This analysis also forces us to reconsider the effects of homework. More time devoted to homework appears to be related to better grades but not necessarily to higher performance on standardized tests. This should not be interpreted as saying that homework is useless; obviously, the value of homework depends on the assignment and degree of engagement. In the case of reading, for example, the research cited above on the impact of pleasure reading suggests that outside of school activities that engage the student in interesting texts and that encourage additional free voluntary reading will be highly effective. This is only possible, however, if reading material is easily available. But homework that focuses on skill-building will have limited value.

It would also be of interest to determine which aspects of SES are crucial: The case of the Boat People suggests that parental education is more relevant than current income. Better educated parents, it is predicted, will be more likely to read to their children, provide access to reading materials, and be better prepared to help with homework. If this help is done in the first language, it is a form of de facto bilingual education. And of course we should be looking at more than standardized test results to measure true academic success.

6