School Daze

Across the state, kids are returning to school, and parents are celebrating. But despite this being the few days, many students already have homework, assigned as early as last June. Schools have decided they can't possibly teach everything a child needs during the allotted time during the school year, so they are assigning more and more homework, even over the summer. The problem is the homework isn't working.

A recent study by Duke University showed that assigning extra homework did not raise a students grades. In fact, the only effect reported was an increase in student stress, which was detrimental to their performance.

The increased homework is not the only failed program being tried by Connecticut schools. Many school districts are trying a program called "One community, one book." This program forces every student to read the same book, so that it can be discussed in schools, libraries, and book clubs. The problem with this program is that all it does is cause resentment from the students who are being forced to read a book that many of them couldn't care less about. The plan has been used by school districts around the country for ten years and so far has not shown an increase in reading skills anywhere.

So how do we teach our children? First, stop trying to fit every child into a cookie cutter mold. Children have individual needs and should be encouraged to explore that individuality. Allow them use their after-school hours to explore activities that interest them. Sports, arts, music, all of these teach valuable lessons on their own. Students are better able to learn when they are engaged by the material. If all they want to do is watch TV, use a DVD to introduce them to classic films. Show students documentaries on topics that interest them. Don't load them down with work that will only cause resentment. Use a child's interests to help them learn. They are capable of far more than they are given credit for.

For more information on this, check out the book "The Case Against Homework."

The Case Against Homework: How Homework Is Hurting Our Children and What We Can Do about It

On the Anniversary of Katrina

Around the country, people are looking back at Hurricane Katrina. They lament that the city is not fixed. The television coverage contradicts itself. People are shown taking back neighborhoods, clearing debris, and rebuilding homes, while at the same time we are told "nothing is getting done." Obviously, something is getting done.

The people who are claiming nothing is getting done, appear to be looking for more help, while not doing much on their own. Katrina was a huge tragedy. These people deserve assistance. But they also need to help themselves.

People come together in a crisis. Connecticut residents opened their hearts and their wallets to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. And while they did, charities that help those closer to home suffered huge drops in donations. A person's money only goes so far, so the result is understandable. But people suffer everyday. People who can't find jobs, who can't afford food, who have no homes. There are people like that right here in Connecticut.

While I wish everyone could be helped, please remember that there are people in our own neighborhoods that need help, and they won't be on the evening news.