As a teacher, you should take all aspects into consideration. The parent states that you are giving too much homework to the students with not enough time for the students to accomplish. The teacher should evaluate the class and check to see what other students are having the same problem. If it turns out to be all the students are having trouble handing in their homework on time and being completed then you as a teacher should shorten the requirements and give more time. BUT, if it's proven that it's just the one student's problem then you could work out some kind of arrangement where the student will have individual time with you and work on the homework before or after school.

First, I would try to look back and see if there was a possibility that I was giving too much homework. There could have been a chance that I did not realize the amount I was giving the students. If I was giving them too much homework, I could lighten the load. I could also allow a ten-minute "free-time" at the end of the day giving the students a chance to get started on the homework.

After evaluating other student's success or failure in completing the homework, I would determine if the student is within the average. If they are the only one having difficulties, I would look into the possibility of the student having a disability that was not previously addressed making typical homework take much longer than it does for other students.

I would inform the parent that a 3rd grade student is permitted up to 30 minutes of homework each night based on school policy. I would ask if the homework is taking longer than that on a regular basis. If it is, I would inform the parent that it's acceptable for them to stop after 30 minutes. This will allow me to assist the students the following day at school.

I would analyze the situation. If the workload seems to be overwhelming for all the students, then let the parents know you understand that there needs to be a change in the homework amount, and you will be lessening it for all the students. However, if the homework load is solely a struggle for their child, I would encourage the parents to seek a 504 plan for their child. This way, as the teacher, I could specifically differentiate homework for the student.

I would show the parent the curriculum and that I, the teacher, aren't making it up. I would explain that everyone other kid has the same amount of work. I would also show her the lesson plan of each unit. It just doesn't make sense if the teacher is doing exactly what they are suppose to be doing.

I would pull state expectations and my expectations to show the parents. Parents do not see the other side of teaching.