The Assignment of Homework

1
The Assignment of Homework

• Impact of the Block Schedule

2
Common Pitfalls

• Assigning more homework over a dropped class or a
  weekend or a dropped class AND a weekend.
• Assigning more homework or the same type of
  homework they currently assign, to students with
  fewer free periods and doubles.
• Assigning homework and projects over breaks such
  as Thanksgiving, Christmas, the long winter
  weekend, March Break, and the summer without
  coordinating across Departments.

3
Reasons Attributed to ineffective Assignment of
Homework in the Block

• Desire to move through the material and make up
  for the dropped period.
• Desire to cover more material because of the
  perception of more time.
• Because others will do it and if I dont get my
  place a the table .
• As a way of buying time to provide kids with
  TFU style performance experiences.

4
To Address the Homework Issue

• Some schools have
• Created restrictive HW policies RE days of the
  week and disciplines
• Created a homework period at the end of the
  academic day
• Compelled teachers to use latter part of the
  double for homework
• Created homework clubs after the academic day
• Provided kids with the option to do homework over
  participating in sport
• Homework only for kids with a 70 average or less
  
• Prohibited homework

5
To Address HW and Projects Assigned over Breaks

• Some Schools have
• Compelled the use of a test calendar, timelines,
  assignment sheets, and rubrics.
• Created coordination policy such as Summer
  Reading through the English Department only,
  Thanksgiving for the History Department
  project, and March break for Math and Science
  only.
• Defined break work as Optional, Extra Credit,
  or Enrichment Only.

6
With the Block

• Our students will have fewer frees, but
• Lets look at the schedules of more
  rank-and-file kids.
• Who is to say they are currently managing their
  time efficiently?
• Lets use this as an opportunity to train
  students in time management skills.

7
Resources for SuccessAwareness of the Issues

• Working with the LC and the study skills
  curriculum and educating students RE time
  management and planning.
• Academic Dean working Closely with Departments
  in Spring Retreats
• Working with PGC to provide training (pacing,
  school/home work, curriculum alignment, school
  visits).
• Working with AAC to emphasize, clarify, amplify
  policies RE test calendar, revising/completing
  curriculum maps, keeping assignment sheets up to
  date and accessible, and the good sense of
  rubrics.
• Working with Department Chairs on the Role of
  Homework and the balance between Understanding
  and Coverage.

8
The Ultimate Question

• What is the Role of Homework?
• To promote responsibility or esteem?
• To facilitate academic achievement?
• To expand the curriculum/cover material?
• To fulfill societal, parental expectations?
• Does every kid need homework every night?