Updated Homework Policy In Toms River Schools Aims For Balance

TOMS RIVER, NJ — It's been a debate for several years: Is homework beneficial, and if so, how much is too much?

In the Toms River Regional Schools, an update to the district's homework policy aims to bring balance to the debate. While it does not eliminate homework entirely, it does aim to deter excessive assignments and busywork.

The policy introduced Wednesday night on first reading sets guidelines for the amount of homework teachers should assign based on the age and grade level of students. It also bans assignments given out before a break with a due date of the return to school.

The update, the first to the policy since 2006, explicitly acknowledges the demands on students' time in an era where high school students in particular are expected to build a resume of activities in addition to their academics for their college applications.

It sets general guidelines of 10 minutes per day for each grade level reached, with the time allotted taking into account "all aspects of homework assignments — outside reading, research, drill work, etc." That would mean 10 minutes of homework daily for a first grader, while a high school senior should expect about two hours of homework, according to the policy.

The "10-minute rule" has become the standard for homework, based on dozens of research studies that have looked at the value and effectiveness of homework.

"Every child should be doing homework, but the amount and type that they're doing should be appropriate for their developmental level," Harris Cooper, a neuroscience researcher at Duke University, told US News & World Report in March 2022. Cooper reviewed more than 60 studies on the effectiveness of homework in his book "The Battle Over Homework". "For teachers, it's a balancing act. Doing away with homework completely is not in the best interest of children and families. But overburdening families with homework is also not in the child's or a family's best interest."

In 2023, high school students in particular have significant demands on their time — demands they are expected to carry if they are planning to apply to colleges, particularly the most competitive colleges. Straight As and top-flight SAT scores alone aren't sufficient; most universities want to see students who are "well-rounded," which for many translates to students who are participating in at least one club or sport, and frequently more, along with compiling significant hours volunteering in their communities. Many also work part-time.

That is explicitly acknowledged in the updated policy, as it relates to homework assignments.

"In some circumstances larger projects or assignments expected to exceed the accepted time limitations described in this policy may be appropriate," the update says. "The Board of Education has determined these should only be assigned after strong consideration of the varied demands on students' time and attention, (Co-Curricular, Athletic, Enrichment, Work, Family, Religious Obligations, Volunteering, etc). "

"This leaves room to mandate assignments teachers feel strongly about," the update says. "All students should be strongly encouraged by teachers to participate in as many voluntary enrichment activities as their time, activity level, and family situation allow."

The updated policy, which will be up for final approval at the October board meeting, emphasizes homework as a way of students practicing what they have learned in school, board member Michele Williams said.