Many kids dream of not having to worry about homework. That dream is now a reality for students in the LaSalle Parish school district in Louisiana. In January, the district announced that students wouldn’t have homework for the rest of the school year. If the plan goes well, school officials will consider making the change permanent.
Jon Garrett is the superintendent of LaSalle Parish schools. He says homework can cause students to be less interested in learning and make school feel like a chore. He adds that not having homework gives kids more time to spend with their families and take part in activities outside of school.
“It gives our kids more time to rest up and recharge when they are away from us, away from school,” Garrett says.
But not everyone is ready to give up on homework. Many people say it’s a good way for teachers to check whether students understand what’s being taught in class. Others argue that homework helps kids build good study habits, which will be useful in high school and beyond.