Pasco superintendent asks work groups to revise homework guidance, launches math curriculum review

Superintendent Dr. Legg on Thursday told the Pasco County School Board that he is directing elementary and secondary design teams to develop guidelines on homework and late work and ordered an immediate review of math curriculum alignment to state standards.

Legg said homework “reinforces content knowledge” and “cultivates essential life skills,” and argued that current practices limit teachers’ tools. He asked the work group to produce recommendations quickly so principals and teachers could implement them this year, emphasizing the recommendations would be guidelines, not rigid rules.

The superintendent also told the board he is concerned about “stagnant, and if not downward trend” in math proficiency and directed curriculum staff to begin assessing core math programs used by higher-performing counties. He said the district has not selected a new program but will pursue an adoption and ensure core and intervention resources align for the next school year.

Board members responded positively, saying many teachers have asked for more flexibility and that curriculum alignment is overdue. “There’s a sense of urgency,” Legg said; several board members urged that changes be thoughtful but timely so teachers will have tools before next school year.

Legg outlined example principles for homework the work group might consider: not using homework as punishment, not assigning new material as homework, and allowing reasonable flexibility for students facing difficult life circumstances. He asked that the design teams finalize guidance “as soon as possible.”

The board and staff also discussed the timing of a math adoption cycle and noted the district will pursue an adoption outside the usual cycle so intervention resources will align with core materials.

The superintendent said the recommendations will be shared with the board when they are created.