Reasons children underachieve in school are examined: emotional problems, secondary gains, teacher troubles, peer pressure, boredom, fear of trying, and fear of growing up. Guidelines for parents are offered concerning involvement with homework, holding children back, rewards versus bribes, activities that boost self-esteem, and parent…

Results suggest that while homework assignments, tests, and required texts increase the time students allot to a given course, and time allocated to a given course has a positive effect on course grades, the combination has a negative effect on course grade. High school performance is positively related to time given to a course but not to course…

Four essential steps toward effective mathematics teaching are presented, concerning enthusiasm, discussion and questioning, homework, and evaluation. (MNS)

The purpose of this research is to provide elementary mathematics teachers strategies that will enhance their knowledge of standards-based mathematics content and pedagogy and to increase parents' and homework help-line employees' knowledge of standards-based mathematics concepts. Teacher participation in standards-based mathematics activities is…

This "Third Edition" updates the decades of the 1980s and 1990s and moves into the events and issues of the 21st century. Designed as a teaching supplement for any U.S. history course of study, it can be used in its entirety or selectively to fill in gaps left by traditional textbooks and curricula. The authors seek to bring U.S. history…

Research shows clearly that children are more likely to succeed in learning when their families actively support them. When family members read with their children, talk with their teachers, participate in school or other learning activities and help them with homework, they give children a tremendous advantage. Home work is important because it…

This action research project examined the impact of organizational and motivational strategies to increase homework completion among high school students. Participating were high school algebra and biology students in a midwestern, suburban city. The problem of homework completion was evidenced by existing grade and homework reports and teacher…

This document is comprised of the two issues in volume 5 of "Parent News Offline," a publication of the National Parent Information Network (NPIN) designed to introduced those without Internet Access to the activities and information available through NPIN. The Spring 2003 issue contains the following articles: (1) "Summer Academic…

This study compared intact beginning fifth grade classes in one of the districts in Shanghai, People's Republic of China to American Norms on the KeyMath-Revised: A Diagnostic Inventory of Essential Mathematics (KeyMath-R) and the Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT-3). The review of literature contrasted the two cultures with regard to students,…

Three types of homework are described: consolidation, challenge, and diagnostic. Details on homework for less able students, general guidelines, and replies to arguments against a homework program are included. (MP)

Discusses parent-teacher communication problems, factors that contribute to homework-communication problems, and strategies that the whole school community can use to ensure parent involvement in the homework assignments of children with high-incidence disabilities. Focus-group recommended strategies are provided for teachers, parents,…

Addresses the sources of dissatisfaction from parents who had removed their children from public schools to begin home schooling. Implications for public schools' community relations and practice specifically focus on three areas of greatest concern: student grouping practices, peer relationships, and the extension of the school day via homework.…

This study compared two treatments with 94 Chilean children having learning difficulties. The first treatment consisted of multiple training components targeting specific cognitive and behavioral factors; the second treatment provided emotional support and supervision of school tasks. Findings indicated both groups improved on most of the outcome…

Describes classroom-developed science and mathematics backpacks, self-contained educational packets developed around a theme or concept and designed to be completed at home. Presents generalized contents, a sample backpack on colors, and the backpack's advantages, including promotion of active learning, family involvement, curriculum integration,…