The “essence” of homework is to provide additional time for practicing and reinforcing what was learned. If the teacher is giving half the class time to practice and do what would’ve been their homework, it doesn’t seem like much time is left for the actual lesson.
I am still trying to figure out how one proctors any kind of literature class without requiring outside reading. The no homework approach may work for some subject matter but outside preparation or reinforcement exercises for certain subject matters is critical I would think.
I don’t know how it works in Texas but a frequent complaint I hear in Fl is the amount of “assessment testing” that is done each year which soaks up huge amounts of class time in preparation for and for the actual taking of these tests. Seems teaching to the test is the most critical part of teaching now.
Lastly at different grade levels, there exist different strata of skills that need be developed. In the early years, learning the basics, by rote mostly, form the foundation. In the later grades, learning how to study or prepare, time management, and critical thinking take over.
A different style “homework” is needed for this development to achieve. It is not one size fits all.