Texas teacher declares war on homework, becomes online hero

The best teacher in Texas has given hope to students around the world after banning homework. A note from Brandy Young in which she tells parents homework has been abolished in favor of family time has gone viral.

“After much research this summer,” the note begins, prompting many to ponder what exactly happened during Young’s summer to start a revolution. It continues: “Homework will only consist of work that your student did not finish during the school day. There will be no formally assigned homework this year.”

The note was handed to parents at a “Meet the Teacher Night” at Godley Elementary School. Young claims a lack of research on the benefits of homework resulted in her decision and that students should instead “eat dinner as a family, read together, play outside, and get your child to bed early.”

Parent Samantha Gallagher shared the note online with the comment, “Brooke is loving her new teacher already!” referring to her seven-year-old who attends the school. The post has since been shared almost 70,000 times, with one commenter saying: “This is so awesome as it demonstrates how many parents and teachers would support this kind of policy! Especially for kids in Elementary school.”

Young told CBS that the decision was a result of a free-thinking superintendent who encouraged innovation. “I’m trying to develop their whole person; it’s not beneficial to go home and do pencil and paper work,” she said.

Homework guru Harris Cooper of Duke University once said: “There is no evidence that any amount of homework improves the academic performance of elementary students.” Students around the globe are sure to be delighted that someone is finally listening to his advice.

READ MORE: Japanese father stabs 12 yo son to death for not doing homework