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Homework ~ READ THIS FIRST!!!!

Homework...
 
The on-going question of importance, even among educators...
 
On one side, there are many benefits to homework:
  • Allows a home - school connection
  • Builds the students up for homework levels in high school and college
  • Allows extra practice on skills
 
However, there are also many downfalls to homework:
  • The students are tired from the day, so the extra time may result in fighting between parent and child
  • The students may not have mastered the skill, so they are practicing it incorrectly
  • The parent may not be familiar with the skill that the child has learned at school or how the teacher is teaching it
  • The evening schedule at home may not allow for parent and child to sit down together
 
Here are a few articles on homework for you to consider:
 
 
In short:
  • Homework is better for middle and high school students
  • Elementary school and early middle school homework should focus on establishing routines and personal responsibility.
  • Late middle school and high school homework should focus on interactive assignments that have the parent and child working together.
  • Regardless of age, all students should have a break of free time before beginning homework.
  • Students from low income households may not benefit from homework in the same way as students from more financially secure households.
  • Students with learning disabilities benefit from additional practice time IF supervised by a parent.
  • Homework is NOT a strategy that works for ALL children.  It MAY decrease motivation and interest in learning, so homework should be assigned moderately.  It should NOT be the main strategy for improving home-school relations or student achievement.
 
Based on this research, the following will be Ms. Skotcher's homework policy:
 
I will NOT be assigning traditional homework this school year.
I will provide, through my website, curriculum websites, and text communication a variety of learning opportunities in the following areas:
  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Language Arts
  • Math
  • Science
  • History
  • Social Skills
  • Activities of Daily Living
 
If you would like to work with your child on traditional academic homework, there will be options.  If you feel your child would benefit from social, speech, and daily living skills activities, there will be options there also.  If you need assistance selecting the appropriate assignments, please e-mail me, or write a note in your child's daily journal.  If you do not want to participate in homework, for the above reasons or personal reasons, that is fine also.  
 
The most important concept to take away is to find a balance in achievement and motivation for each child.  By working together, we can do that for YOUR child!