My school district has been trying to lower the amount of homework at all levels including H.S. and to insist that certain weekends (often long weekends) are homework "free". They have done extensive study of this issue and the situation has improved particularly in the elementary the past few years.

BUT and here is the big BUT..

Honors and AP Classes (particular AP classes) don't have to follow these homework rules. Because those classes are optional and only for those who can work at that level. Of course it's those kids that had and still have the insane homework loads.