THIS is in response to the letter to the Editor headlined "Parents not helping the teachers" (Express, February 6).

Teachers should absolutely be respected. As the writer notes, the fact that there may be some "bad teachers" (aren't there variations in skill between professionals in all fields?) does not negate the reality that teachers around the world are dedicated, hard-working and committed to their students.

That said, the emphasis on home participation is overstated. Homework is a policy that is not well-supported by the research. Teachers who give it are usually doing so out of habit and tradition, not that they've been trained in it as a teaching technique.

Teachers would find that their pupils would learn much better if they simply stayed focused on teaching them by using just the time they have with them in school.

Kenneth Goldberg

via e-mail