To study or not to study

Re “The school ate my homework,” Opinion, Sept. 16

I never did homework in elementary, middle or high school. Instead, I started secretly doing my homework in class when the teacher was not looking. I graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a 3.45 grade-point average and an architecture degree.

I spent the time I was supposed to spend doing homework reading and just thinking about things. Of course I have not turned out to be the automaton that our industrialized, materialistic society wanted me to be. I can actually think for myself, and I find American popular culture lowbrow and our unsustainable “way of life” a farce.

Lawrence Turner

Glendora

Homework assignment to elementary school teachers: Give your students at least two hours of homework during the week and three to six hours over the weekend, ensuring that time for play, exercise and family interaction are kept to a minimum. Assign repetitive, highly complex or inane projects that stifle creativity and inspiration and instill a sense of incompetence because a young child cannot possibly complete it alone. Provide little classroom time and explanation. Ignore all scientific evidence that assigning lots of homework doesn’t improve academic achievement. Grade: A+.

Heike Rau

Irvine

It’s a little frightening to know Randye Hoder is so happy that her son doesn’t have to do homework. I hope other parents feel differently. Homework helps kids learn how to work independently, gives them a sense of accomplishment and teaches them responsibility.

Yes, doing homework is tough for kids and their parents, but the hard work generally pays off.

Lynn Balsamo

Santa Monica