The Great Homework Debate

In the past few years I have really started to think about the usefulness of homework.  Does it do any good?  Is there something that could be more beneficial?  Is it more of a hassle to the students and myself?  This morning I read a blog from another teacher who had similar feelings about homework that I did.  Her solution was to create a Think-Tac-Toe board where students could choose their assignments.  The past 2 years I have used the Think-Tac-Toe boards for spelling homework.  My co-workers and I were able to create a differentiated and multi-tiered spelling board.  The students would be required to complete 3 assignments a week.  The activities were laid out on the board in such a way that students would have to pick one activity that was easy (tier I activity), a medium (a tier II activity), and a hard (a tier III) activity.  The students appeared to enjoy these activities the most.  

So I'd like to hear from you.  Please take a minute and read the blog entry "Stop Giving Homework Passes".  Let me know what your thoughts are about homework.  Do you see any value to homework or is it just busy work?