For many students, the last day of homework precedes the last day of school. But for those teens choosing to take Advanced Placement courses, the homework doesn't stop, even over the summer.

Teachers often have their AP students complete a few assignments over the months between school years. The assignments may range from reading a novel and writing a 10-page essay on it to outlining a few chapters of the course textbook, depending on the subject at hand.

But why do teachers feel the need to give summer homework?

Elizabeth Qutob, the AP calculus teacher at Ripon High in Modesto, Calif., explains her reasons.

"Summer homework is assigned to keep students' minds fresh over the summer, so we are ready to go when school restarts," she said. "AP courses are extremely rigorous and there is so much to cover before the exams in May. By assigning the prerequisite chapter of the textbook over summer, it allows us to get to the 'meat' of calculus quicker."

Some students see summer homework as a burden.

For Eileen Shiu, a senior at Ripon High, the summer assignments seem useless at the moment, but beneficial in the long run. Eileen has to juggle her summer assignments with other commitments, like her work at a restaurant and spending time with her family and friends, making it hard to balance her life.

"I have to set aside any other activities that seem more tempting than my commitments," she said. "I have to learn to stick to what I'm committed to, though I've gotten used to that. When you have to choose between going to the movies and outlining a textbook, it seems annoying, but once you're used to the workload, it just comes naturally."

Claire Thomas, a senior at Modesto High, agrees.

"In all honesty, I used to not mind the summer homework," she said. "The summer before my freshman year in the IB program, I didn't mind reading a book for homework and taking care of a study guide. Sophomore summer was the same thing, with two books and a little bit of French homework, which was actually fun. Junior summer was a bit harder. That brings us to this year, and now, I hate summer homework.

"Why? Let's just tally it up, straight from my summer to-do list. Read two books; do study guides for the two books; research and write internal assessment; research and complete rough draft for extended essay; discover topic for and research topic for upcoming IB French oral; French summer homework packet; History study guide, accompanied by large books that could kill small children on impact. ... That is why I currently hate summer homework, and openly refuse to look at it at this moment."

The amount of work assigned depends on each teacher. Some instructors feel students need more work to keep them occupied, while others just want to make a dent in the year's material.

Amie Packer is the head of the English department and the AP English language and composition teacher at Ripon High.

"I think the most important thing to consider as an educator is whether or not the assignment benefits the students or burdens them," she said. "I also feel it is important for AP instructors to keep in contact with their students. I'm finding e-mails from my students just about every day throughout the summer."

"I don't feel the AP assignment is essential, but I do feel that if the assignment is designed properly, it can be beneficial," she said.

Other students understand the teachers' view of the summer assignments. James Cwick, an incoming senior at Ripon High, has already completed four AP assignments and has three more for his classes next school year. He knows his way around the summer homework and is prepared to handle it.

"I believe most of the time it prepares students for the class," he said. "It's better to have it. In AP biology, for example, you outline the ecology chapters because you won't have enough time to go over it during the course, though it still appears on the AP exam in May.

"While it may seem annoying, teachers are generally looking out for their students' best interests," James said.



Rachel Crowley is a junior at Ripon High School and a member of The Bee's Teens in the Newsroom journalism program.