How do I clue the reader into the fact that this IS a counterargument:

On the contrary, homework lets the parents know what is actually going on in school and keep track of their students progress in school.

One way to clue the reader into the fact that this is a counterargument is to use a contrasting phrase or transitional word, such as "on the contrary," "however," or "despite this." In this particular sentence, the phrase "On the contrary" signals that the statement will present a contrasting viewpoint to the argument previously mentioned.