Back to School with Lighter Backpacks
ASCD Homework Book Rethinks Traditional Policies
Alexandria, VA (07/21/09)—Cathy Vatterott, an outspoken critic of traditional homework policies who is known as "The Homework Lady," challenges long-held American views of homework in the new ASCD book Rethinking Homework: Best Practices That Support Diverse Needs. Vatterott describes how conventional homework practices can contribute to student failure and provides several commonsense solutions, including assigning fewer tasks with more targeted goals, differentiating for ability levels, and supplying homework support programs for struggling learners.
Rethinking Homework helps both educators and parents reexamine and reform homework practices, but it also charges school leaders with implementing a bill of homework rights for students. Vatterott’s suggested rights, such as de-emphasizing graded homework, granting flexible time limits, and providing access to school-sponsored support programs, respect the important relationship between educators and families—a key component to student achievement.
Without proper alignment of in-class homework instruction and at-home implementation, Vatterott insists that homework can do harm. "If not properly implemented, homework may cause students to reinforce misconceptions or internalize bad habits," Vatterott said.
Rethinking Homework gives K–12 teachers and administrators effective strategies and real-world classroom practices based on the following elements:
- Designing quality homework tasks;
- Differentiating homework tasks;
- De-emphasizing grading of homework;
- Improving homework completion; and
- Implementing homework strategies and support programs.
"Quality instruction begins with attention to our students’ needs," said Gene R. Carter, ASCD Executive Director. "In Rethinking Homework, Cathy Vatterott acknowledges and recognizes the best practices behind personalized learning. Ineffective homework policies must be reexamined to ensure we are providing the finest education for our students."
An education professor at the University of Missouri at St. Louis, Vatterott is no stranger to the homework debate. She travels nationally, talking about homework policy with all types of educators and parents. "Educators and parents often ask me, 'So, are you for homework or against it?’—as if there are only two choices," Vatterott said. "I think we need to find middle ground. The end result is homework that works—for all students, at all levels."
Want to know more? Listen to Cathy Vatterott in an ASCD Talks With an Author segment. Order Rethinking Homework online or by calling 1-800-933-2723, then press 1.
Contact Information
- Barbara Michelman, communications director, at 1-703-575-5764 or by e-mail
- Laura Berry, communications specialist, at 1-703-575-5461 or by e-mail