Where’s My Homework??! Presented by: Gerilyn Semro, MSE, MSE and Julie Altman, MSE, MSE Horizon Academy

As the authors of The Case Against Homework wrote, “Homework overload is turning many of us into the types of parents we never wanted to be: nags, bribers, and taskmasters.”

Definitive empirical evidence supporting the advantages of homework completion for all students….

does not exist. Overall effects on student achievement are inconclusive

So Why Do It? Research suggests homework completion may help students develop study skills and habits Research suggests homework completion may keep families informed about their child's learning and thus more involved At the secondary school level, student homework is associated with greater academic achievement. (Review of Educational Research, 2006) Research suggests some students, such as children with learning disabilities and children in low-income households, may demonstrate greater benefits from homework completion

When homework is effective - Appropriate subject matter and content Appropriate time expectations Appropriate method of completion and use of materials

When homework is worth it- Research demonstrates a correlation between the amount of time students spent out-of-school reading and reading achievement. (Anderson, Fielding, and Wilson, 1988) At the elementary school level, homework can help students develop study skills and habits and can keep families informed about their child's learning. (Review of Educational Research, 2006) At the secondary school level, student homework is associated with greater academic achievement. (Review of Educational Research, 2006)

What it Should Be Homework should address practice, preparation or extension of the student’s school work Current homework research suggests that homework for children with learning disabilities should consist of – simple, short assignments – careful monitoring by and prominent rewards from teachers – parental involvement, especially to provide structure, conducive environments, and immediate rewards.

How do I start?

Homework Routines Step 1: get in the habit of using a daily planner. Check off assignments as they are completed. Step 2: set up a quiet homework station that has good lighting. Step 3: make homework time the same time daily. Consistency pays off! Step 4: set a timer for each assignment.

After School Review Sit down with your child and review homework for the evening. Try not to tell him/her what to do. Pose questions to help him set priorities. Feel free to make observations from previous evenings. Make sure your child knows the difference between what needs to be done that night and what can wait.

How Long Will It Take? At first, it may be difficult for your child to gauge how long each assignment will take. If so, take him step by step through each assignment. Your child may resist your efforts to plan and prioritize. Eventually, he/she may be able to see how helpful the process can be. If arguing continues, consider hiring a tutor.

Taking Hours To Do Minutes of Homework Break the assignment up into doable chunks. Your child can get rewarded at the end of each group. Play a game. “Beat the Clock” Use a kitchen timer for this game. Listen to soft music or orchestration while completing homework. Headphones for staying on task.

Forgetting Homework At Home This is not a memory problem. This is an organizational problem. Make sure your child puts his/her assignments in homework folder when completed. Put all assignments in folders and folders in backpack when completed. Place backpack, lunch and necessary supplies by the door where students leaves home in the morning (same place everyday).

When you need a break Hire a tutor for homework or take advantage of homework clubs at your school Trade homework sessions with a friend or neighbor so you both get breaks Know when to walk away and know when to run Have appropriate expectations for your child and for the school assigning the work