By Sarah Hammad and Mihika Dabhade – Staff Reporters 

In recent years, more schools across the United States have started to change the way they handle homework. Many districts in places like California, Oregon, New York, and Florida have created “less homework” or even “no homework” policies, especially for younger students. These changes are meant to help students feel less stressed, stay healthy, and have a better balance between school and home life.

One of the main reasons schools are cutting back on homework is research. Studies from Stanford University and Duke University show that homework in the early grades does not really improve learning. In fact, when students have too much homework, their motivation can drop and their grades can even get worse. Because of this, schools decided it made more sense to reduce homework and focus on what actually helps students learn.

Mental health has also played a big role in this shift. Teachers and principals have noticed that students today face higher levels of stress, anxiety, and lack of sleep. Many kids reported staying up late to finish assignments or arguing with their families about schoolwork. By giving students less homework, schools hope to improve their well-being and help them feel more supported.

Another goal of these homework changes is to give students more free time. Schools want kids to have time for clubs, sports, reading for fun, spending time with family, or simply resting. Educators believe that when students are not overwhelmed, they are more ready to learn during the school day.

Teachers are also focusing more on what happens inside the classroom. Some students may not have internet access, a quiet space to work, or help at home, which can make homework feel unfair. To fix this, many teachers now give more classwork, group activities, and guided practice so students can get support directly from the teacher. This helps make learning more equal for everyone.

Instead of assigning lots of worksheets, some schools now follow a “quality over quantity” rule. This means teachers give shorter, more meaningful tasks, such as small projects or real-world activities that help students understand how the lessons apply to everyday life. These assignments are designed to be useful, not just time-consuming.

Parents have also influenced homework changes. For years, many families have said that homework caused stress at home and took too long to finish each night. Some children were staying up far too late, which affected their sleep and overall health. Listening to this feedback, schools realized they needed to make a change.

As more schools adopt these new homework policies, the focus is shifting toward balance, mental health, and effective learning. Supporters hope that by reducing homework, students will feel more relaxed, more motivated, and more connected with their families and school communities. Many educators believe this approach will help students grow not only academically but also emotionally and socially, making school a safer and more positive place for everyone.