Homework+&+Practice

=Homework and Practice - Pleasant Valley= Amy Braxemier, Penny Derr & Joe Kondisko

Strategy Overview
Homework is an embedded tradition with American Schools. From Kindergarten through 12th grade students encounter homework as part of their educational program. With such an entrenched educational practice, one would conclude that the effectiveness of homework on student achievment would be overwhelming. The most respected and trusted research fails to conclusively support or deny the practice leaving the education field with more questions than answers.

Although the research is inconclusive specifically with the homework practice, Anderson, Newell and Resembloom conclude that "mastering a skill requires a fair amount of focused practice." Based on this comment, Marzano, Pickering and Pollock recommend 4 strategies to maxmize the homework practice.

==Research Practices with Examples and Non-examples of teacher expectations for the effecitve use of homework. Each example and non-example clearly defines what they should be looking for from their teachers.==

1) **"The amount of homework assigned to students should be different from elementary to middle school to high school."** Homework research is conclusive on this topic as elementary students who were assigned more than 45 minutes of homework demonstrated a decline in student achievement. The older a student is the more homework they should be assigned. The Pennsylvania Department of Education's recommendations of 1973 are very different from the guides created from recent research. PDE recommended 30 min. for K-3; 45-90 min. for 4-6; 90-120 min. for 7-9 and 120-180 for 10-12. Based on current research the tables must be revised. Here is an example and non-example of total time recommended for homework K-12.

Example: Non-example:
 * Grade Level || Time Recommendation ||
 * K-3 || 20-30 minutes ||
 * 4-6 || 30-40 minutes ||
 * 7-9 || 50-60 minutes ||
 * 10-12 || 60-120 minutes ||
 * Grade Level || Time Recommendation ||
 * K-3 || 60-120 minutes ||
 * 4-6 || 50-60 minutes ||
 * 7-9 || 30-40 minutes ||
 * 10-12 || 20-30 minutes ||

2) **"Parent Involvement in homework should be kept to a minmum."** - It is safe to say that parents should help their children wih their homework. However the sole responsiblity for instruction should not be placed on the parent. Parents should monitor and check their child's homework ensuring its completion but that is where the support should end. Many parents are not equipped with the latest instructional techniques and therefore could deliver ineffective outdated practices to their child. This is a huge concern. If students are incorrectly scripted with information the amount of repititions required to reverse the misinformation is amazing. School districts draft and adopt policies on homework to communciate parent, and teacher homework expectations. Below is an an example and non-example of such policies.

Example: 130. HOMEWORK 1. Purpose: Homework assignments should complement the school instruction. The purpose of homework assignments should be to: develop student responsibility, good study habits, and organizational skills; provide practice and reinforcement of skills presented by the teacher; broaden areas of interest through enrichment; provide opportunities for parents/guardians to be aware of what their child is learning; and encourage parent/guardian and child interaction. 2. Guidelines: Title 22 Sec. 12.2 Each student shall be responsible for completing homework assignments as directed. Homework shall complement classroom instruction and be planned and evaluated with respect to its purpose, appropriateness, and completion time. The demand of homework upon the students’ time shall be consistent with the best interests of the students in regard to other valuable experiences to be gained outside of school. As is applicable, homework assignments will be reviewed and returned within a reasonable amount of time. Homework will not be assigned as a form of punishment. References: State Board of Education Regulations – 22 PA Code Sec. 12.2 Non-example:

130. HOMEWORK 1. Purpose: Homework assignments should be the SOLE instructional method for instruction. The purpose of homework assignments should be to: teach primary skills to students, good study habits, and organizational skills; supplant instruction presented by the teacher; and make life easier for the teacher and school district. 2. Guidelines: Title 22 Sec. 12.2 Each student shall be responsible for completing homework assignments as directed by the teacher. Homework shall supplant classroom instruction and be planned and evaluated with respect to its purpose, appropriateness, and completion time. The demand of homework upon the students’ time shall be consistent with the best interests of the students in regard to other valuable experiences to be gained outside of school. As is applicable, homework assignments will be the sole criteria for evaluation. References: State Board of Education Regulations – 22 PA Code Sec. 12.2

3) **"The purpose of homework should be identified and articulated."** - Homework must be specific and in general serve two purposes. 1-students will practice a previously taught skill 2-students will prepare for an upcoming lesson or elaborate on one

In both cases the responsibility for primary instruction has not been placed on the parent, but rather as a supportive role. One example of clearly defining the purpose of homework is through the use of a classroom homework policy. Here is an example and non-example of a classroom homework policy:

Example: **Classroom Homework Expectations and Policies**
 * Students are expected to turn in homework on the date it is due.
 * Homework is assigned to provide opportunties for independent practice of previously taught skills. Parents are expected to encourage and monitor the practice and report any struggles the student may experience.
 * Homework will also be utilized to explore new topics and expand on classroom discussions. Parents are expected to engage in conversations with your child regarding their classroom topics.
 * All students have the opportunity to make up any missed homework assignments.

Non-example: **Classroom Homework Expectations and Policies**
 * Students are expected to turn in homework on the date it is due.
 * Homework must be completed.
 * Homework will be assigned every night with the amount doubled on the weekends!

4) **"If Homework is assigned is should be commented on."** - Students must receive feedback on their homework assignments. Research demonstrates that classroom teachers who comment specifically on student homework increase its effectiveness.

Example: Homework assignment: Describe what bullying means to you. Teacher comment: Samantha, I really like your written response to last night's assignment. Your clearly defined examples and well-supported thoughts will help our discussion of the Salem Witch Trials.

Non-example: Homework assignment: Describe what bullying means to you. Teacher comment: No comment.

Example: Homework assignment: Create your own word problem that uses multiplication. Teacher comment: Sam I really like how you used math words that provide clues to the multiplication operation. Great job!

Non-example: Homework assignment: Create your own word problem that uses multiplication. Teacher comment: Good.

Conclusion: When homework is assigned and completed effectively it can have a profound effect on students' practice time, promoting and reinforcing instructional concepts and provide a window for the parent into their child's classroom.