Homework


 * __ HOMEWORK[[image:homework.gif width="232" height="207"]] __**


 * Pros **

Boosts students test scores Provides more knowledge to students that teachers cannot fit in during a school day Prepares students for tests Students have more knowledge on subjects Reinforces information that was learned in class Students retain more information Long-term benefits for students to have advanced knowledge Negative reaction with higher amounts of homework Homework can be seen as busy work Homework can be non-beneficial if there is too much Students get frustrated and discouraged Frustration and exhaustion Lack of time for other activities Loss of interest in learning Parents have to become a big part in helping students No true academic benefit
 * Cons **



** Tips for teachers **

1. **Educate yourself and share what you’ve learned with teachers, parents, and central office administrators.** Talk to colleagues and ask them to help or talk about what is best in terms of homework and share what you know about the subjects. 2. **Rethink standardized “homework policies**” Make sure student understand or help you develop due dates as well as rewards or repercussions for getting homework done or turned in late. 3. **Reduce the amount – but don’t stop there**. Don’t give students an overwhelming amount of homework for them to complete in a short amount of time. 4. **Change the default**. Change the idea of homework. Make sure that students know why they are asked to do the homework and help them to see the benefit while having some fun. 5. **Ask the kids.** See what the students think of homework. Take into consideration the amount of homework that you are giving them and ask them to work with you and discuss how much is appropriate. When thinking of the amount of homework you will be giving them, take their comments into consideration. 6. **Suggest that teachers assign only what they design.** If the teacher creates the homework for the students, there is more value to the homework being a helpful tool to assist students. 7. **Use homework as an opportunity to involve students in decision-making.** Hold students accountable for the homework that was completed and relate it back to the student’s lives. 8. **Help teachers move away from grading.** Make sure that you are giving homework for furthering knowledge not just for “Busy work” because this helps to eliminate homework that doesn’t get turned in or accumulates too much to grade for teachers. 9. **Experiment**. Have teachers experiment with the amount of homework they are giving to students. Make sure that the homework is benefitting the students and valuable to the learning process.

1st -3rd grade: 20 minutes of homework per day 4th -6th grade: 20-40 minutes per day 7th -9th grade: 2 hours per day
 * Homework Guidelines: **

Websites to take a look at for Homework information and debates: []: Benefits of more homework vary across nations,grades []: Rethinking homework []: Pros of homework []: Homework helping students []: Importance of homework []: U.S. students and their homework []: Homework debate