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Homework study updated
Parent forums set for early 2011

by Glenn Wohltmann

Amid new attention being paid to student stress and the movie "Race to Nowhere," a recommendation for a district-wide homework policy is set to be presented to the Pleasanton school board in May.

That'll give Jane Golden, the district's Director of Curriculum and Special Projects, time to review input and draft a policy for the board.

In speaking to the board recently, Golden said the survey revealed some unexpected information.

"I was surprised to hear from parents that middle and high school students are doing coloring," Golden told the board.

She said she was working with the school's adult education program and PTA councils to set up parent forums. Three dates have been set: Jan. 27 at Hearst Elementary for grades K-5; Feb. 2 at Pleasanton Middle School for grades 6-8; and Feb. 9 at Amador Valley High School for grades 9-12. All are to run from 7-8:30 p.m.

"It's a hot topic in Alameda County," Golden said.

In discussions, Board Member Jamie Hintzke suggested some student-run meetings.

"They may not want to admit how much time they spend on Facebook," Hintzke said.

Board Member Pat Kernan asked about coordination between different teachers assigning homework. Golden said that will be addressed in her recommendations.