Students Give Input on Homework Policy

Published April 29, 2010

Williamson County students are helping to shape the district's homework policy. The students were invited to be part of a special Homework Task Force which met for the first time April 20 at the central office.

The purpose of the task force is to begin the process of crafting a new Williamson County Board of Education policy regarding homework. Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney invited the students to be part of the process since they are the ones who will be affected most by it.

"I think it's great to get the student's perspective," said Brentwood High School senior Harrison Hall. "A lot has changed since many of the adults were in high school. It's completely different now, which is why I'm glad we're being given the opportunity to offer our opinions on homework."

The Homework Task Force consists of elementary, middle and high school teachers from across the district. At the April 20 meeting, the group discussed a number of topics. They explored the relevance of homework, how it fits into the curriculum and the influence it can have on a student's life. And while you'd think most students would want to do away with homework for good, the ones at this meeting say it's essential to having a successful educational experience.

"Homework is definitely necessary and helpful," said Hall. "What we want to come up with is a consensus of how to make that homework relevant to the subject, how to make it help us succeed in life once we leave school."

The next Homework Task Force meeting will be held April 30 and will include elementary and middle school students and teachers.