Parents' priorities skewed on homework, time

Editor:

In response to M. Murros letter of April 24, Schools need later start times; students need less homework, and R. Johnsons letter of May 5, Early start times, extra projects hurt student rest, regarding students being given too much homework:

It seems their priorities are alarmingly skewed. A childs primary responsibility is to engage in the pursuit of academic excellence; a parents responsibility is to instill a strong work ethic.

In todays American culture, students (and their parents) expect to succeed in school without putting forth much effort. When that expectation isnt realized, blame is placed everywhere except where it belongs: squarely on their own shoulders.

It is appalling that these parents value sports and other extracurricular activities in the same light as their childrens education. If there isnt enough time to complete homework, perhaps their children are involved in too many activities. I agree that children should be well-rounded, but certainly not at their educational expense.

It is no wonder the United States ranks so far behind other countries in academic performance: Laziness, mediocrity and lack of discipline have been learned and allowed at home.

B. Perkins

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