Homework

Homework is an area in Education that is getting a lot of attention and research of late. A google search on this topic will provide you with ample research on this topic. Much of the current research on the topic seems to indicate that homework is counterproductive to either the skills we are trying to achieve by assigning homework, and that they are poor ways to help students retain information. This is especially true for math. I personally stay away from busy work as much as possible. There should always be a set and achievable goal to the work we do in class. As such you will find that I will not require students to complete much homework except in three cases: First I would like students to read for 30 minutes at home a day (or 150 minutes a week). Reading is always good for them. Every time they read they see how writing should look, and they learn new ways to understanding and communicating. They can complete their reading homework however they wish: either by reading each day, or by reading longer every second or third day. This gives them some flexibility if they have extra curricular activities at home, or if you are planning a family vacation etc. As long as I see consistent progress toward their AR goals I will be happy.

Second, students will have homework if they do not complete classwork during class time. I typically give all students enough time to complete their work in class. If a student did not complete this work within a reasonable time in class, they should complete it as homework. I have found that these cases tend to be rare, and are usually indicators that the student is not using their time in class wisely, or they need to learn to be more productive.

Last, much like running a race, students who are working behind grade level may need to complete more work in order to either keep pace or catch up with other students. If I believe this to be the case for a student I will conference with you to make a plan we can all agree on to help your child become successful in school.