Texas teacher declares war on homework, becomes online hero
The best teacher in Texas has given hope to students around the world after banning homework. A note from Brandy Young in which she tells parents homework has been abolished in favor of family time has gone viral.
There needs to be more Mrs. Brandy Young's in the world.😂 https://t.co/O0xnDZLEFk
— Kait Hurley. (@KH12___) August 23, 2016
I hope more teachers follow Brandy Young's lead & eliminate homework. At best it's unhelpful. At worst, detrimental. https://t.co/6ePLKXLpwf
— Laura Tamman (@LauraTamman) August 23, 2016
“After much research this summer,” the note begins, prompting many to ponder what exactly happened during Young’s summer to start a revolution. It continues: “Homework will only consist of work that your student did not finish during the school day. There will be no formally assigned homework this year.”
The note was handed to parents at a “Meet the Teacher Night” at Godley Elementary School. Young claims a lack of research on the benefits of homework resulted in her decision and that students should instead “eat dinner as a family, read together, play outside, and get your child to bed early.”
Parent Samantha Gallagher shared the note online with the comment, “Brooke is loving her new teacher already!” referring to her seven-year-old who attends the school. The post has since been shared almost 70,000 times, with one commenter saying: “This is so awesome as it demonstrates how many parents and teachers would support this kind of policy! Especially for kids in Elementary school.”
Young told CBS that the decision was a result of a free-thinking superintendent who encouraged innovation. “I’m trying to develop their whole person; it’s not beneficial to go home and do pencil and paper work,” she said.
The now viral #nohomework teacher Mrs. Brandy Young from @GodleyISD talks about her new HW policy at 5 @CBSDFWpic.twitter.com/Ajlc2bvFF2
— Ken Molestina (@cbs11ken) August 23, 2016
Homework guru Harris Cooper of Duke University once said: “There is no evidence that any amount of homework improves the academic performance of elementary students.” Students around the globe are sure to be delighted that someone is finally listening to his advice.
Mrs Brandy Young, we now have an available slot for you at Renaissance High School. https://t.co/iUPmAfCO77
— a m b e r (@bigdaddy_amb) August 22, 2016
People like Brandy Young exist in our #education system. Not in large numbers but they're there and need our support https://t.co/YDI0crxlgr
— Christopher Pryde (@falsePryde) August 23, 2016
READ MORE: Japanese father stabs 12 yo son to death for not doing homework