Is it for elementary kids? A district gives some guidelines, a teacher her philosophy. (Editor)

Homework, like grandmother's spring tonic, is a useless and hated ritual that is continued only because everyone seems to expect it. The best way to make homework enriching and personal is to prepare idea cards for each study unit, allowing each student to select a suitable project. (SJL)

The authors give advice to teachers on correctly presenting assignments by discussing these questions: What information should an instructional assignment convey? What criteria should be considered in phrasing an instructional assignment? And what means can be used to clarify an assignment? (Author/SJL)

Summarizes arguments of advocates and opponents of homework. Stresses that timing of assignments, nature of and reasons for giving assignments, clarity and completeness of assignment explanations, and treatment of completed assignments must be considered for homework to be an effective, joy-giving tool. Offers nine ideas for making homework more…

Eight teachers contribute their ideas for successfully working with parents. Included are: a parent information/resource center; guidelines for parent teacher conferences; ideas for using parents as classroom volunteers; and skill development activities that parents can use at home with their children. (SJL)

Three types of homework assignments are common in U.S. schools: practice, preparation, and extension. Reasons cited for assigning homework are: (1) Doing homework is useful as an act of intellectual discipline; (2) Homework eases time constraints on the amount of curricular material that can be covered; (3) Homework fosters student initiative,…

To remedy the problem of an ineffective homework policy, a Follow Through kindergarten teacher at the George Howland elementary school in Chicago, Illinois, implemented a practicum designed to increase parent involvement with the school. The program designed for the practicum included: (1) regular homework assignments, (2) grading of homework by…

Describes guidelines for written homework used in a mathematics course designed to develop skills in understanding and communicating mathematics. Illustrates some examples of common homework errors. (YP)

Homework policy statements from six elementary school districts in San Mateo County, California (Menlo Park City, Millbrae, San Bruno, Portola Valley, San Carlos, and Redwood City) covering kindergarten through grade 8 are presented. Responsibilities of the principal, the teachers, the students, and the parents are indicated; and time limits,…

This booklet describes the Power Hour of Homework program for elementary school through secondary school students, including tips on implementing the program at home (i.e., checking homework, talking to the teacher, determining the correct amount of homework time for individual students) and survey responses to questions from parents and students.…

This book provides practical, commonsense strategies successfully used by teachers to help students become active, responsible learners. In general, these strategies are centered on mutual respect, not bossiness; collaboration, not isolation; commitment to learning, not fear of failure; and the dignity of all, not praise or rewards for a few. Each…