Homework

Teachers,

Please read the article below and blog your thoughts. 

Basic strategies for assigning homework

Suggestions for establishing homework assignments and policies.

By Kathleen Casson

Research on homework shows that it is not the valuable educational tool that many believe. Kralovec and Buell (2001) found that “homework often disrupts family life, interferes with what parents want to teach their children, and punishes students in poverty for being poor.” In addition, homework has serious limitations for teaching and learning.

For elementary students, homework does not improve academic achievement (Cooper, 1994). Supporters of homework claim that homework in the elementary grades can develop character traits like self-discipline and time management skills. However, this view lacks solid evidence.

Based on this information, the following suggestions should be kept in mind when considering homework assignments and policies:

• Be mindful of the amount of homework assigned. Homework types and amounts must be modified consistent with individual student needs, even within regular education. Remember that what is ten minutes work for one student can easily be an hour’s work for another.
• Homework should never be counted as a part of the content grade unless the teacher is certain that all the students in the class come from a similar level of environmental enrichment and parental support.
• Provide a system for checking children’s materials and copying of assignments at the end of the school day, particularly for students who have difficulty in homework organization.
• Assignments should have a clear purpose that is understood by students. If they have this understanding, students are more likely to complete assignments.
• Except in rare cases, students should not be removed or restricted from extra-curricular activities, including recess, for failure to complete homework assignments.

References

Cooper, H. (1994). The battle over homework: An administrator’s guide to setting sound and effective policies. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

Kralovec, E. & Buell, J. (2001). "End homework now." Educational Leadership, 58 (7).

Five Plays Review

As we begin another 9 week cycle it important for us to reflect.  I've done a lot reflecting and the year, my leadership and you all.  Entering the second quarter of the I feel that the 5 Plays captures my needs and I am going to let it drive my leadership style.  I have posted the 5 Plays Below

                               Grand Prairie ISD 5 Plays

          1.        Verically and Horizontally Aligned Curriculum

    2.       5e Model of Instruction

    3.       Data Driven Decisions

                4.       Relational Capacity

                5.       Intentional Leadership

My focus this quarter will be data-driven decisions, aligned curriculum and relational capacity. I will really work to increase the relational capacity with each of you on a daily basis.  A final focus will be to increase the overall leadership capacity in the building.   Since we are teachers and we like grades, I would grade myself at between a C and B- for the 9 weeks of school as it relates to the 5 Plays.  

Take time to reflect on the 5 Plays and how you would score yourself.  Also, how are you going to use the 5 plays to help you be more successful during this second quarter of school.       

First Week Successes

Staff,

We officially completed the first week of school for the 2012-2013 school year!!!!!!  I hope that you had as much fun as I did!!!  School is truly no fun without the students.  For this week, please post a success story from last week.  It can describe a student or it can be something that dealt specifically with you.  For me, I would say that we got the "customer service" piece right during registration.  Parents waited for extended periods of time and yet they remained calm.  This was due in large part to the numerous staff members assisting them with smiling faces.  Another success for me was that I survived the week in a totally new environment!!  Thanks for being a great staff!!!


Morrow

Hopes & Fears

As we gear up for the 2012-2013 school year, please share your greatest hopes and greatest fears as they relate to Daniels Academy!  Please be honest and reflective in your responses.