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Manhattan School Rolls Out New Homework Plan, But Does It Get A Passing Grade?

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A public school in Manhattan is trying a new approach to homework. It involves assigning less and getting parents involved more.

"Well I gotta say that we have less homework than usual," fifth grader Zach Liebman said, "It's amazing."

As CBS2's Dick Brennan reported, the principal at PS 116 on East 33rd Street said they are redefining homework.

Some parents seemed to appreciate the change.

"I think it's good to have a little less homework," Sarah Parlow said.

Parlow is a working mother with two kids at PS 116.

"If you're working late, come home seven, eight o'clock and then you have to spend an hour doing homework, it's stressful for us and it's stressful for them," Parlow said.

But not everyone is on board.

"I think it's gonna be a culture shock when they get to the middle school, coming from no homework to two to three hours, I would like homework," Heidi said.

Parents say the homework being assigned is more creative and involves family time.

"If I went shopping at the supermarket, my daughter could help me with the list and add things up," Laroya Thomassen said.

Kids might make a dinner menu at home with prices and then find out how much it cost each person t eat that night.

"We needed to move away from traditional homework, busy work," PTA Co-President Renee Lesser said.

Lesser addressed concerns about whether the new plan would hurt children's competitive chances down the road.

"No because frankly I think that there is homework, it's just different homework. It's more interesting. It gives children more choices," she said.

The Department of Education said when it comes to homework one size doesn't fit all schools. It gives teachers and principals discretion.

 

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