There are different approaches to homework in different school districts here in the States. In some cases parents can apparently even get away with telling a teacher that they refuse to have their children do any homework at all. At the other end of the spectrum, some classes feature graded homework; don't do the assigned homework, and it affects your grade. In general here in the US, though, you don't have a right to refuse to do homework-- you can refuse it if you're allowed. I'd be on board with substitution, but I'd double-check first to get any required permission. In my case, if we stay in the public school system, I may ask to substitute, but for right now we are awaiting the results of an assessment that may result in a grade skip and/or some pull-outs.
I think the aim of most schools is, in part, to teach children to be obedient. Being obedient in a school setting is a useful skill that will help the child later-- in fact in most school/university settings a certain amount of obedience is a necessary skill for optimal achievement. Of course, perfect obedience is not necessary for most people to succeed in life, nor should anyone strive for slavish obedience.
Last edited by Iucounu; 10/04/10 05:30 AM.
