Identified the effects of reform initiatives on teaching, assessment, and homework practices. Surveys of teachers involved in reform projects indicated that reform significantly related to teaching approach, which mediated between reform and assessment and homework practices. There were significant links between grade level taught and homework…

Considers how the practice of including students with disabilities in general education classes has spawned interest in academic interventions, such as homework, that allow these students to be successful. Investigates the perceptions and experiences of parents of children with and without disabilities regarding homework load and problems related…

Describes a national survey in which parents of children with and without disabilities rank-ordered a number of strategies that schools, teachers, and parents could use to improve communication about and completion of students' homework. Finds that parents of children with and without disabilities were in substantial agreement about strategies for…

Testing can be a time-consuming and tedious method of evaluation. This article suggests methods which don't take additional classroom time or turn students off, and which provide more immediate and constructive feedback than routine testing. (IAH)

This article, based upon a survey of 3000 teachers in 92 Illinois high schools, presents data on homework use by teachers. Data is provided on the amount, frequency, structure, purposes, and types of homework assigned to students. The level of school and parental support is also assessed. (IAH)

Two studies on the effectiveness of supplemental homework assignments on the acquisition of basic skills (math facts and spelling) with elementary school-aged learning-disabled students found three factors which maximized homework effectiveness: rate of homework completion, percentage correct of the homework, and rate of acquisition of the content…

Reports results from surveys of secondary school teachers regarding what they are doing with respect to homework, grading, and testing for students with and without disabilities. Discusses implications for inclusion programs. (SR)

For certain kids, doing homework is a near impossibility. Educators increasingly realize that they must change their traditional homework assignments to create opportunities for children to succeed. Written assignments can be replaced by interviewing projects, inclass cooperative learning activities, or afterschool study centers with appropriate…

The press and the public criticize schools for all our youngster's ills but are overlooking parental responsibilities. Instead of pushing for vouchers and other potentially damaging "quick fixes," parents should insist that homework is done, that teachers are respected and obeyed, and that school is attended daily, while accepting some…

Respondents (n=297) to a national survey of school districts concerning homework policies found that 35.2% of school districts surveyed had a policy on homework, with 64.4% of those policies including modifications for students with disabilities. Findings on frequency and amount of homework assigned, as well as home-school communication…

The use of reinforcing strategies can help to ensure that homework for students with disabilities is a meaningful learning experience. This article describes peer-assisted homework strategies, the role of home computers in homework, enhancing self-concept, the role of authority figures, the role of teacher education programs, and monitoring…

Discusses the failure of students with learning disabilities to complete their homework assignments, lists criteria for planning assignments to motivate secondary students, and offers suggestions on procedures and outcomes for inviting students to participate in the assignment completion process. An Assignment Idea Chart is provided. (CR)

The effect of family involvement in mathematics homework on student achievement was studied (N=74). Different levels of prompting for family involvement were used with three sixth-grade classes of the same instructor. Involvement and achievement were measured. Findings indicate that the prompted groups were more involved; this level did not…

Investigated the perceptions and attitudes of mothers of Grade 2 children about homework practices. Found a consistent set of homework practices but considerable variation in the views held by mothers. Findings posed implications for the development of children's sense of responsibility and responsible homework practices. (Author/KB)

Examined the role of homework in foreign language instruction and learning. The study was conducted through questionnaires, interviews, and quantitative analysis of the amount of homework that foreign language teachers assigned their students. There was little evidence that homework either contributed to or detracted from the language learning…