There may be some benefits to studying outside of school. Children spend between three and four hours in front of a screen before and after school each day, and homework can be one means by which students are required to do something besides focus on a screen. They might be able to focus better or read aloud, or they may simply feel more involved in the curriculum without the distraction of other students. In addition, homework allows a student to learn and process information outside the classroom setting. Many parents want to know what their children are learning at school homework prompts communication between families and teachers and gives parents opportunities to stay involved in their child's learning experience. Homework allows parents and other family members to be involved in student learning. If homework does not help students improve their scores, at least before they enter high school, what other benefits are there? Given this current controversy, a teacher should consider the pros and cons of homework before committing to doing one or the other.

And, while some educators believe homework encourages self-discipline, time-management, and endurance, these theories are difficult to quantify and evaluate leaving some to wonder if homework actually helps students at all. Studies in high school have shown some correlation between homework and test scores but have not determined homework to be the cause of these improvements. Studies have shown that more homework in elementary and middle school does not translate into higher scores on standardized tests, leading skeptics to wonder if it accomplishes anything save for kindling negative attitudes toward the classroom material. Though it may sound dubious, some evidence suggests 'no homework' might be a good idea. In recent years, researchers and teachers have been experimenting with a 'no homework' policy in the classroom.

No more homework