Homework - What is a Reasonable Amount of Homework?

The National Parent-Teacher Association and the National Education Association recommend the following amounts of homework : 

*Kindergarten to 3rd grade: Up to 20 minutes each day. 

*4th - 6th grade: 20 to 40 minutes each day. 

*7th - 12th grade: Generally up to 2 hours, but recommendations vary according to the type and number of subjects a student is taking. 

College-bound students will receive increasingly lengthy and complex assignments. Also, some students may require more time while others require less time to complete their homework . (See "The Basics" in "Helping Your Child with Homework," and a brochure, "How Important is Homework," available on-line at http://www.accesseric.org:81/resources/parent/homewrk.html.) 

It will take some students longer than others to complete assignments. Research studies have shown that students with low test scores who spend substantial time on homework get grades as good as higher ability students who spend less time. However, teachers and parents need to be aware that if assignments generally take too long, this may be a may sign that a student needs more instruction to complete them successfully. While some homework is a good thing, too much can frustrate students and cause stress. It's also important that kids have time to exercise, play, socialize, and pursue their own personal interests. 

"Students who have good attention and concentration skills often finish homework quickly. They usually listen so well in class that they have learned much of what they need to know already. It is said that students who listen very carefully to what teachers are saying, can cut their study time by 45%" (From "Homework & Studying at Home," available online at http://henson.austin.apple.com/edres/parents/pfet/hwrkmenu.shtml).    

Source: Helping Students with Homework in Science and Math. ERIC Digest.  by Milbourne, Linda A. - Haury, David L.

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