A western North Carolina study explored how 31 teachers and 35 students viewed implementation of the 4 x 4 block schedule in five high schools. Teachers generally favor the 4-period schedule, but several cited absence problems, less student homework, and "uneven" student schedules. To reap full benefits from block schedules, principals…

Relates how serendipity led the author to discover the power of Polaroid pictures to motivate her first-grade students and their parents to do homework. Notes that the technique works for many in-class activities and projects (many of them relating to families). (SR)

Shows that it is necessary to spend time to teach students how to read their mathematics textbooks. Finds that instruction related to skills and strategies for reading students' mathematics textbook aided students in their ability to complete homework assignments. (SR)

Researcher Harris Cooper examined studies on homework and student achievement and found that homework substantially raises high school students' achievement; in junior high, homework raises students' achievement only about half as much; and in elementary grades, homework has no discernible effect on students' achievement. (MLF)

Analyzes the requirements for constructing collaborative learning activities in distance computer assisted learning (CAL) systems; shows why an active database can satisfy the requirements with a collaborative homework example; and proposes procedures for using an active database to construct collaborative learning activities in distance CAL…

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…