Story originally published in The Apple Leaf Jan. 22, 2015.
It’s with great amusement that I find a Wenatchee School District policy for homework. Yes, Wenatchee High School students, there is a board policy that outlines guidelines for teachers when assigning homework. The policy number is 2422, and it states: “The board believes that homework is a constructive tool in the teaching [and] learning process when geared to the needs and abilities of students.” According to the policy, homework can be assigned for one or more of the following purposes: practice, preparation, extension, or creativity. “As an extension of the classroom, homework must be planned and organized; must be viewed as purposeful to the students; and must be evaluated and returned to students in a timely manner,” policy 2422 states.
As many of us students know, this is rarely the case. Returning homework in a timely manner? Homework that is planned — AND organized? And purposeful? … Well, that could be debated. Homework, by far, is purposeful for practicing and preparing for exams — I think every student could agree on that, considering this type of homework finalizes your understanding of topics before a test. But, my fellow classmates, needless to say, use this policy to your advantage as leverage which assignments truly are constructive, planned, and organized. If they don’t fit the policy, should you have to do it?
And teachers, it might be time for you to review this policy. But please don’t make my last semester too difficult.
Bryce Newberry 