In California, a new law that could dramatically change the way homework is handled in state schools is nearing approval. The Healthy Homework Act is now awaiting the governor’s signature after passing both chambers of the state Legislature.
It aims to not only reduce homework, but also stress among students and parents. The author of the bill, Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo, says she was inspired by a conversation with her young daughter, who asked if she could “ban homework.”
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Schiavo said many parents support the idea, expressing frustration of the lack of quality time with their kids. Heavy homework and extracurricular activities topped the list of those potential distractions.
People supporting the current levels of homework argue that it sets up kids for future success. Supporters of the new bill argue that it can damage mental health and place an unnecessary burden on families.
The bill aims to address these concerns by encouraging teachers to carefully consider whether the homework they assign requires parental support or access to technology that not all students have. The Administrators Association of San Diego City Schools, a union representing management employees, is urging lawmakers to pass the legislation.
The union said it would help address the harmful effects of excessive or poorly designed homework, and mentioned that homework is linked to stress, headaches, exhaustion and even physical health problems like weight loss.
Mental and physical health aren’t the only concerns. The rise of artificial intelligence also raises new challenges in the classroom. Educators worry that students are using tools like ChatGPT to complete their assignments.
