Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Homework and Practice
Establishing and communicating a homework policy that students and parents can understand is an important teacher responsibility. After researching this topic write a policy that you can use for the remainder of the year and post that policy to this blog by copying and pasting the policy into a comment to this post. You may also want to post your homework policy on your own blog or website.
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Mrs. Enos’ Homework Policy
ReplyDeleteEnglish 7
Philosophy:
- developed by the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory (2005) found on http:// www.netc.org/focus/strategies/home.php
• Homework provides time outside of the classroom for students to practice and deepen their understanding of the content being presented in class.
o Homework is meant to be set at an appropriate level based on a student’s prior knowledge or level of exposure to specific content.
• Regardless of student ability or prior coursework, the amount of time students actively and attentively devote to homework increases their achievement.(Keith & Cool, 1992)
• Feedback will be given along with a grade for all turned in homework assignments.
• Parent Involvement:
o Parents should set regular time frames, a place to focus, and clear expectations for where and when their children will work on homework.
o Encourage the following skills with your child throughout the school year: responsibility, confidence, persistence, goal-setting, and planning.
Facilitate homework completion, not teach content
o Encouraging healthy study habits supports learning. Not only will your child see and feel the reward for his/her efforts, but they will grow in their ability to effectively handle areas of difficulty (Bempechat 2004).
Grading: assignment grades are based on total points—every assignment counts
• A = 100% - 93%
• B = 92% - 86%
• C = 85% -78%
• D = 77% -70%
• F = 69% - Below
• You will receive two days for every one day missed of class to make up any homework that was given/assigned the day of your absence.
Procedures/Rules:
• Late Homework: If you homework is not completed at the time it is due, you may turn it in the next day at the beginning of class, completed, for a maximum score or 80% (C). It may still be turned in for a passing grade if completed two days after the original deadline for a 70% (D-). If completed work is turned in three days after the deadline to the end of the quarter, the student can earn a maximum of 50% on the assignment.
Extra Credit:
• Bonus point opportunities will be given before most quizzes and tests on review days.
• If there are events at the school/community that are English-related, then extra credit towards your final grade will be developed as both an opportunity for continued learning and a way to improve your grade in class. There cannot be any missing homework in the grade book in order to receive extra credit points.
Miss Hughes’ Homework Policy
ReplyDeleteArt is a classroom activity therefore homework is mostly finished within the class period. We work with different mediums, tools, and subjects. If extra time is needed there may be a “catch up day”.
Depending on the classroom teacher there may occasionally be a cross curricular project where art is involved. This may take some time outside of school. This will be communicated in advance to students and parents.
Elementary students are very creative. I would encourage any student who has created art outside of school to bring to art class to share.
Homework Policy for the Fourth Quarter in 4W
ReplyDeleteThe final weeks of fourth grade are busy with a Science Crt, a Math Crt and the NeSA, which is the state reading assessment. This makes it difficult for students to finish their daily work during the time allotted for each subject. Students are allowed to take home their work to finish in the evening and to turn it in the next morning. I would also like to offer students the chance to finish their assignments at the end of the day by staying in the classroom until 3:30. I can offer them extra help as needed. The classroom is free of distractions and it frees up their evening for other activities. If your student would like to take advantage of this time please contact me by phone or by e-mail.
(402) 720-0742 or teri.weitzenkamp@fpsmail.org
Thank you, Mrs. Weitzenkamp
Mr. Christensen
ReplyDelete9th Grade Physical Science
10th Grade Biology
Homework Policy
Purpose of Homework
There are several purposes for homework. In this class, homework is used to help students understand and review the work that has been covered in class, to see whether students understand the lesson, and to help students learn how to find and use more information on a subject. Homework can also serve as a communication link between school and home that shows what children are studying.
Homework should be necessary and useful, appropriate to the ability and maturity level of students, well explained and motivational, and clearly understood by students and parents. Homework should be tied to the current subject matter, assigned in amounts and levels of difficulty which students can complete successfully, and should be checked quickly, with feedback to students.
Definition of Homework
Homework is defined as any assignment that is completed during non-classroom time. These assignments should introduce, reinforce, extend and/or enrich class work. Homework is a necessary extension of the school day and an important part of a student’s educational experience. Homework encourages self-discipline, positive self-esteem and an interest in learning.
Responsibility of the Student
It is the responsibility of the student to:
A. Expect to spend up to 40 mins a day completing homework assignments. The amount of homework will vary some depending on subjects being taught.
B. Keep an up-to-date agenda for homework and other assignments and their due dates
C. Clarify with the teacher any instructions not understood.
D. Turn in homework on the due date.
E. Complete homework in proper form, clearly identified with name and class, legibly written or typed, and grammatically correct.
F. Arrange a proper study area, either at home or in school, and manage time to accomplish homework assignments.
G. Establish a regular weekly study schedule that is relatively free from distraction (television, telephone calls, etc.)
H. For preplanned absences (family vacations, school activities, sports, etc.) students should approach the teacher prior to the absence for assignments so work is completed upon their return.
Responsibility of the Parent
It is the responsibility of the parent to:
A. Make homework a daily activity.
B. Assume your student will have studying to do every night.
C. Set up a comfortable location for doing homework. This does not have to be a “special” room, but should have good lighting and be free of distractions. Allow your student(s) to study in the way each of them learns best.
D. Make sure your student has the necessary supplies.
E. Work with your student’s outside activity schedule and preferences when setting up a regular homework time.
F. Help your student get organized. One way is by regularly checking their agenda.
G. Ensure that your student knows each teacher’s homework policy.
H. Show interest in your student’s schoolwork and discuss what your student is learning.
I. Watch for signs of failure or frustration.
J. Discuss with your student and then, if necessary, contact the teacher to clear up any misunderstandings, troubleshoot problems, discuss time management and be informed about your student’s learning progress.
K. Check progress on homework through PowerSchool.
L. Coordinate homework efforts with the teacher in special cases.
Second half of policy
ReplyDeleteResponsibility of the Teacher
It is the responsibility of the teacher to:
A. State clearly the purpose of the assignment.
B. Explain how the assignment is related to the topic under study.
C. Ensure that the child has the skills to complete the homework assignment by providing demonstration of skills during guided practice in the classroom.
D. Explain how the assignment might best be carried out.
E. Explain what the student needs to do to demonstrate the assignment has been completed.
F. Provide specific written explanation of long-range assignments so that the requirements and expectations are clearly understood by the students and their parents.
G. Review the assignment before giving it to students and anticipate difficulties.
H. Define “late” for assignments and consequences for lateness, and clearly communicate both to students. Repeat periodically.
I. Have students write down assignments or hand out written assignments rather than relying only on communicating assignments orally.
J. Avoid routine assignments over holiday and vacation time.
K. Give special consideration to limiting weekend assignments (review, voluntary projects, or make-up work).
L. Provide feedback in a timely manner.
M. Use results of homework to plan future instructional activities.
N. Include homework as part of the student’s overall grade.
Late Work and Make-up WorkPolicy
Late Work:
If an assignment is not turned in on the due date or when it is asked for it is late. In order to receive a maximum of 92% (B) the assignment must be turned in the day after it is due. If an assignment is turned in after that, the highest grade you can receive is a 70%. All work for a chapter has to be turned in before the chapter test or it will become a ZERO.
Make-up Work:
If you know you are going to be gone, it is your responsibility to see me for the work you will miss before you leave. Activity check-out sheets (gold) need to be obtained and given to me in order to receive your assignments. If you are sick or miss school unexpectedly, and it is excused, you will need to look at the assignment board the day you get back to see what you missed that day and make it up. Missed notes are your responsibility to get from a friend or some other source. You will have two full school days to complete the work and return it to me for full credit. Students with unexcused absences will be required to complete the work they missed; however, you will not receive full credit. The highest score you may receive is a 70%.
• I understand that certain circumstances cannot be controlled. I can be flexible on this policy as long as you discuss the problems with me prior to the make-up work due date
Before School / After School Resources
I am at school every morning at 7:40 a.m. for additional assistance on homework assignments if it is needed. I also will be available at school until 3:30 for assistance on anything discussed in class that day. Feel free to come in during those times for additional explanation.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
ReplyDeleteHOMEWORK: How Practice Makes Perfect
Each month you will receive a new list of ideas to help practice social skills that will help your child to be successful at school, home, and in the community. As your child practices these skills they will get better and better at them. The calendar will be in the communication notebook that comes home daily so that we can communicate each day about their progress. When you and your child practice the skill, please initial that day and return the notebook to school. I hope that these skills are helpful to you and your child.
May 1 Talk about what to do when someone makes fun of them at school.
May 2 Tell your child "I love you because you are you!"
May 3 Talk about how being different makes us special.
May 4 Ask your child how he/she feels today!
May 5 Talk about emotions with your child today.
May 6 Talk about manners and practice them at mealtimes.
May 7 Talk about what to do when your child gets angry.
May 8 Do an art activity with your child today.
May 9 Sing your child's favorite song today.
May 10 Read a book with you child today.
May 11 Help your child make up a song today.
May 12 Let your child tell you a story today.
May 13 Talk about why "hands are not for hitting."
May 14 Practice sharing something with your child today.
May 15 Talk about name calling (it hurts people's feelings).
May 16 Talk about what to do if someone calls your child a name.
May 17 Go over house rules with your child today.
May 18 Practice giving compliments today.
May 19 Practice taking turns today.
May 20 Practice following directions today.
*Look at me
* Say OK
*Do it right away
May 21 Talk about good and bad choices today!
May 22 Let your child read his or her favorite book today.
May 23 Go for a walk with your child today.
May 24 Let you child help prepare a meal or snack today.
May 25 Tell about what makes us scared.
May 26 Play outside or at the park with your child today.
May 27 Tell your child how much you love them today.
May 28 Talk about good consequences for good behavior.
May 29 Hug your child today.
May 30 Talk about consequences for inappropriate behavior.
May 31 Tell your child something you are grateful for. Have them tell you something they are
grateful for too.
Initial and report back if you would like!
In 2nd grade at Howard we have sheets called Howard Highlights. The students will fill these out everyday at the end of the day and take them home. On the Howard Highlights they will write their name, date, check off what homework they have for that night(usually it is Math Facts, Spelling words, and Reading), write 2 sentences about what they learned that day, and fill in what kind of day they had(good, ok, not so good). This is a good way to communicate with parents so they know what is going on and what their child has to do for homework. A parent is suppose to sign it and the child will return it the next day so I know who is doing their homework. Once in awhile I will send a Math or Spelling worksheet home. Starting 4th quarter, if the homework is not returned by the due date then they will stay in at one of their recesses to do it. This is what they do in 3rd grade so we are trying to help prepare them for the next year.
ReplyDeleteThird Grade Homework Policy
ReplyDeleteNext year we are going to move into a more formal, contract type of homework policy. We will ask that each student has a minimum of twenty minutes of reading each day 5 out of 7 days a week. We will use a weekly reading contract for this. The twenty minutes can be a mixture of read to self, read to someone, paired reading, and practice of strategies. We will send an information packet home with parents how to do this. On the weekly contracts, we will include strategies to work on. We will track and reward those who participate.
We will also ask that each student works on Math concepts and facts each night. In third grade, we begin with review of +/-, then move into multiplication. We will suggest 5 minutes a night for review of facts. We also will have spelling lists for each week. It is important for the students to practice them at home as well. We would suggest 5 minutes a night.
Daily Assignments that are not finished in class are considered home work. All assignments (regardless if done in class or at home) are turned in the next morning. Students who do not finish at school are to take it home to do. Ample time is given in class for completion. Finishing up work at home should not be a daily occurrence.
If the student does not have completed work the next day, they will stay in to finish during a morning or afternoon recess. We will also make after school arrangements if missing assignments happen frequently.
On occasion, we will send homework packets home to help the students in the areas we are studying or areas the student needs more/extra practice in.
Projects and Literature Group/ Book Club due dates may be given a later deadline. They will be sent home with a description and a due date.
In the HS library, it is not necessary to have a homework policy. However, when I did give homework, my policy included the following:
ReplyDeleteAt the end of a class when work was due, I would ask for the "assignment" to be given to me as the student left the room.
For the following class, I would have listed on the board a prioritized list of "assignments" to be completed in the order listed. If instruction was necessary, all students would be involved in the instruction and then would work on the prioritized list and hand in what was completed that day. If a student was more than two assignments behind, I worked with the student to find a time for him/her to come in or complete the assignments. Since these assignments were created in conjunction with the classroom teacher, the teacher was also involved in arranging a time for the student to work on it.
Christine Ronan
ReplyDelete(Homework details also on team blog @ fmsteam7a.blogspot.com)
Evaluation process:
English grade will be evaluated on classroom participation and observation, CRT scores, descriptive writing
scores,tests/quizzes,worksheets, journal writing,homework,poetry unit,quarterly Book Review Projects and a Famous Nebraskan Report, as well as overall effort and attitude.
Homework Policy:
The grading scale is the same throughout the Fremont Middle School as seen in the student handbook. It is as seen below:
• A = 100% - 93%
• B = 92% - 86%
• C = 85% -78%
• D = 77% -70%
• F = 69% - Below
Two days are allowed for every one class day missed, to make up any homework that was assigned the day of your absence.
Purpose:
Homework is assigned to reinforce the learning the students have practiced during class and/or to prepare them for a future lesson. The nature of my class subject requires that students will be expected to complete occasional homework assignments, plus independent reading which is to be done a bit every night throughout each quarter.
Most homework will include tasks such as finishing written work, studying for quizzes/tests, practice for talk presentations, as well as continuous reading from a selected novel; one per quarter. All homework will receive a grade, often including written feedback.
Rule of thumb
1.Any classroom work that is not finished at the end of the class is considered homework.
2. Studying for any quiz/test is considered homework.
3. All independent reading assigned must be completed as homework.
4. Students are responsible for making up work missed due to absence as homework.
Late Work Policy:
Students are expected to complete assignments and submit them on time, which will most always be the following school day at the beginning of class.
•On the day homework is assigned, some class time may be given to begin or even perhaps complete homework assignments. Use it wisely!
Late work will be accepted after the due date, with a deduction in points.
•Students may turn late work in the next day during Great Time or at the beginning of class, completed, for a maximum score or 80%.
•Late work may still be turned in, if completed two days after the original deadline, for a 70%.
•If completed work is turned in anytime afterwards, up through the end of the quarter, the student can earn a maximum of 50% on the assignment.
**Remember to also consult ahead of time with the teacher in regards to a possible exception. Flexibility can be granted under some circumstances.
“I will consider any student's individual circumstances in granting an extension to the due date. I realize things do come up and what may be good for one student may not be good for another. I will decide each case individually and your reputation will play a key role in my decision.”
-Mrs. Ronan
*Students can correct any assignments or re-take tests when they have earned the grade of a D or an F.
•They will receive partial points: not full credit.
•Responsibility is their own to accomplish this, in an effort to try and improve their overall grade.
Please sign and return:
Parent/signature________________Date______
Student/signature_______________Date______
Andrea Wagner
ReplyDeleteHigh School Math
The following is part of my Geometry syllabus. It includes grading guidelines as well as homework. This is what I use now, but I am sure that there are things I could do to make it better!
Grading
The course will be graded on a total points system. Quizzes and tests will make up a bulk of the overall quarter grade. The final exam during each quarter will comprise 20% of the quarter grade.
There will be a homework assignment every day. There will be various methods used to grade homework: collection and grading of each problem, checking for completion, homework quizzes in which I will be checking for certain problems already assigned, and quizzes in which I will give new problems similar to ones the students were assigned in their last homework assignment. Students will generally not be told how each assignment is graded, so it is important that they work hard to complete all problems. Because of the various methods of grading used, be sure to START EACH NEW ASSIGNMENT ON A NEW PIECE OF PAPER.
Since the larger part of the grade is on quizzes and tests, it’s extremely important students achieve understanding of the material to be successful in this class. This will all come from working hard on the homework assignments. The problems from the book are simply practice for the quizzes and tests. It is important to try all problems assigned, and NOT GET BEHIND! It is hard to catch back up when you get behind. If you are absent, be sure to still do the problems that were assigned that day.
There will be a little time at the beginning of each day for questions on solutions to homework problems. However, if you are having trouble with multiple problems on the assignment, it will be your responsibility to seek help outside of class. Our time will be limited each day for individual questions, as we need to move on to the next section.
Make Up Work
You are allowed two days to make up work for each day of an excused absence. If you miss class on a quiz or test day, it is your responsibility to find a time to make that up. If you do not make up the quiz or test within a week, it becomes a 0.
Late work for any reason other than an excused absence will result in partial credit awarded for the assignment. Again, the assignment must be turned in within a week to earn the reduced grade, otherwise it will be a 0.
Oops Passes
Three Oops Passes will be given for each quarter. Oops Passes may be used in the following ways:
1. A hall pass to leave class.
2. An unexcused tardy (up to two minutes).
3. Late homework
If you have any Oops Passes remaining at the end of the quarter, they will be worth five extra credit points each.