Teachers nix ‘no homework’

Two teachers’ groups yesterday expressed their opposition to a proposal by two lawmakers who want to ban the issuance of homework for basic education learners.

The Teachers Dignity Coaltion (TDC) and the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) said House Bill 3611 authored by Sorsogon Rep. Evelina Escudero and the HB 3883 of Quezon City Rep. Alfred Vargas should be withdrawn pending consultation with the stakeholders.

Benjo Basas, TDC national chairman, said rules on homework does not need a legislation and should be left for the Department of Education to decide, instead.

“Moreover, the provision that seeks to impose a penalty of fine or imprisonment to teachers requiring assignments during weekend is simply unacceptable. Our teachers now are suffering from low pay, heavy workload and too many regulations,” the TDC statement said.

Escudero’s bill seeks to totally ban homework for all learners from kindergarten to senior high school. It also aims to provide lockers for public elementary school pupils to deposit their books and ease the burden of carrying heavy loads to and from school.

Vargas’ bill, however, criminalizes the act of giving assignments by imposing a penalty of P50, 000 fine or up to two years imprisonment against the teachers who violate.