Bayless Elementary teacher Holly Guillmen identifies and explains the use of the contents of the Waterwise home water conservation kit provided to students by the High Plains Underground Water District in Lubbock, Texas, Oct. 17, 2012.
Bayless Elementary teacher Holly Guillmen identifies and explains the use of the contents of the Waterwise home water conservation kit provided to students by the High Plains Underground Water District in Lubbock, Texas, Oct. 17, 2012. Jerod Foster

University of Texas at austin educational psychology professor Erika Patall suggests in an op-ed that rather than debating the effectiveness and volume of homework assignments, teachers should be asking how best to motivate their students to succeed at the task. Putting more focus on relating homework to students interests and skills, providing clear expectations and routines, and giving students a sense of autonomy will make the process more meaningful for learners. (Austin American-Statesman)

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John Reynolds was the newsletters editor for the Tribune from 2013 to 2017. Prior to that, he was a reporter for Quorum Report, a non-partisan online political newsletter focusing on the ins and outs under...