This is the topic that is dreaded by most students of the academia world. However, the purpose for homework in my classroom aligns with the district’s mission as described below. The combination of descriptors below make homework and learning more enjoyable because students find meaning and purpose in their work.
							Students will have opportunities to work collaboratively with their peers in order to produce work that demonstrates levels of comprehension when using a hands-on application approach. Working with others provides students the opportunity to learn how to socialize with their peers in accomplishing a similar goal. It is recognized that this is difficult at this age, but a life skill that will be vital for most as there are very few jobs or careers that don’t use communication in order to be successful.
			Homework’s purpose is to help increase the following life skills: Independence, Accountability, Responsibility, and Organization. Not only do students receive the opportunity to make connections between the concepts they are asked to practice and increase their knowledge base, but they are also developing skills that will help carry them through life.
							The reason why homework has such a negative cliché is due to a) it takes up “free” time after school, b) students don’t understand how what they are doing pertains to what they want to do when they “grow up,” and c) it is often completed to “get done,” not to obtain meaning or learning from what was assigned. My goal is to teach students how and why homework can be a benefit when assigned appropriately. Homework is to allow students the chance to become quality producers in that if homework is completed in a meaningful manner where critical thinking was applied and possibly even collaboration among peers giving feedback where necessary, quality work will be produced. Students will be asked to explain in complete sentences their thought processes in a logical order as to why they did what they did as well as how they derived their solution using their math work to support these explanations. Math is no longer a single answer, but the process behind the answer.
			It is a requirement not only in mathematics, but all subjects that students become critical thinkers and look at situations more abstractly as there is not always a finite solution or manner in which to reach a solution. The objective of homework is to practice, apply, and make connections with concepts. However, in order to apply and connect, students need to be willing to take time to approach the problem constructively, thinking about all possibilities and understanding what is being asked. Learning how to think critically takes time, dedication, and follow through. If students are willing to get into good habits with thorough homework completion and positive classroom participation, complex thinkers will emerge and learning will become even more enjoyable!
			Homework & assessment policies