The Dog Ate It

By Debra Viadero

A right, pretty, and talkative, Janelle Haynes is what Americans like to think of as a well-rounded 8th grader. She's a cheerleader and a member of the honor society at Saunders Middle School in Manassas, Va. She also takes piano lessons, sings in her church choir, and goes to Bible study every week. In her spare time, she's even earned her black belt in tae kwon do.

All of that keeps Janelle active and involved in the life of her school and her community.

But it leaves little time for homework. By the time Janelle sits down at her Woodbridge, Va., home to hit the books,...