From WebAssigns and English readings, to math problems and history chapters, junior Adina Kazan said she spends at least three to four hours each night on homework.

“All of a sudden, you have no time to eat and shower so it’s really hard to balance time for yourself, personal activities, social events and homework,” Kazan said.

According to Rosanne Williamson, assistant superintendent for educational services of District 225, the school board has considered homework as a potential topic of discussion over the years, but has delayed the discussion in consideration of other district changes.

“Homework was on the radar a couple years ago, but with these other significant changes such as [the pilot of] chromebooks and [Glenbrook] South going to block [scheduling], [the topic on homework] was deferred,” Williamson said.

According to Williamson, if and when the school board discusses homework, it will focus on the load, quality and type of homework students are receiving.

Robin Sheperd, the social studies instructional supervisor, began to grow concerned of homework load when she recently heard from principal Paul Pryma that students on the Student Association board were informing him of their stress from homework.

She said the department wants to investigate what types of homework are causing students to feel stress. The teachers discussed possible solutions such as creating focus groups where teachers can meet with students to ask questions, receive feedback and enhance student-teacher communication.

“For the benefit of student engagement, I think teachers should focus on giving out one assignment at a time,” said Kazan. “I also think the school board should encourage teachers to limit homework load especially on specific weeks like before ACT’s or other big events.”