Homework FAQ

What role does homework play in a standards-referenced system?

Homework does have a place in a standards-referenced system but should be considered practice.  It should also be closely aligned to grade level standards.  Failing to participate in practice opportunities will most likely have a negative impact on student performance. Because it is considered practice, homework will not be part of the academic grade, but it will prepare students for graded tasks. 

Why do we not include homework in the body of evidence?

We only want to include evidence that we know was completed independently by the student. Homework an opportunity for practice on Level 2 skills to help students get feedback prior to an opportunity at a Level 3 Scrimmage or Game.

How do we hold students accountable for doing homework if we don't grade it?

Students should be expected to complete homework if it is meaningful and applicable.  It is appropriate for teachers to give consequences for not doing the work but the consequence will not be reflected in the academic grade - the grade is only a reflection of what students know and can do.  The most appropriate consequence for not doing the work: DOING THE WORK.  In our old system, deducting points rarely changed behavior.  An example might be loss of privileges or free time to be used for assignment completion (to be determined by teacher).  

Shouldn’t attendance, effort, and completion of homework be rewarded?  

Yes, those things are important!  However, they should not be calculated as part of an academic grade.  These are behaviors, not learning targets.  Students should be held accountable for these things and their progress is reported on the FPS Guidelines for Success or North Dakota's Career Ready Practices.