I absolutely agree. This is very important. I can't understand why it is so hard for some parents to understand that kids cannot learn everything in school. Kids need some time to absorb what they learned in school, and it is best done through homework. I actually moved my kids to private school because they didn't have enough homework in public school.
However, teachers also give stupid homework. Kids do not need to do coloring at home.
I personally think homework should only be stuff that isn't finished in class, and then time spent on areas of weakness. If a kid is not good at math, then the kid should spend time reviewing math facts. If a kid is not good at spelling, then the kid should spend time studying for the spelling test. If the kid is up to par, then he doesn't have as much homework.
I have both a special ed child and two gifted children. My special ed child needs lots of time to work on her spelling, writing, reading, and most importantly her speech. She doesn't need to spend time on math. She's one of the top students in her class in math. She doesn't need time to spend on coloring. The teacher send home stupid homework, and I don't have time to work with my daughter on her speech.
Then they send home some homework, and it's too much for her at the end of the day. She is very weak at writing, and she is worse when she is tired. She has an individualized education plan, but it's not specific enough. I need to call another meeting and force the issue. I don't need my 2nd grade daughter with brain damage having meltdowns over homework.