Precisely. I started school in 1958. We had homework from day one. I always remember the little 'speller' books we had. Each day, we had to learn how to spell 3 words (in the beginning). By grade 7, we had to learn to spell 12 words every day. At the end of every week, we had a 'standardized test.'

You know what? My generation is educated. So was my late father's. He spoke 11 languages.

Again, learning math and reading is essential. Homework is essential. The fact that you didn't have to deal with that is telling.