My 7th grader comes home with a minimum of 2-3 hours of homework a night, which at times includes 50+ Algebra problems on top of English, History, and Science worksheets and projects. I've heard that some middle school students have very little homework. Are your kids in hell or heaven?

Perhaps it just takes your kid longer because he's--how to put this--"slow."

hell

Is your child in any advanced or gifted classes? Usually the work load in those classes is higher because it's expected that the student will be able to plow through the homework without issue.

they'll tell you black is really white
the moon is just the sun at night

Welcome to home schooling 2011-style. Teachers waste the day doing bullshit field trips, valentines day parties, movies, etc. and then send the pile of work home that should have been done during the day. That homework is the teacher's own personal FU to parents for not getting their COLA.

Making_stuff Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Is your child in any advanced or gifted classes?
> Usually the work load in those classes is higher
> because it's expected that the student will be
> able to plow through the homework without issue.


Yes, my child is GT, but this homework is ridiculous. 48 more Algebra problems tonight, 4 history worksheets, 2 science worksheets, and studying for 4 tests tomorrow. She understands Algebra but having to show ALL your work (each ridiculous step) even when she can do half of it in her head is tedious. And then my neighbor's kids comes home with no homework. My hair's falling out & they're off to the movies!

Your child is in the GT program. If you do not like it put your child back into the regular classroom. I am sure you then will bitch how bored your child is.

PS My child is also in GT.

Don't worry about your neighbors, you did this to your kid. Maybe if you helped with the algebra instead of counting the problems you wouldn't be in this dilema. Kind of late in the year to change the schedule too.

Honors in middle school is a waste of time, with the exception of algebra 1.

How about go to the school and talk to the principle. Why waste your time coming on a social board to bitch. How about you stop being a busy body, lose some weight, and get a fuckin life.

Thanks you fat ass.

It's princiPAL. You can remember that because the principal is your pal.

Amanda Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Making_stuff Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Is your child in any advanced or gifted
> classes?
> > Usually the work load in those classes is
> higher
> > because it's expected that the student will be
> > able to plow through the homework without
> issue.
>
>
> Yes, my child is GT, but this homework is
> ridiculous. 48 more Algebra problems tonight, 4
> history worksheets, 2 science worksheets, and
> studying for 4 tests tomorrow. She understands
> Algebra but having to show ALL your work (each
> ridiculous step) even when she can do half of it
> in her head is tedious. And then my neighbor's
> kids comes home with no homework. My hair's
> falling out & they're off to the movies!

How does your kid's homework stress YOU out? Are you the one doing it?

why are YOU pulling your hair out because YOUR KID has alot of homework?
I don't see the connection.
Unless you're doing it for her of course.

If it's that hard for her, she can always rejoin the hoi polloi. Mucho benefits, movies, video games, talking on the phone about dating boys, Justin Bieber etc.

vgnlinfxn Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Amanda Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Making_stuff Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > Is your child in any advanced or gifted
> > classes?
> > > Usually the work load in those classes is
> > higher
> > > because it's expected that the student will
> be
> > > able to plow through the homework without
> > issue.
> >
> >
> > Yes, my child is GT, but this homework is
> > ridiculous. 48 more Algebra problems tonight,
> 4
> > history worksheets, 2 science worksheets, and
> > studying for 4 tests tomorrow. She understands
> > Algebra but having to show ALL your work (each
> > ridiculous step) even when she can do half of
> it
> > in her head is tedious. And then my neighbor's
> > kids comes home with no homework. My hair's
> > falling out & they're off to the movies!
>
> How does your kid's homework stress YOU out? Are
> you the one doing it?

drn, sorry - you beat me to this. Great minds think alike I guess.

Johnny Walker Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> It's princiPAL. You can remember that because the
> principal is your pal.

hahaha that's how I always remember it!

Amanda, here's another way to think about it:

Part of what is being taught here is time management and task completion skills. I remember doing gifted & AP programs back when I was in middle & high and, yeah, the workload sucks, no questions about that, but part of the idea here is to teach the student how to decide what to tackle first - do I plow through my Algebra first? Do I jot down rough notes for the solution to each Algebra problem, then go through and write out my work? ...or do I tackle my History first, since I'll be able to pull it off of wiki/local encyclopedias, etc...?

Here's an alternative thought - Obviously, it's middle school (you mentioned 7th grade) so there's no way kiddo knows what he wants to do in his professional career, buuuut...are there certain subjects he/she excels in and others he lags in? If so, maybe just leave him in the gifted classes for those programs and let him take the normal program for the other classes.

I don't know if that's how it works, though. It may be "all gifted" or "no gifted." If it's "all gifted," and it's important to you as a parent that the child gets the gifted education, then it's either a question of you helping them slog through the homework, or letting them figure out how to slog through it on their own.

It's par for the course, though. This is the way advanced middle & high programs are in FCPS.

Amanda Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> My 7th grader comes home with a minimum of 2-3
> hours of homework a night, which at times includes
> 50+ Algebra problems on top of English, History,
> and Science worksheets and projects. I've heard
> that some middle school students have very little
> homework. Are your kids in hell or heaven?

Hmmm...my honors 7th grader comes home usually having done all her math in her "block class", talks to me/us about her day, then sits with me to do the rest of her homework right then, finishing usually before 16:00. So "home" work amounts to about an hour, plus or minus.

Just about what they said she'd have before she started middle school, I believe:

http://www.fcps.edu/about/homework.htm

If you are helping out your GT student with her homework she does not belong in GT. Let your child do the work and get the grade she deserves.

If your child does not want to do the work let the chips fall where they should. It is only seventh grade.

Let your child live and learn on their own.

PS Grab a glass of wine tonight and relax.

Let your kid do the HW Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> If you are helping out your GT student with her
> homework she does not belong in GT. Let your child
> do the work and get the grade she deserves.
>
> If your child does not want to do the work let
> the chips fall where they should. It is only
> seventh grade.
>
> Let your child live and learn on their own.
>
> PS Grab a glass of wine tonight and relax.


Good lord!

That's the MOST STUPID advice I've ever read about students/parents/learning.

Bar none.

Do you do your childs homework? I bet you call the teachers and complain when your childs grade is not high enough. You my dear are a helicopter parent.

What happens when your little Katie goes off to college? Are you going to write her papers too?

When she gets a job are going to call in sick for her? Are you going to fill out her taxes?

Holy crap, get a life of your own. You are the worst kind of parent!

I love it when parenting, teaching and education advice comes replete with grammar and punctuation errors. It's deliciously ironic.

Amanda --

I agree that 2-3 hours of homework a night is excessive... even for high school students. I would think that a GT math teacher would be sensitive to this issue and not assign "busy" homework. Talk to the teacher; express your concerns to the principal. School is supposed to be enjoyable -- especially prior to high school -- and children need their down time when the school day is over. The best way to turn children off to learning is to make it unenjoyable.

Hmm....Maybe your daughter is a dumb c*** that shouldn't be in GT classes? I breezed my way through all of FCPS' GT programs, including receiving a full-IB diploma. Guess what? I rarely, if ever, had 3+ hours of homework. Tell your daughter to get smarter or stfu and stop complaining.

If you did so well in GT & IB, why is your vocabulary so poor?

puleaz Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hmm....Maybe your daughter is a dumb c*** that
> shouldn't be in GT classes? I breezed my way
> through all of FCPS' GT programs, including
> receiving a full-IB diploma. Guess what? I rarely,
> if ever, had 3+ hours of homework. Tell your
> daughter to get smarter or stfu and stop
> complaining.


Puleaz -- You may be book smart -- but you don't seem intelligent... and your parents sure failed to raise you as a considerate or decent person.

JohnnieRed Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Amanda --
>
> I agree that 2-3 hours of homework a night is
> excessive... even for high school students. I
> would think that a GT math teacher would be
> sensitive to this issue and not assign "busy"
> homework. Talk to the teacher; express your
> concerns to the principal. School is supposed to
> be enjoyable -- especially prior to high school --
> and children need their down time when the school
> day is over. The best way to turn children off to
> learning is to make it unenjoyable.


Thank you! Busy homework - perfectly put. And I agree with the post above about time management, which she's been working on because she have no choice.

"That homework is the teacher's own personal FU to parents for not getting their COLA."

Idiotic--some parents' wages are affected by not getting their COLAs as well.

Amanda, my kid is a 7th grader and takes math 7 Honors--has extra homework with math, but in other subjects, amount of homework is fair.

Best to instill time management to complete homework assignments on time and with out being stressed out--to both the student(s) and the parent(s)! Good luck!

I like it when my kid has alot of homework. Certainly don't see how you can call it "hell." Amanda should consider whether her daughter is in over her head in GT and has to work alot harder than others for the same results. That makes school unpleasant, and would call into question whether she'd be happier in a Gen. Ed. classroom. No dishonor there.

I have an 8th grader and there is not 2-3 hours of homework every night. The kid is not in a GT Center but is taking all honors classes in 7-8 grades. I would estimate 1-2 hours of homework a night with most often more like 1 hour.

Yes, lots of "projects" etc. When the projects are getting closer to being due - sure, some nights it might be an extra hour or two to finish it up - but on the other hand if the kid would just do a little bit every night it wouldn't leave a couple of hours of work the night before. As someone else mentioned a lot of homework gets done during the "block" time in school - sometimes almost all of it.

50+ Algebra questions per night? That doesn't sound right. Perhaps the assignment is only the odd or even questions. That seems more realistic.

My question is: what is the homework load difference in High School between honors classes and the regular classes?

Amanda Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Making_stuff Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Is your child in any advanced or gifted
> classes?
> > Usually the work load in those classes is
> higher
> > because it's expected that the student will be
> > able to plow through the homework without
> issue.

+1

Same here. GT homework seems over the top and affects quality of life. I don't understand why a "challenge" equates to 2-3 hours of homework.
> Yes, my child is GT, but this homework is
> ridiculous. 48 more Algebra problems tonight, 4
> history worksheets, 2 science worksheets, and
> studying for 4 tests tomorrow. She understands
> Algebra but having to show ALL your work (each
> ridiculous step) even when she can do half of it
> in her head is tedious. And then my neighbor's
> kids comes home with no homework. My hair's
> falling out & they're off to the movies!

flacco Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I like it when my kid has alot of homework.
> Certainly don't see how you can call it "hell."
> Amanda should consider whether her daughter is in
> over her head in GT and has to work alot harder
> than others for the same results. That makes
> school unpleasant, and would call into question
> whether she'd be happier in a Gen. Ed. classroom.
> No dishonor there.

Absolutely no dishonor in the General Educational classroom - this isn't about Gen Ed vs GT. If you read my earlier comments about how much work there is, you would recognize that it has nothing to do with having to work harder to keep up - this homework is long and tedious not just for my kid, but ALL the kids.

Same hell Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Amanda Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Making_stuff Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> > > Is your child in any advanced or gifted
> > classes?
> > > Usually the work load in those classes is
> > higher
> > > because it's expected that the student will
> be
> > > able to plow through the homework without
> > issue.
>
> +1
>
> Same here. GT homework seems over the top and
> affects quality of life. I don't understand why a
> "challenge" equates to 2-3 hours of homework.
> > Yes, my child is GT, but this homework is
> > ridiculous. 48 more Algebra problems tonight,
> 4
> > history worksheets, 2 science worksheets, and
> > studying for 4 tests tomorrow. She understands
> > Algebra but having to show ALL your work (each
> > ridiculous step) even when she can do half of
> it
> > in her head is tedious. And then my neighbor's
> > kids comes home with no homework. My hair's
> > falling out & they're off to the movies!


Agreed!!!!!!

Amanda: So you have talked with other parents in the same GT program and they agree they all have too much homework? If so maybe you can go as a group and talk to the teachers. Going to the teachers first is the way to go. They might not work as a group and understand how much work they are giving.

Good luck! Teenage years are not fun. I do not remember this much pressure in school.

What have any of us used algebra for in our adult lives?

If you want to figure out how much lawn seed you will need for your yard. Reduce a recipe is another.

Keep em coming. I went to MIT.

You signed your daughter up for hell when you pushed GT.

Really, GT is a waste of time as is that IB crap and AP classes.
I don't know ANY kid that got ahead because they were part of these programs.
I watched my neighbor's girls struggle with AP classes and not one of the girls
graduated from college early or got ahead in life.

Put her back in Gen Ed and move on...GT, IB, and AP are a waste of time

703mama Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> What have any of us used algebra for in our adult
> lives?


If you can do well in algebra, you show that you can problem solve. We problem solve every day in our adult lives.

Many large corporations seek candidates with strong math skills. Why? Not beacause their jobs will be math-heavy; because strong math students can problem solve.

Yes Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> If you want to figure out how much lawn seed you
> will need for your yard. Reduce a recipe is
> another.
>
> Keep em coming. I went to MIT.

did you find your 7th grade math homework to be long and tedious?

I suspect Amanda's kid isn't headed for MIT from the sounds of it, or TJ for that matter (they love homework, even on weekends). Maybe James Madison or George Mason will be a better fit.

When has anyone used algebra?

Hey, don't you still owe pictures from the previous thread of your kids transcripts?

So Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Amanda: So you have talked with other parents in
> the same GT program and they agree they all have
> too much homework? If so maybe you can go as a
> group and talk to the teachers. Going to the
> teachers first is the way to go. They might not
> work as a group and understand how much work they
> are giving.
>
> Good luck! Teenage years are not fun. I do not
> remember this much pressure in school.

To be honest, the work isn't all that challenging, but the 'busy' homework alters the quality of life. And, yes, ALL the parents are very upset, but a coalition isn't in the works. I think a number of parents have already issued complaints to no avail.

Amanda Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I've heard
> that some middle school students have very little
> homework. Are your kids in hell or heaven?

We went through this when our kids were in middle and high school. It's tough, but trust me it paid off when they got to college. Both got free tuition through merit scholarships. They've now graduated from Uni, have great jobs, bought homes, and are doing great.

There ain't no free lunch!

I'd like to know what merit scholarships those were. Lots of these so called "merit" scholarships take the parents' income into consideration and then don't really give the scholarship (just a nice certificate saying "good job").

Please tell what the scholarship was and where the kids went. Did you have to qualify based on "need"? I don't think my kid has a snowball's chance in hell of getting one of these.

Show him the back of my hand Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hey, don't you still owe pictures from the
> previous thread of your kids transcripts?


I thought you'd be in Wisconsin right now

You are dreaming if you thing all this busy work is going to get your child the prize. if you want them to go to the ivy leagues, send them to private school. Its a competition and if you can pay for someone to clean up after your kid, or you can do it yourself. the state doesn't owe you harvard.

I ain't no stinkin pinko. I'll tell you, though, Adam Smith, you picked the wrong crowd to sidle up to when it all comes down. Somebody thats got your grievances is going to be pretty surprised when not only do they empty the pensions, but inflate the currency beyond recognition. I counsel gold, braniac. But then you're the smart one.

Our kids are smart and we can afford private school. We send our kids to the FCPS system and are happy. We know we will pay for all of our kids college education.

Kids can can get into good colleges from the FCPS system. It is what you put into it and your kids.

The negative energy on this forum is sad.

We work hard for what we have. Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Our kids are smart and we can afford private
> school. We send our kids to the FCPS system and
> are happy. We know we will pay for all of our kids
> college education.
>
> Kids can can get into good colleges from the FCPS
> system. It is what you put into it and your kids.
>
>
> The negative energy on this forum is sad.

yes but the question was whether 2-3 hours of homework is too much.
so your post isn't really on point now is it?
As for "good" colleges, there's only UVA and Willim and Mary.

Not. I am doing well and I went to Syracuse.

Stop being a Nova prick.

which scholarship Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I'd like to know what merit scholarships those
> were.

There are several states that waive tuition or offer scholarships for high school performance. The intent is to retain the smartest kids at the state universities.

http://www.cga.ct.gov/2006/rpt/2006-R-0579.htm

http://www.ade.state.az.us/asd/tuitionwaiver/parents-students.asp

http://www.aie.org/scholarships/detail.cfm?id=5936

Yes, but I don't live in Connecticut or Arizona.

Dane Bramage Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> which scholarship Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > I'd like to know what merit scholarships those
> > were.
>
> There are several states that waive tuition or
> offer scholarships for high school performance.
> The intent is to retain the smartest kids at the
> state universities.
>
> http://www.cga.ct.gov/2006/rpt/2006-R-0579.htm
>
> http://www.ade.state.az.us/asd/tuitionwaiver/paren
> ts-students.asp
>
> http://www.aie.org/scholarships/detail.cfm?id=5936


Yes, and the states are going broke. Just make sure to get yours though.

Wait until High School. 12, 1 or 2 o'clock. That is what time your kid will be going to sleep if they are taking AP or Pre-AP classes. More homework than they will face in college.

With block scheduling, I am not clear how the child can have THAT much homework EVERY night. With the exception of one period, the other classes are only every other day. My 7th grader does the homework the night before it's due. That way, he only has the homework for that color day. It is never THAT excessive. And he is in Honors classes.

Block Scheduling Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> With the exception of one period, the other
> classes are only every other day.

After reading this I just rechecked my daughter's schedule - she has all courses M, T, and F, and only W + Th do they alternate. But, in any case, her nightly homework load is just as FCPS said it would be (on average).

The problem is doubly bad. Not only is it affecting my child, it is causing problems in my bedroom. With my daughter up late, it is more difficult for me to role play with my husband. I also purchased a new fucking machine that I have been waiting to try out but that will have to wait.

My 7th grader brought home so much homework.
(I'be had two kids go through middle school to date.

My oldest dislikes hw with a passion. This made 7th grade tougher for all of us. We just had to provide extra support and encourage him to stay after on late days to get help.

The 2nd student got just as much hw,if not more, but seemed to manange the amount okay.

It is best to get used to the amount of HW. This will continue through 12 grade.
Welcome to Fairfax County!

-------------------------------------------------------
> My 7th grader comes home with a minimum of 2-3
> hours of homework a night, which at times includes
> 50+ Algebra problems on top of English, History,
> and Science worksheets and projects. I've heard
> that some middle school students have very little
> homework. Are your kids in hell or heaven?

I like your style Amanda. Do you take in in the butt?

Block Scheduling Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> With block scheduling, I am not clear how the
> child can have THAT much homework EVERY night.
> With the exception of one period, the other
> classes are only every other day. My 7th grader
> does the homework the night before it's due. That
> way, he only has the homework for that color day.
> It is never THAT excessive. And he is in Honors
> classes.

It's excessive. I'm not familiar with honors, but my kid's curriculum includes at least a couple of projects a week along with homework. Personally, I like the projects, because they're far more interesting than the homework. And just so everyone knows - the below Amanda in the 'bedroom' is not me, but a toad!

Instead of most people here being assholes, why not help with suggestions? By degrading her, you're wasting your time, do something nice for once in your miserable lives.

Amanda,

Your daughter can get the same education without as much work, possibly an earlier HS Diploma as well. Ever think about trying homeschooling? Just a thought. :D



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/18/2011 02:25PM by Moot.

Thanks for sticking up for that fat girl Moot. And yes, as I said, the projects are interesting but there are those times when I would much rather philate my husband than be building a diorama of the Alamo.

Moot Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Instead of most people here being assholes, why
> not help with suggestions? By degrading her,
> you're wasting your time, do something nice for
> once in your miserable lives.
>
> Amanda,
>
> Your daughter can get the same education without
> as much work, possibly an earlier HS Diploma as
> well. Ever think about trying homeschooling?
> Just a thought. :D

I have friends who homeschool their kids, but I don't think it's for us. Thanks for the suggestion, though. And ignore all the Amanda toads!

Amanda Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I have friends who homeschool their kids, but I
> don't think it's for us. Thanks for the
> suggestion, though. And ignore all the Amanda
> toads!

I didn't find that business about your bedroom activities to be the slightest bit amusing - nevertheless, if your daughter has less homework in the evening, what would she be doing? talking on the phone with her gilfriends about how cute Justin Bieber is etc.? Come to think of it, maybe that is what she is doing since it takes her so long to get her homework done.

Moot Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> ...homeschooling?...

Here we go...homeschooling is a crock.

There...I said it.

Home schooling is teaching readin', writin', 'rithmetic.

That's it.

Or to put it another way, teaching about 30% or so of what kids learn in REAL schools.

In REAL schools, kids see each other, see that raised eyebrow, smell that too strong perfume, tell that stupid joke, talk about who's with who...you know...socialize.

Or about 70+% of what's learned. Plus or minus.

totally against homeschooling Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Moot Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > ...homeschooling?...
>
> Here we go...homeschooling is a crock.
>
> There...I said it.
>
> Home schooling is teaching readin', writin',
> 'rithmetic.
>
> That's it.
>
> Or to put it another way, teaching about 30% or so
> of what kids learn in REAL schools.
>
> In REAL schools, kids see each other, see that
> raised eyebrow, smell that too strong perfume,
> tell that stupid joke, talk about who's with
> who...you know...socialize.
>
> Or about 70+% of what's learned. Plus or minus.


Is it where they learn tolerance of other's beliefs as well? Cause I think you might have missed that part.

intolerant Wrote:
> Is it where they learn tolerance of other's
> beliefs as well? Cause I think you might have
> missed that part.

You are a pinhead.

Tolerance has nothing to do with it - I tolerate fools who think home schooling is real school even though they are irreversibly damaging their kids. I wouldn't THINK of stopping those fools from homeschooling their irreversibly damaged kids - that IS their business.

Homeschooling isn't REAL school, not by a LONG shot. THAT'S all that counts.

"totally against homeschooling" nailed it in his first post.

In fact, public schooling *IS* where a lot of students learn a whole damn LOT about tolerance - tolerance of other people's beliefs, acceptance of other people's economic status, race, gender orientation, etc. (for better or for worse.)

When you immerse a child in a gender/race/status/orientation melting pot like public school from childhood, you get them used to (i.e., you socialize and culture them) the idea of multiple races, sexes, classes, etc. all being capable of having an opinion - again, for better or for worse.

Unless the individual doing the home schooling actively seeks social outlets for the child, I can't really see how the child would learn to interact normally with people outside of his learned race/status/class/orientation. Lack of knowledge --> fear --> intolerance, and that usually happens pretty quickly.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/18/2011 04:34PM by Making_stuff.

Making_stuff Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> "totally against homeschooling" nailed it in his
> first post.
>
> In fact, public schooling *IS* where a lot of
> students learn a whole damn LOT about tolerance -
> tolerance of other people's beliefs, acceptance of
> other people's economic status, race, gender
> orientation, etc. (for better or for worse.)
>
> When you immerse a child in a
> gender/race/status/orientation melting pot like
> public school from childhood, you get them used to
> (i.e., you socialize and culture them) the idea
> of multiple races, sexes, classes, etc. all being
> capable of having an opinion - again, for better
> or for worse.
>
> Unless the individual doing the home schooling
> actively seeks social outlets for the child, I
> can't really see how the child would learn to
> interact normally with people outside of his
> learned race/status/class/orientation. Lack of
> knowledge --> fear --> intolerance, and that
> usually happens pretty quickly.

but that's the whole point of homeschooling isn't it -- you don't want them to be influenced by "those people."?

Yeah, that's the way I see it.

But the homeschooling dude above said "Is it (it = public school) where they learn tolerance of other's beliefs as well? Cause I think you might have missed that part."

You can't teach your kid to be intolerant in a home schooling situation, then go around claiming that people are intolerant of your beliefs for choosing to do so. Y'can't have your cake and eat it too.

7th grade's usually the hardest since it's introducing different sciences and maths and stuff, or at least it was like that when I was in school. It all builds and becomes like the backside of your hand.

Making_stuff Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> "totally against homeschooling" nailed it in his
> first post.
>
> In fact, public schooling *IS* where a lot of
> students learn a whole damn LOT about tolerance -
> tolerance of other people's beliefs, acceptance of
> other people's economic status, race, gender
> orientation, etc. (for better or for worse.)
>
> When you immerse a child in a
> gender/race/status/orientation melting pot like
> public school from childhood, you get them used to
> (i.e., you socialize and culture them) the idea
> of multiple races, sexes, classes, etc. all being
> capable of having an opinion - again, for better
> or for worse.
>
> Unless the individual doing the home schooling
> actively seeks social outlets for the child, I
> can't really see how the child would learn to
> interact normally with people outside of his
> learned race/status/class/orientation. Lack of
> knowledge --> fear --> intolerance, and that
> usually happens pretty quickly.


The kids I know who are homeschooled actually do have social outlets; it's a huge community with daily courses outside the home and they meet weekly. And the kids seem socially well-adjusted. But as I said before, this isn't for me or my family.

Making_stuff Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>> But the homeschooling dude above said "Is it (it =
> public school) where they learn tolerance of
> other's beliefs as well? Cause I think you might
> have missed that part."
>

I didn't say I homeschooled (don't, kids in FCPS), but I see a whole lot of people preaching about tolerance on here that are 100% sure of the evil of someone who homeschools. I share many of the doubts about homeschool, but to denounce it and its adherents so completely - that smacks of intolerance.

From Dictionary.com: tolerance: a fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward those whose opinions, practices, race, religion, nationality, etc., differ from one's own

Our HW load always depended upon the teacher, and the classes being taken. Sometimes I'd end up going to school without sleep because I had to stay up all night writing a report.

==================================================================================================
"And if any women or children get their legs torn off, or faces caved in, well, it's tough shit for them." -2LT. Bert Stiles, 505th, 339th (On Berlin Bombardier Mission, 1944).

I am seeing a lot more of teaching to the test. Do you think the HW is to have a great score the SOL's? The test scores reflect on the teacher.

My son is in 4th grade(GT) and my daughter is in first. I cannot tell you how much more the first grade teacher talks about the SOL's compared to my 4th grader. They both have had the same teacher for first grade.

My kids are both smart and in a great school so I do not understand all this crazy talk about teaching to the test.

Granted your child is older so we can not compare but I thought about this while reading your question.

I could never homeschool. It would guarantee no time with the hubby. I would never get analingus again.

HW hell Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I am seeing a lot more of teaching to the test. Do
> you think the HW is to have a great score the
> SOL's? The test scores reflect on the teacher.
>
> My son is in 4th grade(GT) and my daughter is in
> first. I cannot tell you how much more the first
> grade teacher talks about the SOL's compared to my
> 4th grader. They both have had the same teacher
> for first grade.
>
> My kids are both smart and in a great school so I
> do not understand all this crazy talk about
> teaching to the test.
>
> Granted your child is older so we can not compare
> but I thought about this while reading your
> question.


Schools definitely teach to the SOLs, but I have friends whose kids go to another middle school and they rarely have homework. So as an mentioned in another post, it really depends on the teacher/school. I will say that my kid NEVER had this kind of homework in elementary school; so brace yourself if you end up at a school like ours.

Amanda Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

>
> Schools definitely teach to the SOLs, but I have
> friends whose kids go to another middle school and
> they rarely have homework. So as an mentioned in
> another post, it really depends on the
> teacher/school. I will say that my kid NEVER had
> this kind of homework in elementary school; so
> brace yourself if you end up at a school like
> ours.


you never explained the connection between your kid having homework and YOU having to "brace yourself", "pulling [your] hair out," etc. I still don't see what one has to do with the other.

So what she would be doing with her time on week nights if not for homework. Watching T.V., talking on the telephone? Those things would be better? Frankly I'm completely lost as to where you're coming from.

Btw, if your kid is taking Algebra in 7th grade, they're going to have at least some trouble. When I was in Middle School they offered it in 8th grade, and many think that's even too young.

==================================================================================================
"And if any women or children get their legs torn off, or faces caved in, well, it's tough shit for them." -2LT. Bert Stiles, 505th, 339th (On Berlin Bombardier Mission, 1944).

2-3 hours is nothing for GT seventh grade....

guess what? getting a good education comes with work. learn to deal with it.

How about being a kid. Playing outside, riding your bike, listening to music. Kids in FFC still like to do these things. It is up to parents to turn off the electronics.
Today all the
boys played flag football till dark. Plus kids like coming over to our house. I provide snacks but they must play outside when it is nice.

I am not a perfect but I try to be a good neighbor and a friend.

To: lost Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> How about being a kid. Playing outside, riding
> your bike, listening to music. Kids in FFC still
> like to do these things. It is up to parents to
> turn off the electronics.
> Today all the
> boys played flag football till dark. Plus kids
> like coming over to our house. I provide snacks
> but they must play outside when it is nice.
>
> I am not a perfect but I try to be a good neighbor
> and a friend.

???? Your daughter has 2-3 hours of homework and the boys played flag football till dark. Yeah, that makes sense.

Apparently no aspirations for TJ then?

what we have here is a case of GT cramping this lady's lifestyle, and she doesn't like it. Pretty simple really.

I think the question is much more complicated than how many hours of homework. Homework comes in all forms. If it is 2 or 3 hours of something extremely worthwhile, then great. And if you automatically assume a kid is on the phone or watching TV or doing some drivel when not doing homework, then any kind of homework is probably better than that. But how about a kid who comes home and reads a book/magazine for pleasure or goes out to play a game or rakes the yard or lots of other productive activities. Is he/she better off doing those things or doing useless drivel type homework? How about a high schooler who goes to work at a part time job? Is that better than drivelly homework or is the homework more important to his/her development? Does it depend on the job? Does it depend on the homework? Is it better to be in debate club or the school play or the marching band or a sport? There are tons of things to do with your time that are not necessarily provided by the school. How about church choir practice or scouts or etc. etc. ???

When I was in high school, I didn't have nearly as much homework as my son has. I was in the school drama productions, worked a part time job in the public library, was involved with the school newspaper and a foreign language club and AFS. Would it have been better for me to spend all hours on homework??? I don't think I would want to give up the memories of those things for memories of sitting at the kitchen table doing homework.

lost Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Amanda Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
>
> >
> > Schools definitely teach to the SOLs, but I
> have
> > friends whose kids go to another middle school
> and
> > they rarely have homework. So as an mentioned
> in
> > another post, it really depends on the
> > teacher/school. I will say that my kid NEVER
> had
> > this kind of homework in elementary school; so
> > brace yourself if you end up at a school like
> > ours.
>
>
> you never explained the connection between your
> kid having homework and YOU having to "brace
> yourself", "pulling hair out," etc. I still
> don't see what one has to do with the other.
>
> So what she would be doing with her time on week
> nights if not for homework. Watching T.V., talking
> on the telephone? Those things would be better?
> Frankly I'm completely lost as to where you're
> coming from.


Interesting...

Your child could drop out of GT. Then you could set an example and tell he/she to protest by not studying or doing homework. Then he/she can not go to college and live in your basement as an adult. That'd really show 'em! :D

I never said my kids did not have HW. Today is Friday and the kids can enjoy the outdoor weather.

You must be stuck in a cubicle and miserable. Sorry for you.

Nobody---NOBODY---is going to have fond memories of studying for SOL's.

balance needed Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I think the question is much more complicated than
> how many hours of homework. Homework comes in all
> forms. If it is 2 or 3 hours of something
> extremely worthwhile, then great. And if you
> automatically assume a kid is on the phone or
> watching TV or doing some drivel when not doing
> homework, then any kind of homework is probably
> better than that. But how about a kid who comes
> home and reads a book/magazine for pleasure or
> goes out to play a game or rakes the yard or lots
> of other productive activities. Is he/she better
> off doing those things or doing useless drivel
> type homework? How about a high schooler who goes
> to work at a part time job? Is that better than
> drivelly homework or is the homework more
> important to his/her development? Does it depend
> on the job? Does it depend on the homework? Is
> it better to be in debate club or the school play
> or the marching band or a sport? There are tons
> of things to do with your time that are not
> necessarily provided by the school. How about
> church choir practice or scouts or etc. etc. ???
>
> When I was in high school, I didn't have nearly as
> much homework as my son has. I was in the school
> drama productions, worked a part time job in the
> public library, was involved with the school
> newspaper and a foreign language club and AFS.
> Would it have been better for me to spend all
> hours on homework??? I don't think I would want
> to give up the memories of those things for
> memories of sitting at the kitchen table doing
> homework.

At last, an intelligent response.:-)

are you saying my response wasnt intelligent????

balance needed Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I think the question is much more complicated than
> how many hours of homework. Homework comes in all
> forms. If it is 2 or 3 hours of something
> extremely worthwhile, then great. And if you
> automatically assume a kid is on the phone or
> watching TV or doing some drivel when not doing
> homework, then any kind of homework is probably
> better than that. But how about a kid who comes
> home and reads a book/magazine for pleasure or
> goes out to play a game or rakes the yard or lots
> of other productive activities. Is he/she better
> off doing those things or doing useless drivel
> type homework? How about a high schooler who goes
> to work at a part time job? Is that better than
> drivelly homework or is the homework more
> important to his/her development? Does it depend
> on the job? Does it depend on the homework? Is
> it better to be in debate club or the school play
> or the marching band or a sport? There are tons
> of things to do with your time that are not
> necessarily provided by the school. How about
> church choir practice or scouts or etc. etc. ???
>
> When I was in high school, I didn't have nearly as
> much homework as my son has. I was in the school
> drama productions, worked a part time job in the
> public library, was involved with the school
> newspaper and a foreign language club and AFS.
> Would it have been better for me to spend all
> hours on homework??? I don't think I would want
> to give up the memories of those things for
> memories of sitting at the kitchen table doing
> homework.


That's all well and good ma'am. But I'll bet you got your homework done too.
No Amanda's kid, obviously, is no ball of fire. If she was doing any of those things you did she would never get her homework done!

When can kids be kids. Never in the FCPS.

SAD.

boohoo, fairfax schools have a lot of homework.go cry me a river. why don't you just move to a county with poor school systems and many failing students. you know, many parents would love to live in fairfax so their kids could get a good education. stop whining.

We love FCPS. Your PWCS have a high drop out rate and teen births.

We can complain since we pay more in taxes. That does not mean we do not care. It means we care too much. Not a bad thing but a good thing. I never hear parents from PWC complain about anything but the spics. You get what you pay for.

you don't like it?? move.

PWC sucks. You move.

ThePackLeader Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Btw, if your kid is taking Algebra in 7th grade,
> they're going to have at least some trouble. When
> I was in Middle School they offered it in 8th
> grade, and many think that's even too young.


Actually, my kid isn't having trouble with Algebra 1 Honors or any of her courses - she's earned straight As both quarters, which leads me to my point - the homework isn't challenging, just tedious & too much of it.

To those of you who like to "dis" Prince William County, you are mistaken if you think that Fairfax does not have dropouts or kids who get pregnant. You need to get around the county more and open your eyes. Don't throw stones. There are plenty of people who "care" in Prince William and stereotyping people who live there is very unfair (just as stereotyping people in Fairfax is unfair).

We don't solve our problems by attacking each other in these ways. Let's try to help each other. We are going to need to do this to get through the next decade or so.

Teachers are trying to counteract the new grade percentage changes that all you parents bitched for.

Porksta Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Teachers are trying to counteract the new grade
> percentage changes that all you parents bitched
> for.


This is nonsensical. Why would teachers care? If anything, the new grading scale makes them look better.

+1