BACK to Grapevine HOME |  Shen HOME

HOMEWORK

Posted on May 4, 2011

I am really sick and tired to find yet again that my child can receive a possible 2 extra points when he/she returns a paper with my signature on it. I Had this trouble with another teacher last year, which I did handle it with my child's guidance counselor and principal. If the students didn't bring in money within the week (2 whole months before deadline I might add)child would receive "0" credits making it part of their overall GPA, NOT extra credit. Make this practice STOP!!! and inform teachers that they are only allowed to grade child on knowledge of learning material in class and NOT on parents' signature and/or checks in hand, sometimes when parents get paid doesn't always coincide with teachers' deadlines. Don't even comment that a conflict should be brought up to teacher or principal. That isn't the point. Giving a child points based on returning a paper with a signature should not even be an option!!!!Don't tell me that this is not standard practice and I should contact my child's school, Its happening. You need to send out a memo to teachers telling them this is NOT allowed. Check all middle and High schools this IS happening!!!! 

According to policy, it is okay to give extra credit for these kinds of things but it is not okay to deduct points from a grade for it. If this is happening, talk to the principal or call the superintendent's office with specifics. 

Posted on March 10, 2011

Why are teachers allowed to assign math homework, walk the room to see who did it, count it towards a student's average, but never collect it or correct it to check for understanding? The teacher eventually measures the student's progress when a test or quiz is given, but isn't it to late? A kid fails or gets a few questions wrong, but now has to move on to the next chapter or lesson having not learned the previous one. This type of practice caters to a certain type of student and clearly doesn't meet the needs of a diverse learning community.

Math homework usually centers around practicing a skill or concept that is learned in class. Practice can include making mistakes. Teachers want to be sure that homework is done which is why they give points to students for doing it, but do not necessarily grade it. When homework is reviewed in class, students are better able to gauge whether or not they learned the intended skill or concept. If not, students have the opportunity in many cases to seek out extra help. This extra help is encouraged before a quiz or test rather than after.

Posted on December 21, 2010

Did the Board of Ed ever develop guidelines re: homework? Are there guidelines for homework during school "breaks"? Thank you.

Please refer to the BOE Homework Policy. The regulations do not state anything in regards to homework during a vacation.

Posted on April 22, 2008

Does the district have a policy (or can this practice be reviewed) regarding major elementary school projects being given for homework right before school breaks and being due the day students return to school? 

There is no specific policies pertaining to projects. It is encouraged that the parent communicate with the teacher and the principal. The district is also planning to develop a comprehensive homework policy. Your concern will be taken under advisement as we do so.

Posted on January 21, 2010

I agree with the person's concern about homework over break. I feel that such big projects should be given as extra credit, therefore it is a choice if a parent wants to enforce this during a child's break. Some children (and parents) need the break! Is there a task force reviewing this and how can I get this concern to them?

Here are the current administrative regulations for homework:

A. Homework will serve a positive purpose for learning and support the instructional program. Homework should never be used as punishment. Homework should be a vehicle through which students practice skills introduced in the classroom, prepare for assignments and learn to extend and connect new skills and concepts:

• Practice and Review: Practice assignments reinforce newly acquired or previously mastered skills or knowledge. Homework practice and review shall not be assigned until the student has enough familiarity with the content to practice with few if any errors.
• Preparation: Preparation assignments are intended to provide background information for content, which will soon be introduced in class and may include readings, library or online research, collection of materials, or any other activity that will engage student interest and prepare the student for effective learning. Students should begin the assignment with a clear understanding of its purpose and how it should be completed.
• Extension and Connection: Extension and connection assignments require students to transfer skills and concepts to a new situation or to integrate skills and concepts in order to produce a product. These assignments encourage creative learning, initiative, research and problem solving. Examples include research papers, science projects, multi-media presentations, creative writing and other projects, which culminate a body of learning. Grading criteria shall be clearly communicated as part of the directions for the assignment.

B. Homework assignments shall be tailored to match the needs of students whose learning styles, primary languages, needs for enrichment or practice abilities, and home support systems vary. All students are expected to complete homework assignments.

C. Schools shall develop common practices to ensure consistent homework expectations within grade levels, teams, and/or courses.

D. Homework expectations and their effect on academic grades shall be communicated in writing to students and their parents or guardians.

E. Homework assignments shall be meaningful, with an emphasis on quality rather than quantity.

F. On average, homework across disciplines shall not exceed 0.5 hours at the primary level, 1 hour at the upper elementary level, 1.5 hours at the middle school level, and 2 hours at the high school level. Special projects shall not require parent to do more than assist the student.

G. Teachers shall provide clear guidance and necessary instruction so that students can successfully meet the expectations of each assignment.

H. Students shall receive timely feedback on all homework, and feedback should reinforce student learning.

I. Homework shall result in continued development of concepts, skills and processes related to classroom learning in order to increase student achievement.

J. Schools shall provide parents with the following strategies for helping their children to develop effective study skills and complete homework assignments.

· Provide space for doing homework and a specific time for study.

· Provide books and opportunities to read.

· Read to the child.

· Encourage exploring the world outside the classroom.

· Provide the tools to aid learning.

· Maintain communication with teachers and counselors.

K. Homework shall always serve a valid learning purpose; it should never be used as a punitive measure. (see A)

L. Homework shall help pupils learn by providing practice in the mastery of skills, experience in gathering information and integrating knowledge, and an opportunity to remediate learning problems. (see A)

M. Pupils shall be encouraged or required to maintain a homework assignment book, in which they record their daily assignments.

N. Teachers must ensure that students have the ability to complete all homework assignments requiring the use of computers or other technology.

Students will be given ample opportunity to make up assignments due to an absence(s). Under such circumstances, alternative but substantially equivalent assignments may be determined by the student’s teacher(s).

Posted on January 14, 2010

Are there any policies regarding the amount of homework high schoolers should be getting in each class? My child has had at least three hours of work a night in one class this week. And three teachers announced there would be big projects due over winter break and major tests the day after they return to school. This hardly sounds like a break!

Policy #8440 regarding homework is currently being discussed and revised.