Worcester School Committee reviews homework policy and approves calendar changes

Public Comment Sparks Debate on Homework Policy at Worcester School Committee Meeting

During the Worcester Public Schools Standing Committee on Finance, Operations, and Governance meeting on May 20, 2025, a public comment from resident Dina Tedeschi ignited discussions on a proposed homework policy for elementary students. Tedeschi, a parent of both a graduate and a current seventh grader, expressed concerns over the language in agenda item GB 3-87, which suggests that students in grades K-5 would have homework assigned every night from Monday to Thursday.

Tedeschi argued that this expectation may not be feasible across all classrooms and could lead to confusion among parents. She proposed a minor yet significant change to clarify that homework assignments should be at the discretion of educators rather than a blanket requirement. "It would be clarifying for parents if it is more of a, up to the discretion of the educator," she stated, emphasizing the need for flexibility in homework assignments.

The committee also reviewed updates to the district's nondiscrimination policies, which were approved unanimously, ensuring compliance with Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) guidelines.

In addition, the meeting addressed calendar changes for the 2025-2026 school year, including the addition of a professional development day on January 26 and a rescheduling of another PD day from March 3 to March 9. These adjustments were made based on feedback from educators to better align with the school calendar and minimize disruptions.

The committee's discussions reflect ongoing efforts to adapt educational policies and practices to meet the needs of students and educators alike. As the school year approaches, these changes aim to foster a more supportive learning environment while addressing community concerns.