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Parents question homework proposal
Board asks for more input from teachers and will take action on the policy change June 25.
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Wednesday, May 30, 2007
MIDDLETOWN — Homework is here to stay — it's the grading of homework that's up in the air.
A proposed change to Middletown's homework policy is intended to re-enforce the importance of homework and put emphasis on student motivation — but parents and residents question what good it could do to do away with homework grades.
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"There is a lot of, I think, misconceptions," said Superintendent Steve Price. "In no way shape or form is it about lowering expectations."
The district's policy committee has recommended an amendment to the district's homework policy that would eliminate grading homework, while requiring teachers to give "descriptive feedback" on assignments as an assessment tool. The policy was introduced at a May 14 meeting and board members continued the discussion Monday night.
The policy amendment was suggested as a way to "level the playing field" because some students see the current homework practices as unmotivating when they consistently receive bad grades, Price said.
"It acts as a de-motivator with the system in place right now," he said. "Punishment and reward system doesn't work for some kids."
"Look at it as a system where we would have motivation at the core," said Bill Miller, a curriculum coordinator.
Homework assignments would be evaluated and teachers would use them to give feedback to students to prepare for exams, quizzes and long-term projects.
Many parents and residents have contacted administrators and board members through e-mail and phone calls with support and concerns; some spoke up at Monday night's meeting.
"I haven't seen any data to show that the current grading policy is a problem in Middletown," said Meg Dyer, a mother of two Middletown students.
"For a number of the students the only motivation is if they're going to get a grade for something."
Eliminating homework grades may set students up for problems in the future by focusing on socioeconomic status.
"The state tests don't account for these difference and neither do colleges or future employers," said Dyer, who also works as a substitute teacher and reading tutor in the district.
The board has asked for more input from teachers and will table the policy until the June 25 meeting, when board members will take action, said Board President John Venturella.
The proposed policy is available at the district's Web site, middletowncityschools.com.
Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2805 or mgildow@coxohio.com.
Comments
By JIG
June 7, 2007 5:46 AM | Link to this
Cheers to the school board for abolishing the grading of homework; they should work on abolishing the homework itself next. Homework is NOT proven to improve students’ learning except in upper level high school and college courses. In lower grades, homework only serves to create negative attitudes about school and learning. This is a step in the right direction.
By Terry
June 1, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this
“We don’t need no stinkin’ levy”. We need a bobblehead set of dolls in the likeness of the school board members. That way, when Price talks, we can get a first hand visual of the way they demonstrate the yes technique and agree to his wants and wishes. Looking at the bobbleheads will also remind the pro levy people how they look to the rest of us in town.
By gary
May 30, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this
WOW !!! what a dumb idea !!! its no wonder why these kids will not learn anything with PRICE and MILLER”S way of thinking these are just 2 of the over paid idiots running this school
By Terry
May 30, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this
Dan- This is a liberal idea, not necessarily thought of by a liberal. Why does EVERYTHING have to be liberal or conserv.? Paige- So, when I go to work tomorrow, and the boss gives me my job assignments, I just tell him that I “tried” to do it but couldn’t, but I still want full credit, with no penalties, just like I actually did it! Gee, PAIGE, I probably will be asked NOT TO COME BACK the next day, which is what these kids are going to have happen to them when they get out in the working world!
By Emaleth
May 30, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this
For a country that prides itself on being number 1, we should be ashamed of how low we are in the world when it comes to educating our youth. Nothing is expected of them and they know it. We label them, drug them then we test them and wonder why “Johnny can’t read!” Teachers are frustrated, students just don’t see the point and we have parents who are unable to help because they were pushed through the same broken system! Meanwhile administrators make six figures and there is no money for books!
By Emaleth
May 30, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this
Has everyone on the school board lost their minds? I am a subsitute teacher and the things I have seen coming from the students would make you cry! Seniors that can’t write in a complete sentence, penmenship that amounts to chicken scratch and teachers that are powerless to demand excellence from their students ( for fear they will hurt someones feelings)! So now some idiot decides that “home-work” should not be graded! Can we say “Dummy-down” boys & girls!
By Emaleth
May 30, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this
Has everyone on the school board lost their minds? I am a subsitute teacher and the things I have seen coming from the students would make you cry! Seniors that can’t write in a complete sentence, penmenship that amounts to chicken scratch and teachers that are powerless to demand excellence from their students ( for fear they will hurt someones feelings)! So now some idiot decides that “home-work” should not be graded! Can we say “Dummy-down” boys & girls!
By Paul
May 30, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this
P.S. This idea that homework will be used for “constructive feedback”. Think again. That would be like showing up for work at AK and not getting paid.. No thanks, boss, I am just here for “constructive feedback”. You raise test scores by working problems and doing work. That is done in practice. Students need that incentive of a GRADE. Why not abolish keeping score at football games because Middletown has far more “low income kids” than Lakota West? Sounds fair, right?
By Paul
May 30, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this
Many problems with this. First, it is an attempt by the board to micro-manage the classroom. Some students score poorly on exams. Homework usually raises their grade. What will happen when a students grade sinks because they try hard but test poorly? That will be the next sob story “Low income kids stink at taking tests”. Why even grade anything? Just give em points for showing up. And people wonder why the levy failed.
By dan
May 30, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this
Another liberal attempt to screw up our kids future.
By BMC
May 30, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this
Paige, That is the dumbest thing I have ever heard! So a student can basically write anything he wants and give it to the teacher in an “attempt” and get full credit? The student can miss every single questions to the point to where he didn’t learn a thing and you think that is acceptable? Is that what you are saying? You are an idiot!
By BMC
May 30, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this
I think Doug Bowling of Franklin Ohio needs a spelling and grammar lesson. Obviously he went to school where homework was just “checked” and not actually graded. Throw in a math lesson too. Can you count Doug?
By Paige
May 30, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this
Instead of not taking a grade at all, just check their papers to see if they attempted to do their homework. If they attempted it then they get their full credit if they didn’t attempt it then they don’t recieve full credit. It’s pretty simple. This allows the students to have motivation to complete their homework and gives the teachers a way to help students learn from their mistakes.
By doug,bowling,franklin,ohio
May 30, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this
dotn,worry,behappy,godbless
By doug,bowling,franklin,ohio
May 30, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this
dotn,worry,behappy,godbless
By doug,bowling,franklin,ohio
May 30, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this
dotn,worry,behappy,godbless
By doug,bowling,franklin,ohio
May 30, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this
dotn,worry,behappy,godbless
By Tony
May 30, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this
If students know their homework will not be graded, then many of them will not do it, thus lowering the effect of a good education. Some students will not be effected by this as they will still do their homework because they want to learn and are well disciplined. However, other students need this kind of “push” to help them along. Homework is part of a college education as well. If we don’t teach students this dicipline now, then some may struggle when they get to college. Another bright idea?
By Mike
May 30, 2007 9:16 AM | Link to this
Another way to lower expectations and results. HOMEWORK DOES HELP! Just make it pertinent and useful. Why even assign it if there is no grade or penalty for the student not to do it?