THE HOMEWORK MANIFESTO

I AM A TEACHER AND I AGREE:

1. To find out my district's homework policy- and follow it. If my district does not have a homework policy, I will base my own homework policy on sound scientific study and what is best for my students.

2. To only assign meaningful homework- never busy work. If I don't plan on looking at it, I won't assign it.

3. To trust parents to do positive and constructive activities with their children and not feel that I must "give them something to do."

4. To recognize that students (as well as adults) need a break and will not assign weekend and vacation homework (or make it truly optional).

5. To not give 100 problems when a half dozen will tell me whether or not a student understands a concept.

6. To not always require that answering questions or journaling follow reading.

7. To create my own homework, based on what students have learned and what they are interested in learning.

8. To not require that every student in the class do the same type and amount of homework.

9. To never expect parents to teach a new concept.

10. To remain open to parents' concerns and be willing to consider and implement their ideas and suggestions.

I AM A PARENT AND I AGREE:

1. To figure out my personal homework philosophy, and live by it.

2. To trust my instincts. Sometimes, my child needs to complete an assignment or project; other times, he needs a break or a reprieve.

3. To attend Back to School Night and ask Homework Questions. If I miss this event, I will make an appt. with the teacher.

4. To support my child's learning and studying by knowing and understanding their unique Homework Personality.
   
   
5. To be sure that my kids have free time, play time, social time and time to fully and freely participate in family holidays and vacations. I will write make certain that my child's teacher knows my decisions.

6. To make certain that my kids get enough sleep because I understand that Kids Need Sleep More Than Homework.
   
   
7. To encourage my children to read and explore purely for pleasure. Some of the most powerful and lasting discoveries are not assigned.

8. To communicate with my child's teacher if homework is regularly taking too long, becoming a problem, interfering with outside activities and free time or making my child hate school.

9. To understand that teachers are under pressure to cover more material each year, constantly raise test scores and that some parents want homework.

10. To speak up verbally and in writing with others (teachers, parents, educators, politicians, school boards, newspapers, etc) in an effort to bring positive homework changes.

Daleda Shamon, Student
Chicago, Ill.

Kanishkan Mathavan
Toronto, Ontario

Erica Etelson
Berkeley, CA

Shaktisingh Jhala
Merit Island, FL

Claire Dommpil
Wellington, FL

Laurie, Parent
Kalamazoo, MI

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