often throughout the book.

[Wendy · Rating 2 out of 5]

An examination of the benefits and pitfalls of assigning homework. Although an interesting read, this book is mostly only relevant for elementary school teachers. Although the research shows that homework hurts younger aged children, there is almost no evidence that homework is a detriment to middle and high school students.