[eMINTS] assignment policy feedback

[Tobi Layton]

I used to have a HUGE problem with late work, but since I've made a few 
changes, I no longer do. One of my class jobs is "homework checker." These 
2 students are responsible for counting the number of assignments in each 
turn in tray. They automatically do it after the bell rings while other 
students do morning work. They write the number of assignments in each tray 
on the top paper and place the stacks on my desk. If they come up short, I 
ask for "fesser uppers" to avoid a roll call. If the missing person is 
still a mystery, the class stands and as I call names off of the papers, 
they sit. I have a chart with students names and assignments and I'll 
circle the column containing missing work. Those names/assignments go on 
the board. Students know that they can use any spare time to work on the 
homework and they also go to detention until the work is completed. They 
may go to recess if they finish early (I deal with sloppy/rushed work on an 
individual basis). I have a special tray for late work, which I check by 
the end of each day. I mark out the late assignment circles with a red X 
(make up work gets a black X) At the end of the day, if there is still work 
out, I list it as late work in the student's planner. At the end of each 
week, there's a spot on my newsletter to record the number of late 
assignments for the week. I just count the red x's in the students' column 
for that week. It really doesn't take long and I was amazed at how fast 
parents cracked down when they really realized how many assignments are 
turned in late. On progress reports, I also include the number of late 
assignments so far for the quarter. 5 a week looks bad, but 15 looks a lot 
worse!

This system does require a lot of work, but not as much I used to have when 
I would not realize an assignment was missing until I graded a stack (these 
days, that's not until Saturday!!) That was a headache - trying to 
find/copy/reteach in order to collect a stack of late work (and then grade 
it!) Usually 1 or 2 students would have an unattainable list of late work 
every Monday. Now, I think the instant awareness of late work helps the 
students get on it faster. I rarely have students who don't get their late 
work in by the next morning. Involving parents adds enforcement at home, too.

Tobi


>I send home weekly progress reports letting parents know which assignments 
>are missing, I also let them know how behavior is for the week.  It is an 
>expectation that parents sign and return the reports.
>
>Also, when students earn below a C- on an assignment I write c/r on it and 
>it is expected that the students will get help to complete it correctly 
>then I enter a C- into the grade book.
>
>
>
>Barbara Antonetti
>Third Grade Teacher
>Beehive Elementary
>
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: emints-bounces at lists.emints.org 
>[mailto:emints-bounces at lists.emints.org] On Behalf Of Jill Meadows
>Sent: Monday, May 05, 2008 10:42 AM
>To: General discussion for eMINTS program participants
>Subject: [eMINTS] assignment policy feedback
>Importance: High
>
>I am looking for some reasoning and documentation on assignment 
>policies.  Many policies do not take into account supporting lower, middle 
>and high achieving students.  They provide a consequence for not turning 
>in an assignment (points taken off, zero points given, detention, 
>etc).  What policy do you have in place that supports getting students 
>back on track and not just issuing a punishment?
>
>Jill Meadows
>Instructional Technology Coordinator
>Wright City R-II School District
>PO Box 198
>Wright City MO, 63390
>Office:     636-745-7232
>Cell:         636-237-3098
>Email: 
>jill.meadows at wrightcity.k12.mo.us<mailto:jill.meadows at wrightcity.k12.mo.us>
>
>
>
>
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5th grade teacher
Zalma Elementary School
tlayton at tnp.more.net

http://teachers.emints.org/fy05/laytont/