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Final Project

Homework:

Fulfilling An Administrative Regulation


I am presently a fourth grade teacher at Yucca Valley Elementary School within the Morongo Unified School District. Shortly after reading through my chapter assignment for etec500, Homework and Practice, my principal while assigned to Joshua Tree Elementary presented me with an administrative regulation (AR), about the homework/make-up work policy for our site. The AR contained a list of questions that required my response. I was verbally informed to discuss the contents of the AR with my fellow teacher at the monthly grade level meeting and submit proof that the regulation has been fulfilled. I later noticed a hand written note on the AR reminding me of her directive. I felt that this would be the most opportune time to fulfill the final project for my professor and submit a professional response to my principal.


The administrative regulation reads as follows:


Instruction

AR 6154(a)

HOMEWORK/MAKE-UP WORK

The principal and staff at each school shall develop and regularly review a school-site homework plan which includes guidelines for the assignment for homework and describes the responsibilities of students, staff and parent/guardians. The plan shall identify all of the following:

1. For each grade level, the amount of time that students shall be expected to spend on homework.

2. For each grade level, the extent to which homework assignments shall systematically involve participation by parent/guardians.

3. The means by which parents/guardians shall be informed about:

A. Homework expectations

B. How homework relates to the student’s grades

C. How best to help their children.

4. Techniques that will be taught to help students allocate their time wisely, meet their deadlines and develop good personal study habits.

5. The access that students shall have to obtain resource materials.

6. The means by which teachers shall coordinate assignments so that students do not receive and overload of homework one day and very little the next.

7. For each grade level, the extent to which homework assignments shall emphasized independent research, reports, special reading and problem-solving activities.


Make-up Work


The Superintendent or alternate shall notify parents/guardians that no student may have his/her grade reduced or lose academic credit for any excused absence when missed assignments and tests are satisfactorily completed within a reasonable period of time. Such notification shall include the full text of Education Code 48205.
(Education Code 48980)


(cf. 5121 - Grades/Evaluation of Student Achievement)
(cf. 5145.6 - Parental Notifications)


AR 6154(b)

The teacher or any class form which a student is suspended may require the student to complete any assignments and tests missed during the suspension. (Education Code 48913)


(cf. 5144.1 - Suspension and Expulsion/Due Process)


I proceeded to do my homework and research to get the required information from the resources the district provides for the parents/guardians, and teachers to utilize. What I discovered was the Board of Education has mandated that homework be assigned. The 2007 - 2008 Information for Parents and Students Handbook contains the following notification to parents and guardians required by the Education Code, EC48980.


Homework: All students will receive homework. Those in grades k-3 will have about 30 minutes of homework daily. Those in grades 4-6 are expected to complete one hour of homework a day. Those in grade 7-9 should expect about one and one-half hours of homework daily; in grades 10-12 about two hours per day, with students in advanced classes having more. Assignment length may vary, especially if a student is given a long-range project. Some individual students may take more or less time than others to complete their assignments. Parents of children who do not have homework, and parents who have questions or concerns, should confer with the teacher or principal.


The Yucca Valley Elementary Handbook for parents and guardians also has a brief statement about homework in which there contains the following message in the Home School Compact:


As a parent I pledge to:
-Provide a quiet study time at home and encourage good study habits.
-Talk with my child about his/her school activities everyday.
-Reinforce and review school rules.
-Find out how my child is progressing by attending conferences, looking at
schoolwork, calling the school.
-Limit my child’s TV viewing and help select worthwhile programs.
-Attend Parent Conference and provide support to my child’s teacher.
-Check homework.
-Send my child to school in clean clothes, appropriately dressed and with a good breakfast.


__________________________________________

Parent Signature


The information presented in the handbook is vague and the responsibility is back on the teacher’s desk for clarification. So as a way of protecting myself from the possible negative phone call, as mentioned, from a parent and or the principal, I write 36 newsletters, one for every week of the school year. The following introductory newsletters to my parents which I ask to be signed and portions returned after reading are evidence that I have complied with questions addressed in the administration regulation.


Newsletters labeled 1A & 1B are presented whenever a new student enters my class. The newsletters vary year to year as the schedules change. Newsletter #1A begins to answer the questions about homework and other expectations.


Yucca Valley Elementary School

Room 3, Mr. Petke, Newsletter #1A

Week of .....................................thru .................................


To be read with.....................................................................on..........................


Dear Parents or Guardians,
Today, I've had the pleasure of welcoming your child into my classroom. I am looking forward to a productive, as well as, exciting, and fun year. My goal is to build your child's self-esteem as well as academic growth. I assure you there will be diverse ways for each child to show the best he or she has to give.
My name is James Petke. I am a graduate of Copper Mountain Campus, College of the Desert, where I received associate degrees in Liberal Studies and Art. I am also a graduate of California State University of San Bernardino where I received my Teaching Credential. My emphases at Cal. State were in English and Art. I have also attained a credential through CSUSB to teach the gifted and talented education. I also have a credential to teach English language learners through California State University of San Diego. I am extremely proud to be a member of the staff at Yucca Valley Elementary School.
To make our classroom a positive environment in which to learn, a set of rules is posted. For those children who follow the rules, there will be a positive reward system which includes treats, positive notes, phone calls home, and opportunities for other valuable various items.

THE CLASSROOM RULES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. Follow Directions
2. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself
3. Listen when others speak
4. Raise hand and wait to be called before speaking
5. No put downs, cussing, or fighting
6. No rocking back with your chair.
I use a system of positive discipline so that I give rewards much more often than I assign consequences. When called for the offending child will first be warned, If that doesn't bring about a proper result, the child will miss recess. If misbehavior continues, a call home or note will be warranted. In severe discipline cases the child will be referred to the principal.
I have already discussed this plan with your child, but I would appreciate it if you would review it with him or her before signing and returning the attached form. It is in your child's best interest that we work together. If you have any questions or comments, please indicate them on the attached form. In extreme situations call me here at YVES, 365-3383, before or after school. I will be happy to make arrangements for conferences and meetings. I look forward to meeting you on .....................
*** My homework policy is based on the belief that homework is something that should be relevant, thought provoking, and done within the one (1) hour the Morongo Unified School District designates. I assign homework every night, except Fridays. Homework assignments hold an equal grade value to classroom assignments. Fridays and weekends are to be used for special assignments on an occasional basis.
Look for these weekly newsletters. They contain important school functions and information, weekly homework assignments, and spelling words. Please sign and return them when requested.


Our class schedule is as follows:
CLASS DAYS HOURS
Library Wednesday 11:35 - 12:05
Computer Monday 11:05 - 11:35
Recesses Daily 10:55 - 11:05
Lunch Daily 12:45 - 1:15
P.E. Tuesday 11:25 - 12:15
P.E. Thursday 11:25 - 12:15


Place this newsletter in a safe place.
Thank you for your cooperation. I look forward to meeting the parents and guardians of my students.


Sincerely yours,


James A. Petke


Please sign, detach, and return the bottom portion by ........................... _______________________________________________________________________ ************************************************************************


Date....................................
Dear Mr. Petke,
I have read your Classroom Discipline Plan with Class Schedule Newsletter #1A and Grading Policy with Homework and Spelling Words Newsletter #1B. I have discussed them with my child.


My child's name is...............................................................
Parent or Guardian's Verification.......................................................


Questions/Comments for the teacher:


In Newsletter#1B one reads my plan to have student parent/guardian participation on a daily basis by providing a homework check list and clearly stating the homework directions. The one hour homework checklist continues through to the end of the year newsletter. While the students are in class I read these newsletters aloud. I ask for questions to make sure everyone understands the procedures needed to be followed. In the body of my newsletters I also advise parents/guardians of homework assignments, activities at school, field trip information and parent meetings.


Yucca Valley Elementary School

Room 3, Mr. Petke, Newsletter #1B

Week of ............................thru......................................


To be read with..........................................................on .................................


Dear Parents and Guardians,
It is the responsibility of the named student to read this newsletter (ALOUD) with a parent or guardian. It is one of the homework assignments.

KEEP THIS NEWSLETTER IN A SAFE PLACE.

IT IS TO BE SIGNED AND RETURNED ON FRIDAY.


*** Homework must be turned in on the following morning it is assigned unless other instructions are given. Monday night's homework is turned in on Tuesday morning etc. etc. A homework checklist is provided for your convenience. If a student is sick or suspended from school, they will be permitted time to make up the work. Parent or guardian notes are required for any absences.
There will be NO SCHOOL on ………………………………..............
It is necessary to sign and return the Newsletter #1A verification slip and this Newsletter. It will be apart of your child's file folder.
The BLUE CARDS are very important to the school. Please return them quickly.
My grading policy is standard with the Morongo Unified School District. 6th Grade students receive 4's, 3's, 2s, and 1's.
4-Advanced: 95% and above on assessed material. The student consistently grasps, applies, and extends key grade-level concepts, processes, and skills for the grade level standard at a greater level of depth and complexity.
3-Proficient: 94% to 80% on assessed material. The student regularly demonstrates mastery of the end of the year standard. the student, with limited errors, grasps and applies key concepts, processes, and skills for the grade level.
2-Approaching: 79% to no lower than 70% on assessed material. The student is beginning to, and occasionally does, meet the end of year standard. The student is beginning to grasp and applies key concepts, processes, and skills for the grade level.
1-Below: 60% and below on assessed material. The student has not met the end of the year standard. The student is working below grade level.


HOMEWORK HOUR

Wednesday
____ Read your newsletter aloud with someone and get it signed.
____ Bring your School Envelope and signed papers to school.
____ Return your Blue Card as soon as possible.
Thursday
____ Complete the Spelling worksheet homework.
____ Complete the Math homework.
____ Bring your homework to class.
____ Return the signed newsletters to class valued at 50,000 for auction.
Friday
____ No Homework (HAVE A GREAT 3 DAY WEEKEND)


Spelling Words

good........excellence..health......youth....... vitality
joy__________happiness____love_________beauty_______prosperity
intelligence_forgiveness__healing______miracles_____peace
truth .......justice.....riches......monies......success
calmness_____freedom______history______math_________science


Yes, my child read this newsletter with me.....................................

(Parent or Guardian Verification)

Questions/Comments for the teacher:


As one may have noticed the homework assignments are for only two days. Our school district begins classes before Labor Day which has a tendency to interfere with the flow of learning. I have selected Newsletter # 3 to give a example of a full weeks homework assignments.


Yucca Valley Elementary School

Room 3, Mr. Petke, Newsletter #3

Week September 9th - 13th


To be read with.......................................................................on Monday.


Dear Parents and Guardians,
I am looking forward to your presence at Back-To-School-Night this Thursday, September 12th, between 6:00 P.M. and 7:30 P.M. There will be NO HOMEWORK on Thursday. Please sign in when you visit the classroom.
A Book Report Presentation will be due on Monday, September 23rd. The reading will consist of a 30 second Introduction describing what you will be reading aloud to the class, ie; setting, characters, plot. The reading will be 2 and 1/2 minutes in length. The total time allowed is 3 minutes. The section should have voice change paragraph structure. Example:
***** The King shouted, "Where's the Princess?!"
A copy of the reading exactly as it is written in the book is given to Mr. Petke. Quotation marks, capitals, commas, periods and indents for new paragraphs should all be there. I only ask for 3 minutes. Monday, September 23rd, is 2weeks away.


HOMEWORK HOUR

Monday
____ Return the School Envelope
____ Read this newsletter and get it signed
____ Complete the math homework.
____ Complete the reading comprehension handout.
Tuesday
____ Complete the math homework.
___ Complete the reading comprehension handout.
Wednesday
____ Prepare the Spelling Pretest.
____ Complete Spelling Handout "How Many."
____ Write three lines of sequence counting numbers 1 thru 12.
____ Make sure you have a book and paragraph selection picked out..
Thursday
____ Reminder* Return your signed newsletter *Back-To-School-Night.
Friday
____ Begin to copy your reading selection.


Spelling Words

Long vowel sounds spelled in the vowel-consonant-e pattern.

case fame blame became scale
rise wise wife tire alive
awhile invite beside surprise chose
spoke drove alone cube huge
Extra Credit*** question, exclamation


Yes, my child read this newsletter with me...........................................................................

(Parent/Guardian Verification) Comments/Questions:


In an effort to emphasize the response to my principal I will be submitting the following insights for the etec500 textbook, Classroom Instruction that Works: Research Based Strategies for Increasing Student Achievement by authors researchers Robert J. Marzano, Debra J. Pickering, and Jane E. Pollock. I believe this resource assists me in satisfying my principal's requests.


The researchers have found four generalizations that can guide teachers in the use of homework to increase productivity of students and increase student performance on test grades.


The first point of reference is homework assignments should be different for elementary grades as compared to secondary grades. One of the researchers, Harris Cooper, found that homework had a rather minimal gain on student achievement for grades 4th - 6th, but showed beneficial results for students in grades as low as 2nd grade.


The first recommendation from the research is that homework should help develop good study habits, foster positive attitudes toward school and communicate to students the idea that learning takes work at all times. The text noted that for every 30 minutes of homework completed there was an increased overall grade point average.


Second point presented is parents should be involved in homework as a facilitator of the homework. Parents should help with the homework but not do the work themselves.


The third point is the purpose of homework should be identified and articulated. Two common purposes for homework are practice and preparation or elaboration. Students should be familiar with the skill they are working on. It is not advisable for teachers to assign concepts that students have no knowledge of. Homework should prepare students for new concepts or content that has been taught.


The fourth recommendation is that homework needs to be commented on to show a real increase in student achievement. Graded work with feedback comments has shown the greatest gain in student performance. Just graded work shows less and assigned homework with no grade or feedback shows a minimal increase in achievement.


The authors do give some pointers to have homework successfully completed. Homework needs to be established with communication in a homework policy that is feasible and defensible. Parents are partners with promoting this policy. Some of the pointers briefly stated are parents set up a homework area, a scheduled time, give encouragement but if failure is noted call the teacher, ask the child the steps for completing the work, again if failure is noted call the teacher, work for an allotted period of time and go to bed at a reasonable time.


The teacher needs to design assignments that clearly explain the purpose and outcome. Homework is for remediation of skills and a preparation for new information that will be introduced.


In conclusion I believe that the questions have been answered in a manner that should satisfy my principal in the directive of fulfilling the administrative regulation. Newsletters 1A and 1B also fulfill the administrative regulations for parent/guardian notification of the grading policy and discipline policy.

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