No homework tonight

Schools in Princeton, New Jersey, began implementing one homework-free weekend each semester in 2015, in part to give students more time to pursue interests and passions outside of school. Other New Jersey schools limit the number of minutes students should spend on homework each night.

In one study, researchers at University of Virginia’s Curry School of Education concluded that math and science homework didn’t lead students to achieve better grades, but it did lead to better standardized test results. A Stanford researcher concluded that excess homework increases kids’ stress and sleep deprivation.

The value of homework as a whole has been a topic of much debate. In one study, researchers at University of Virginia’s Curry School of Education concluded that math and science homework didn’t lead students to achieve better grades, but it did lead to better standardized test results.

“No homework tonight!” From time to time, some teachers surprise their students with that announcement at the closing bell of class. In some schools, though, that’s becoming the norm rather than the exception—at least on specially designated weekends. Fall is the season to give thanks and be merry.