There are a number of reasons why the amount of homework increased in the 1950s. One reason was the growing emphasis on academic achievement in the United States. After the Soviet Union launched Sputnik, the first artificial satellite, in 1957, there was a renewed focus on education in the United States. Schools began to increase the amount of homework they gave to students in order to prepare them for college and the workforce.
Another reason for the increase in homework was the changing nature of the family. In the 1950s, more and more mothers were entering the workforce, and this meant that they had less time to help their children with their homework. As a result, schools began to provide more homework assistance programs.
The increase in homework in the 1950s had a number of positive and negative consequences. On the positive side, it helped to improve students' academic achievement and prepare them for college and the workforce. On the negative side, it could lead to students feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Additionally, it could take away from students' time for extracurricular activities and family time.
Today, the debate over the amount of homework that should be given to students continues. Some educators believe that homework is essential for student success, while others believe that it can be harmful. Ultimately, the decision of how much homework to give students is a complex one that must be made on a case-by-case basis.