Push for Homework-Free Holidays and Weekends

Education, Petitions — By Katiengelica on January 25, 2012 5:19 am

Target: The United States House Education and the Workforce Committee

Goal: To reduce mental and physical issues associated with high stress in students.

A surprising discovery has surfaced after research has been conducted on the relationship between homework and academic achievement.  In most cases, homework does not increase test scores, facilitate learning, or ready students for a healthy academic future. Alternately, homework overload is the cause of many adverse effects, including extreme fatigue, loss of relationships with family and friends, and a decline in both mental and physical health. Tell the U.S. House Education and the Workforce Committee to enforce homework free holidays and weekends in order to reduce anxiety among students and to help them better prepare for a healthier academic and professional future.

School stress is a growing problem among young people today, as learning has become less of a quest for knowledge and more of a fight to reach the top. What were once learning experiences and rites of passage has now become a way of living life based on a set of resume requirements. Extra stress is piled onto students by peers, as well as family members and mentors who push students to constantly do better, ultimately immobilizing students rather than allowing them to move forward. Because of this, students often find it hard to express their concerns to others. Not surprisingly, this shuts many students down, often times leading to depression, and, in severe cases, suicide.

It all begins in elementary school when children have yet to master the art of self-control, unable to manage many of their emotions, displaying signs of stress through nightmares, withdrawal, other regressive behavior and poor grades. Older students often respond to stress by developing eating disorders or substance abuse problems. Without the ability to slow down and limit the pressure to be the best, many students find it impossible to break these disadvantageous habits, carrying them into adulthood and into their careers.

A solution? Homework free holidays and weekends. Many schools across the country are already taking part in the vow to rid holiday and weekend homework, with positive results to show. By allowing time for resting, students will be taking part in a shift that values relationships with friends and family, as well as good health. Demand that Congress legally enforce homework free holidays and weekends on schools nationwide.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear United States House Education and the Workforce Committee,

A recent study has shown that an overload of homework is the cause of many adverse effects on students, including fatigue, loss of relationships with family and friends, and a decline in mental and physical health. Homework free holidays and weekends must be introduced in order to reduce anxiety among students and to help them better prepare for healthier academic and professional futures.

Many schools across the country are already taking part in the vow to rid holiday and weekend homework, with positive results to show. By allowing time for resting, students will be taking part in a shift that values positive relationships and a healthy lifestyle. As the United States committee responsible for impacting our nation’s schools, please enforce homework free holidays and weekends for a healthier youth.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]