El Paso school officials examining how much homework is too much

EL PASO, Texas -- El Paso Independent School District officials met Tuesday to discuss homework in the district and how much is appropriate, but took no action.

The EPISD Board of Trustees discussed research and recommendations regarding what homework should look like and how much is too much.

Research compiled by the district suggests homework should be used to encourage a student to learn in their free time, as well as improving their attitudes about school and improving study habits.

One method suggests 10 minutes of homework per day, multiplied by whatever grade a student is in. That would mean a fourth grade student would have roughly forty minutes of homework each day. 

Some EPISD parents told ABC-7 they wish the district would build more time for homework into the school day, possibly by splitting up the lunch period. Others said they wish the district would only send work home one day per week, to encourage students to explore extracurricular activities during their free time.

"What if that child doesn't have the ability? Or has not learned whatever the subject is? Then it would be harder for him to finish in forty minutes," parent Sylvia Reyes said. "My personal opinion is for that child to learn, if it takes an hour, then an hour should be spent on a certain subject."

Research from the district shows the positive effects of homework based on the amount students complete, not how much time it takes them.

While the school board took no action Tuesday, it's expected further discussion will occur in the future.