Test theory about homework

Re “One tough assignment: Settle homework beef,” column, Dec. 8

Sandy Banks accepts at face value the notion that parents move to San Marino because of the quality of the schools. I doubt that many parents have investigated whether teachers in San Marino have developed uniquely effective strategies for teaching English or calculus. They simply want to join the club of families that can afford to live there, knowing that this demographic is guaranteed to produce high test scores wherever it gathers in California.

Supt. Gary Woods is not challenged to cite any evidence that more homework produces higher and higher test scores.

How about an experiment for one year with three groups of volunteers -- one with the current levels of homework, one with half of that and one with none?

The experiment could include a focus on improving classroom instructional practices; then each student’s test scores could be compared to his or her scores from the previous year.

It’s about time this argument had some facts injected into it.

Phil Cott

Los Angeles

I found this letter my dad wrote in 1960. He was an educator, and we did our homework. We never knew he felt this way.

“I have just read your paper of 5 April 1960 in which you have attempted to justify the large volume of homework which emanates from your school.

“This is and has been a sore point with me for some time, so I am taking the liberty to reply to your attempt at rationalizing your homework program.

“The schools exist for the education of all of the youth of the country. The school is the only place in which this educational process can be carried out on an equal basis for all youth.

“When homework is assigned, there is immediate inequality of opportunity for the very obvious reasons of cultural, spiritual and economical differences found in the various homes. If you doubt this, try visiting in some of the homes.

“There is only one reason for the consistent assignment of homework, and that reason is sloppy teaching. An administration which condones or supports this sort of thing had better review its objectives and philosophies and determine just how much of a contribution homework is making to the overall program.”

Jinx Darcy

Redondo Beach