I have no expertise aside from that of being a parent with two teenagers but I have to say after years of observation, I see little to no benefit to homework. A little drilling of french verbs, spelling words or time-tables, a little reading or research or preparation for a project -- this has some value. But hours of the same thing every night? Please!

My daughter has several learning disabilities and what do we get? Even more homework than other kids -- in essence, even more of what she already has trouble with. What she (and my son and other kids) really need is time to expand and recreate the energy necessary to come ready to learn the next day. Time to play, do sports, practice an instrument, draw, paint, create imaginary words on paper, cook, do chores, read books, hang out with friends and family -- essentially practice being a whole person, not just a student.Aside from occassionally writing notes to excuse our children from homework, what can parents do to battle this incursion into family and personal time?