does homework help you learn?

Yes, it does. Homework is very useful for getting a feel for the subject material which *cannot* be gained passively. Even if you aren't doing homework, you are in some way actively preparing for tests (either that or you're taking easy classes and should go into IB, AP, or honours classes) which homework generally helps you do.

Also, acing tests proves nothing except the fact that you are a good test taker or cram studier.