New math homework policy

Each SKHS parent will be receiving a letter from the math department in the next week or so. The letter will be explaining a change in homework policy which the math department will enact beginning in late September. One of the struggles in sequential content areas like math is that the further a student falls behind, the harder it is for him or her to catch up. We know there is a direct correlation between completing homework and academic success. Homework is an effective way for students to re-acquaint themselves with material or raise questions that can be addressed in the next class. In most every math class I have observed, a portion of the lesson has focused on reviewing specific problems from the homework that gave students trouble. As we have examined how other schools have addressed supporting students, one of the recurring themes we have seen is increased expectations around students getting their work done. For instance in some schools, there are no Ds; if at the end of a marking period you have not earned a 70 or above, you have two weeks to raise your grade to that level to a "proficient" level or you receive an F.

The math department’s new homework policy provides clear expectations and the support to make it happen. While all homework assignments are due on the date that a teacher requires, students will be allowed to show the teacher an assignment the following day (including any additional assignments that may be expected). But, if any student does not complete homework by day two, the student will stay after school with a math teacher on that day to complete all work not done. We expect when we compare homework completion rates we will see a rise in students both completing assignments and learning the material which will be demonstrated through their grades.

I see this as another way we can increase our expectations for all students while also providing each student an opportunity to get the support they may need.