Homework was several hours per night of busy work. I learned nothing from it. I spent that time teaching myself programming and things that were actually useful.

For tests, simply paying attention and listening to what the teacher said was enough to do well.

For many people, homework is completely useless and many US schools absolutely love overwhelming students with it. There are also kids who need to work jobs after work to support their family--busy work assignments are just punishment for them, and countless people I know suffered because of that. The ACT/SAT was a way for them to elevate themselves.

The only thing I learned from the Aeneid diorama in my “Honors” English class in 9th grade was that a teacher could mark down a cave for not being colorful enough.

Weighing in to say; same exact experience here.