National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) surveys indicate a consistent decline in homework assigned to students over the past two decades, a trend highlighted by education researcher Tom Loveless. This observation stems from various NAEP assessments, including surveys of 8th-grade math teachers, where percentages reflect the proportion of students affected. This reduction in homework coincides with broader academic performance concerns, including a measurable decline of 4–6 IQ-equivalent points in standardized reasoning scores (NAEP and PISA) over the past decade.
Tom Loveless, a prominent education policy expert, drew attention to this trend via a social media post, stating, > "All NAEP surveys show homework falling over last 2 decades. This from 8th grade math teacher survey." He further clarified that, > "As with all NAEP data (even tchr/princ surveys) percentages expressed as percentage of students." This emphasizes the student-centric nature of the reported statistics regarding assigned homework.
Historically, NAEP data has presented a nuanced picture of homework trends. While some analyses from the early 2000s suggested increases in homework assignments for younger students and a relatively stable amount of time spent on homework for the majority of K-12 students, Loveless's recent statement points to a more contemporary and widespread decline in the frequency of assignments. This shift reflects evolving pedagogical approaches and ongoing debates about the efficacy and appropriate volume of homework.
The reduction in assigned homework occurs as U.S. students face significant academic challenges. Recent NAEP results for 12th graders showed reading and math scores plummeting to their lowest levels in two decades by 2024, with a notable increase in students scoring below the "basic" level in mathematics. Similarly, 13-year-old students experienced declines of 7 points in reading and 14 points in mathematics compared to a decade prior, according to 2023 long-term trend assessments.
Experts suggest various factors contributing to these broader academic declines, which may also influence homework practices. Increased screen time, the pervasive use of artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT for assignments, and declining student engagement are frequently cited. One report indicated that by early 2025, approximately one in four American teenagers used ChatGPT for homework, raising concerns about its impact on genuine learning and cognitive development.
The implications of decreasing homework assignments and falling academic scores are a subject of intense discussion among educators and policymakers. While some advocate for less homework to reduce student stress, others emphasize its role in reinforcing learning and developing critical skills. The NAEP data provides a critical foundation for examining how changes in educational practices are shaping student outcomes in an increasingly digital and complex learning environment.
