Results from a recent survey surprised Barrington High School Principal Joe Hurley and could be the basis for future changes at the well-regarded school.

Information gleaned from the "Challenge Success" survey showed that a fair number of local high school students report having "too much" homework, falling well short of the recommended amount of sleep each night, and blurring the lines of academic integrity on multiple occasions.

The survey stated that more than one-third of the students polled have, on four or more occasions, worked on an assignment with others "when the instructor asked for individual work." About one-third of the students surveyed also admitted to copying another student's homework four or more times. 

"That was most surprising," said Mr. Hurley during a recent interview.

Meanwhile, just 9 percent of the 863 students at Barrington High School who were surveyed said they had not cheated in any way in the past year. Also, on average, students taking two advanced placement courses reported cheating significantly more often than students taking no AP courses.

"I know we don't have a group of kids who are rampantly" cheating, said Mr. Hurley.

Instead, the school official believes there may be an issue with the amount of work and activities local students face each day. 

Mr. Hurley believes some students may cut corners at times — for example, working in a group setting when individual work is required — in order to accomplish all the tasks at hand. 

"I think it comes down to capacity," he said, adding that some students likely feel overwhelmed.

The survey's results on homework support that theory.

Of the students surveyed, 64 percent reported having "too much" homework. Ninth-graders reported spending about 2.41 hours each night on homework. That figure increases to 2.53 hours for sophomores, 3.01 hours for juniors and 3.05 hours for seniors. The data is about the same for weekend school-assigned homework.

"The data is surprising," he said. "After two hours of homework you get a diminishing return."

Also, 37 percent of the students surveyed reportedly felt that "many or all of their classes assign busywork."

Mr. Hurley said administrators are taking a closer look at how each department handles homework. There is also a districtwide homework committee.

"It's a huge piece" of the student stress issue, said Mr. Hurley. 

Results from the Challenge Success survey, while concerning to some school officials, could play a key role in future improvements. Mr. Hurley said he and other staff are using the data to discuss possible changes, with the goal focused on reducing student stress and improving the high school experience for students.