High school AI use study

AI use in U.S. high schools has become “fully embedded in how students respond to homework and other assignments” and raises issues on the value of homework assignments. “The percentage of high school students who report using generative AI for schoolwork is growing, increasing from an already high 79% to 84% between January and May of this year, according to surveys conducted by College Board, the nonprofit that manages much of the nation's standardized tests, including the SAT. That means increasing numbers of students are assigning their own homework to AI – even if it puts learning at peril. AI can solve a math problem and also show the work step by step. It can summarize and analyze a reading passage. It can write an entire essay, in ways increasingly difficult to spot. …” Teachers are finding alternate ways to develop in-class and out-of-class assignments. (Los Angeles Times via PressReader, Oct. 25, 2025).

 U.S. high school students’ use of generative artificial intelligence: New evidence from high school students, parents and educators. By Alexandra Adair, et al. College Board Research. Oct. 2025

How to bridge homework gap with tech study

Enhancing connections between schools and communities could help close digital divides and curb the "homework gap," according to a study of schools in Alabama and Arizona. The study finds that bridging this divide relies on robust in-school technology programs and relevant community connections.
Lee, N. (2020). Bridging digital divides between schools and communities. Washington, DC: Brookings Institute.
https://www.brookings.edu/research/bridging-digital-divides-between-schools-and-communities/
 

Internet Nonconnectivity Impact study

From the benefits of teaching lifelong digital citizenship skills to the challenges of preparing students to critically evaluate online information, educators across the country share their perspectives on what it's like to teach in today's fast-changing digital world. Nevertheless, about 12% of teachers said that more than 60% of students lack the home internet connectivity needed to complete their homework, according to a recent report.  In response, about 42% of teachers at high-poverty schools said they avoid assigning homework that would require an internet connection.
The Common Sense Census: Inside the 21st century classroom. (2019).  San Francisco, CA: Common Sense Media.
 https://www.commonsensemedia.org/research/the-common-sense-census-inside-the-21st-century-classroom-2019

Internet Use at Libraries

This research, authored by the University of Washington and funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, found that nearly one in three Americans age 14 or older—roughly 77 million people—used a public library computer or wireless network to access the internet in the last year. Major uses of online access at libraries include employment and career support (slightly under half of users); education and training such as applying for college, doing homework, or taking an online course (slightly under half of users); and researching health and wellness issues (slightly over a third of users). This important study highlights what is at risk, particularly for low-income individuals who rely heavily on the public library for their technology, if future public and private investment in public libraries doesn’t keep pace with demand.

Nishi, J. (2011). Opportunity for all: How the American public benefits from internet access at U.S. libraries. National Civic Review, 100(3), 36-40. https://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ncr.20071

Online homework help study

The report of a study, conducted by Virginia Walter and library programs consultant Cindy Mediavilla, on the California State Library's Out-of-School-Time Online Homework Help program is now available on the California State Library's website at http://www.library.ca.gov/lds/lds.html. The report looks at the effectiveness of the service provided by online homework help vendors Tutor.com and Brainfuse, as well as libraries' satisfaction with the program. A chart compares the features of both vendors' services. For more information about the study, please contact Cindy Mediavilla at cmediavilla@library.ca.gov or (310) 915-8588.

Homework study

Homework may not boost all students' test scores
More math homework may help top students as well as those who struggle, but average students may reap less benefit from additional assignments when it comes to improving test scores in the subject, according to a new study. Only roughly 40% of students who were observed in the study would benefit in a significant way from an additional hour per night of homework, the researchers concluded.
Henderson, D., & Eren, O. (2008). The impact of homework on student achievement. Econometrics Journal, 11(2), 326-348.

Homework survey

A survey found a big disconnect between teachers and parents when it comes to homework. Veteran teachers said homework is crucial to students' academic success in school. Most assigned homework to help students build skills like reading comprehension or to help them prepare for tests. One out of four teachers rated the quality of their homework as "excellent." But one-third of parents rated the quality of homework only "fair to poor." Parents also complained that there's too much homework — that it takes up way too much time and deprives their children of sleep.
The MetLife survey of the American teacher: the homework experience. Hartford, CT: MetLife.
www.ced.org/docs/report/report_metlife2008.pdf