I attended a private elementary school that didn't have a traditional grading (A-F) or grade system (K-5th). They also reduced our homework and concentrated more on in-class course work, in-class discussions, and at-home reading assignments. When we graduated from that school at 10 years old, 95% of the students that transferred to public schools for junior high were skipped at least one grade ahead. Coincidence? I think not.

Our teachers really concentrated on making sure we understood the material before we went home. They could tell who knew what by our in-class work. For those who didn't understand the material, the teacher would spend extra time answering questions. Students who unde...

I attended a private elementary school that didn't have a traditional grading (A-F) or grade system (K-5th). They also reduced our homework and concentrated more on in-class course work, in-class discussions, and at-home reading assignments. When we graduated from that school at 10 years old, 95% of the students that transferred to public schools for junior high were skipped at least one grade ahead. Coincidence? I think not.

Our teachers really concentrated on making sure we understood the material before we went home. They could tell who knew what by our in-class work. For those who didn't understand the material, the teacher would spend extra time answering questions. Students who understood the material quickly also help tutor students who weren't as quick.

Homework is for practice, but too much can be very stressful on a young child.

Schools should make homework optional. Most of it is tedious and not everyone needs the practice. I do, however, think that essays should be a major part of school. It's important to know how to express something in writing. I don't feel that it is taken seriously in school, and when it is, the requirements are often ridiculously reductive. Schools should focus on discussion and engage students in regular debates. I also think school days should be significantly shorter and start later in the day. As they are now, students spend most of their time in boredom, wasting their time in "blow-off" classes for the sake of filling their requirements. Speaking of courses, schools should get r...

Schools should make homework optional. Most of it is tedious and not everyone needs the practice. I do, however, think that essays should be a major part of school. It's important to know how to express something in writing. I don't feel that it is taken seriously in school, and when it is, the requirements are often ridiculously reductive. Schools should focus on discussion and engage students in regular debates. I also think school days should be significantly shorter and start later in the day. As they are now, students spend most of their time in boredom, wasting their time in "blow-off" classes for the sake of filling their requirements. Speaking of courses, schools should get rid of the stupid, dumbed-down classes - the kids in them fail by their own choice. It is a waste to have classes when they can just as easily fail a standard class and maybe even learn something. I have to be at school before 7 am. That is way too early. I think 10am is a much better time to start. I honestly believe that these changes would greatly improve the education system in this country. And I feel I can say that, because I have been a part of it for over 12 years now.