Elementary school principal introduces 'no homework' policy

Beth Blum, principal at Indian Land Elementary School, sent out a letter to parents on Wednesday regarding a “no homework” policy.

Blum said the policy is a way to take a load off families.

In the letter, the Blum wrote, “There will be no formally assigned homework” which was followed by a list of things parents can do with their child instead, like read, play outside, eat dinner as a family and get a good night's sleep.

"I think that's great. I think it's important for kids to spend more time with their families," Mike McShane said.

A second letter was sent out the parents on Wednesday. It clarifies that not all homework is excused.

The policy only impacts students taking standardized tests. Many students will be taking those tests over the next two to three weeks.

"On the days your child is not testing, they may be assigned regular homework,” Blum wrote.

Amy Baksh, who has a kindergartner at the school, said she enjoys the homework assigned to her daughter.

"It’s fun,” Baksh said. “You get to read. You get to spend time with your kid. Sometimes she reads by herself. Sometimes we will read with her, so it's very flexible."

McShane agrees with the part of the letter that talks about student performance.

"I know from just being a teacher myself homework doesn't really prove too much of an impact to students’ academics, so I think it’s good to have more time relaxing at home,” McShane said.

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:

• Ex-NFL star Aaron Hernandez dead after hanging self in cell
• Pregnant Gastonia woman shot while sitting on front porch
• VIDEO: Keith Monday's wet weather update
• 60-year-old arrested in connection with robbery, shooting at Family Dollar
• WATCH: Mother, daughter trapped in sauna die
• 2 arrested in attack involving assault rifle at Bessemer City park

Cox Media Group