Too much of a good thing is never good for anyone. And Cathy Vatterott, associate professor of teaching and learning at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, says that’s true of homework, too.

Vatterott, who is known as the “homework lady,” has written a new book to help both parents and educators find the right level of homework to benefit all students. “Rethinking Homework: Best Practices that Support Diverse Needs” was released this month by the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. “

My book provides parents with specific strategies for homework completion and approaches to help them advocate for better homework practices in their child’s school,” she said. “K-12 teachers and administrators will find effective classroom practices, including examples of homework support programs from different schools. I believe we should work toward common sense homework practices based on five main elements: designing quality homework tasks, differentiating homework tasks, de-emphasizing grading of homework, improving homework completion and implementing homework strategies and support programs.” The 166-page paperback book can be purchased for $23.95 at http://shop.ascd.org/.