CAASPP Success - Grade 6 ELA Performance Task #1

Source 1: "The Benefits of Homework: What the Research Says"
Is Homework Really Beneficial for Middle School Students? 
The debate over homework has been ongoing for years, with opinions varying widely about its effectiveness. Recent research shows that, for middle school students, the right amount of homework can provide academic benefits, but there is a fine line between helpful and harmful. Research suggests that homework can help middle school students develop better study habits, time management skills, and a sense of responsibility. The "10-minute rule," recommended by the National Education Association, advises that students should have about 10 minutes of homework per grade level each night—so, 60 minutes for a sixth grader. This amount is generally considered effective for reinforcing what students have learned in class without overwhelming them. Studies have shown that when middle school students do more than 90-100 minutes of homework per day, their academic performance, particularly in subjects like math and science, may actually decline due to stress and fatigue. Homework also has non-academic benefits. It can create a connection between home and school, allowing parents to see what their children are learning and to support their educational journey. This can foster conversations about schoolwork and encourage a supportive learning environment at home. However, it's essential that parents provide guidance without being overly involved, as too much interference can reduce a student's motivation and confidence in their abilities. On a global scale, countries with high-performing students, like Finland and Singapore, spend significantly less time on homework compared to students in the U.S., which raises questions about the quality versus quantity of assignments. The focus should be on assigning meaningful and engaging homework that encourages students to think critically and apply their knowledge, rather than repetitive tasks that may cause frustration or burnout. Overall, while homework can be beneficial, it is crucial to find the right balance. Too little may not reinforce learning, and too much can lead to negative outcomes such as stress and a loss of interest in school. For middle schoolers, keeping homework assignments challenging yet manageable is the key to maximizing its benefits.

Source 2: "The Downsides of Homework: What Experts Say"
Is Too Much Homework Hurting Middle School Students? 
While homework is often seen as a way to reinforce what students learn in class, recent research suggests that too much can actually be harmful, especially for middle schoolers. Studies have found that excessive homework is linked to increased stress, reduced well-being, and even lower academic performance. A study conducted by Stanford University researchers revealed that students doing more than two hours of homework each night were more likely to experience high levels of stress. In fact, 56% of students surveyed considered homework a primary source of stress, even more than tests or pressure to get good grades. Many reported health issues such as headaches, sleep deprivation, and exhaustion due to their heavy homework load. This suggests that instead of benefiting students, too much homework can actually be counterproductive, making them feel overwhelmed and less engaged in learning. Additionally, the study found that excessive homework takes away from time that could be spent on other important activities like sports, hobbies, and family interactions. Students who spend hours on homework each night are less likely to develop other skills and interests, which can be crucial for their overall development. This imbalance can lead to frustration and a sense of isolation as students miss out on time with friends and family. The researchers concluded that the quality of homework assignments matters more than the quantity. Homework should not be assigned just for the sake of it but should have a clear purpose that helps students learn and grow. For middle schoolers, a balanced approach—focusing on meaningful assignments that don’t take up too much time—can be much more effective and healthier. These findings challenge the traditional belief that more homework always leads to better outcomes. Instead, they highlight the importance of finding a balance that supports both academic success and the well-being of students.

Source 3: Interview with Middle School Students on Homework

Introduction:

We recently sat down with three middle school students to hear their thoughts on homework. While some students appreciate the structure it provides, others feel overwhelmed by the amount of work expected of them. Here's what they had to say:

Question 1: What do you think about the amount of homework you get?

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Sophie, 6th Grade: "I feel like I get way too much homework. Some nights, I have so many assignments that I barely have time to do anything else. I end up staying up late just to finish everything, and then I’m really tired the next day in class."

Jason, 7th Grade: "I think the amount of homework is mostly okay, but it can be a lot when I have other activities like sports practice. Sometimes, I wish teachers would give us more time to do the assignments, like over the weekend, so we can plan better."

Maya, 8th Grade: "It’s not just the amount, but the kind of homework we get. Sometimes, it feels like busy work that doesn’t really help me learn. I like it better when we get projects or assignments that make me think about what we’re doing in class."

Question 2: How does homework affect your life outside of school?

Sophie, 6th Grade: "I love playing soccer, but I’ve had to miss a few practices because I had too much homework. It’s really frustrating because I feel like I’m being punished for trying to do well in school."

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Jason, 7th Grade: "I have a hard time balancing everything. By the time I get home from practice and eat dinner, I only have a couple of hours to do homework, shower, and get ready for bed. It’s really stressful when I have a lot to do."

Maya, 8th Grade: "I don’t have as much time to hang out with my friends or just relax. Even when I finish my homework, I’m usually too tired to do anything else. I wish teachers understood how hard it is to keep up with everything."

Question 3: What changes would you like to see in how homework is assigned?

Sophie, 6th Grade: "I think teachers should talk to each other more so they know how much homework we’re getting from each class. It would help if they spread out the assignments so we don’t have a ton of work all at once."

Jason, 7th Grade: "I’d like it if we had more time to complete assignments. Getting an assignment one day and having it due the next day is tough. Maybe giving us a few days or the weekend to finish would make it easier to plan."

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Maya, 8th Grade: "It would be great if we had more projects instead of a lot of little assignments. I learn better when I have to think about something more deeply. And it would be nice if we didn’t have new things to learn from homework without the teacher’s help."