Homework

*Questions and answers pertain only to grade levels using proficiency scales and standards-referenced grading.

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 them 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.

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.

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

Yes, those things are important! However, they should not be graded. These are behaviors, not learning targets. Students should be held accountable for these things and their progress is reported using the behavior/work habit scales.