The document provides guidelines for teachers to develop meaningful and manageable homework assignments. It recommends that teachers assign around 10 minutes of homework per grade level, with more frequent shorter assignments rather than fewer longer ones. Teachers should distribute material across multiple assignments, mixing easy and difficult questions. When possible, teachers should give students choices in content or format. The guidelines also suggest focusing on study skills, being flexible with policies, and limiting grading and comments to periodic assignments rather than every one.

1. Homework Practical, Research Based Guidelines for Developing Meaningful, Manageable Homework Jennifer Walsh-Rurak

2. On the Lighter Side… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mn1BreaZ6rM Free powerpoint template: www.brainybetty.com

3. … But Seriously "We assign homework in an attempt to develop students' skills and to extend learning time. At the same time, we are left frustrated when the students who need more time to learn seem the least likely to complete homework." "Students with inadequate home environments for completing homework or with parents intellectually unable to help them are less likely to complete homework (Vatterott, 2007)" From Rethinking Homework by Cathy Vatterott Free powerpoint template: www.brainybetty.com

4. Give the right amount of homework. Research suggests students should get about 10 minutes of homework each night for each grade (i.e. 40 minutes for 4 th grade, 50 minutes for 5 th grade, etc.) Consider making parents aware of how long homework should take so they can alert you if their child is struggling to complete the work within that time frame. Free powerpoint template: www.brainybetty.com

5. More frequent but shorter assignments are better than fewer but longer assignments. This strategy makes practice more frequent, helps prevent learning fatigue, and assists students with establishing a regular routine for studying at home. Free powerpoint template: www.brainybetty.com

6. Distribute Material Across Multiple Assignments Learning is greatly facilitated when assignments include review of material covered in past lessons and an introduction to new topics, rather than just sticking to topics taught that day. Free powerpoint template: www.brainybetty.com

7. Distribute easy and harder material throughout an assignment . Research shows this kind of alteration of easy and harder material helps to keep students engaged and interested. Free powerpoint template: www.brainybetty.com

8. Consider giving students homework choices. Choice can be important for enhancing students’ interest in material and helping to establish a sense of autonomy. When possible, consider giving students options about content and/or format . Free powerpoint template: www.brainybetty.com

9. Be careful about parent involvement. Consider the time and resources of parents when considering their involvement. Involve parents when it makes sense, but do so with careful planning and an understanding that families function very differently when it comes to homework. Free powerpoint template: www.brainybetty.com

10. Focus on study skills. Provide materials that helps students learn to manage time and stay organized. Talk to students about a variety of study strategies and techniques. Free powerpoint template: www.brainybetty.com

11. Do not grade or comment on every homework assignment. Periodic commenting or grading can be just as effective as providing feedback on every assignment. However, it is important to let students and parents know your grading policy up front. Adapted from Homework Tips for Teachers from The Battle Over Homework by Harris Cooper Free powerpoint template: www.brainybetty.com

12. Consideration for Homework Policies Consider the age and independence level of the students. Consider the abilities of the students. Free powerpoint template: www.brainybetty.com

13. Consideration for Homework Policies Decide on the weighting of homework in the final grade. Communicate what will happen if homework is not completed. Free powerpoint template: www.brainybetty.com

14. Consideration for Homework Policies Give your students two copies of your policies on the first day of school and ask the parent to sign the paper as well as the student. Ask the students to return one copy and keep the other at home to refer to throughout the year. Free powerpoint template: www.brainybetty.com

15. Consideration for Homework Policies Be flexible in your policies and consider extenuating circumstances. Allow options for students who are absent due to sickness or have other situations that prevent homework completion. Free powerpoint template: www.brainybetty.com

16. For Further Investigation The Battle Over Homework by Harris Cooper (Office copies available) Rethinking Homework by Cathy Vatterott (One Office Copy Available) A Repair Kit for Grading: 15 Fixes for Broken Grades by Ken O'Connor (Office copies on backorder, expected late September) Free powerpoint template: www.brainybetty.com