Do you have any suggestions about how to work with the kids, teachers, parents and P&C (Parents and Community) to change the homework policy at our school?

Full Question: I am writing to you for some suggestions about how to work with the kids, teachers, parents and P&C (Parents and Community) to change the homework policy at our school. The policy needs to be made in consultation with students, parents and teachers. I was thinking it would be good to have a couple of "Homework Forums" to explore people's beliefs and share the research with parents in preparation for reviewing the policy. I suspect many parents base their homework beliefs on what they did at school. Do you have any words of wisdom for me and our school?

Answer: “Of course, it is hard for me to advise not knowing the current, prospective policy at the school. I have never argued that there should not be homework. The evidence is a) time is not a major issue so 5-minutes is as good as 50-minutes; b) the nature of homework is the key (a chance to deliberately practice something already taught yes, projects no – anything requiring parental help ouch), and c) it should be assessed by the teacher (not because assessment is good but it shows the students that it really did matter)” (John Hattie, personal communication, February, 15, 2017).