Homewhat?

Today in our Departmental Development meeting (10th grade Academy) we discussed homework. Do we want to have a 10th grade homework policy across the board? Why assign homework? Is it to reinforce skills taught in class? Is it to give students base knowledge about upcoming topics? Is it to teach kids organization and responsibility?
We could not agree.
We did agree that all students should have homework every night in math, reading, and writing. This posed a problem since I have three English classes that do not have homework at all. Period. I wish I could assign the students homework, but they have not been taught the skills to complete it. Homework is giving them another avenue for failure, not success.
I think reading is the best homework that can be given in an English class. Teachers should give book talks and let students choose their own books, which they will write about and share with small discussion groups. SSR time should be provided in class to get students enticed. Then they will be motivated to read at home. Ah, if only things were as easily done as said!