The Simi Valley Unified School District would be well advised to take advantage of the summer lull and address the ongoing topic of homework and how to make students get the most out of their assignments. Seems like no matter what our teachers do, students and parents will forever be dissatisfied with the amount and the quality of the homework that's assigned. Too much, not enough-what's a teacher to do? Just like students with their study habits, teachers have many different ways of handling homework. Some like to pour it on; others are less obsessed. But no matter what the assignment, there are those students who will always shirk their homework responsibility. Neither teacher nor parent can do anything about it. As the old staying goes, you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink.

Here are a few suggestions: Teachers, try administering homework "peer review." Allow students to grade each other's homework, and if a certain kid is caught falling down on the job, they'll hear about from their fellow classmates. Peer pressure can be a good thing. Students who have the highest marks at the end of the week could receive a prize. Parents, don't rely on your child's word that he or she hasn't any homework to do, or that their work has been completed. Don't play guessing games. In the coming school year, communicate directly with the teacher to find out where your child stands in respect to completed homework. If you hear bad news, you have the ammunition you need to discipline your child. Have a game plan and stick to it. Don't be a nag. The homework wars have been fought for ages and there is no panacea. Teachers are often just as frustrated as parents. In the final analysis, some students will never be good at homework. This may mean the difference between a good grade and a poor grade, but it's certainly not the end of the world.