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 * __GROUP 1 SECTION 11__**


 * Shaker Name:** Jeff D. Opdyke


 * Basic Work:** Journalist for the Times Herald Record, parent of a current student in the United States school system.


 * Key Work:** As a journalist Mr. Opdyke uses his access to mass media to bring attention to current isssues in todays society. He has used his column to confront a seemingly growing concern among parents of students in the U.S school system, and the unbearable amount of homework that is assigned as well as the unhealthy amount of stress that follows.


 * Key Personnel:** U.S school system, parents of struggling students.

Jeff D Opdyke printed an article in the Times Herald Record on Sunday September 30, 2007 that voiced his concern about the excessive amount of homework that his son has to do in his 5th grade class. As a 5th grade student his son is staying up past 10 and waking up at 5am to study for exams and complete assignments. Mr. Opdyke has even hired a college student to tutor and assist his son with his work. Mr. Opdyke feels as if the **"U.S schools decided that if you can't teach 'em, test 'em...or pile on more homework."** Jeff feels as if their family life and the health of his son is being highly affected by the stress and work load on his son's shoulders. Family time is cut short because of the assignments, his son is stuck inside on weekends and holidays doing assigned work and the whole family is feeling the angst of this unmangable amount of work. Mr Opdyke wants to know **"when schools determined that the best place for kids to learn math, science, and English is at their own kitchen table?"** Jeff Opdyke has used his column to confront growing concern among parents of students in the U.S school system, and speak out against the system about the unbearable amount of homework that is assigned as well as the unhealthy amount of stress that attaches itself to the unrealistic amount of work that is assigned.
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