THIS ISSUE: Assigning Homework

Dear Arizona Promising Practices Subscriber,

Welcome to another online addition of the Arizona Promising Practices forum. For those new to this service, each issue, which will now be sent to you on a regular basis, will focus on:

(1) Recommended National Education websites; and

(2) One promising practice article in condensed form. We welcome your recommendations for improvement to this forum or suggestions on future topics (these will be wide ranging so if nothing in this update interests you, hold on for future editions!)

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In this issue of the Promising Practices Forum we have been asked to identify tips for when homework is and is not beneficial. This practical guide provides tips not only for special education students, but for all students when determining the frequency and volume of homework given.

National Website of Importance - If you are looking for the latest in research, as well as conversations and view points with national education authorities, check out SERVE. Their website provides a wealth of research and viewpoints into the changing educational landscape as well as implications for the No Child Left Behind Act. www.serve.org

Promising Practice Research and Tips

Developing a Homework Plan

All too often it's the child that doesn't need to complete the homework that does and the child who needs to complete it doesn't. Make homework 'meaningful' and the chance of it getting done is increased. Learning disabled students need ongoing support at home with meaningful homework - keep it 'gamey' whenever possible. This will ensure a positive attitude.

Homework is crucial to improving student academic performance. All educators should have clearly defined routines and rules for homework, that follow the board's homework policy if one is in place. Homework provides students with opportunities to demonstrate their organizational and time management skills as well as assisting them to become accountable and responsible for taking ownership for their own learning. Homework also provides the opportunity for parents to learn what the academic expectations are for their children and presents an opportunity for parents to become involved and support the process of their children's education. Homework should occur at every grade to help students establish good homework habits. Assignments for homework can be as little as 5-10 minutes twice weekly. Many educators claim that there's a correlation between homework completion and academic success.

Homework is usually assigned to:

• Help students prepare for the next day.
• To review concepts to ensure that students are learning and extending academic performance.
• To complete the day's assignment.
• To stress the importance of learning.

Tips for Assigning Homework

• Homework should have clear specific goals and or purposes.
• Do not assign homework as a form of punishment.
• Ensure that your students fully understand the expectations of the homework assignment.
• Students should be able to succeed with their homework and 'new concepts' should not be included as part of their homework.
• You what to avoid the child going home and saying " I don't know what to do" or "I don't understand this, we've never done this before."
• Homework should not be assigned in isolation of regular school lessons, it needs to be connected with current topics that are being taught.
• Regular homework can be assigned for the sake of learning addition/multiplication facts or improving reading/writing.
• Parents should be well aware of these homework expectations. E.g., 15 mins. per evening of reading and 10 mins. of math drill. However, homework should not be assigned just for the sake of giving homework.
• Set your students up for success.
• Take time at the end of the day to ensure students fully understand your homework expectations.
• Quality, not quantity should be stressed in all homework assignments.
• Consideration to ability should always be given prior to assigning homework. Homework needs to be meaningful to students.
• Agenda or homework planners will assist students to remember their homework assessments. Parents and teachers can sign these agenda/planners if necessary.
• Careful consideration should be given to the amount of time the homework assignment will require.....it should be reasonable. In secondary schools, consideration must be given to other subjects and the homework that is given there as well.
• Homework assignments should always be checked.

*Homework will require additional support from teachers. Be prepared to implement logical consequences when students fail to complete homework assignments.

Most importantly, learning disabled students need opportunities to be successful, keep this in mind when assigning homework.

http://specialed.about.com/od/teacherchecklists/a/hmwk.htm