Buffalo Grove HS Learning and Instruction : Instructional Friday Focus: Homework

Dear Bison Colleagues,

Happy Friday! As we close out another great week at Buffalo Grove HS, I am focused on the topic of homework in the context of assessment for learning.

Teach and Learn with Passion!

Teaching and Learning Quotes:

"Decades ago, the American Educational Research Association released this statement: “Whenever homework crowds out social experience, outdoor recreation, and creative activities, and whenever it usurps time that should be devoted to sleep, it is not meeting the basic needs of children and adolescents.” It is the rare school that respects the value of those activities—to the point of making sure that its policies are informed by that respect. But some courageous teachers and innovative schools are taking up the challenge." Alfie Kohn: The Homework Myth

Danielson Framework for Teaching reminder:

There are 4 domains, 22 components and 76 elements that are considered aspects of a teacher's responsibility as documented through empirical studies. The 4 domains are:

1. Planning and Preparation

2. The Classroom Environment

3. Instruction

4. Professional Responsibilities

Looking at Domain 1 Planning and Preparation

1c: Selecting Instructional Goals

Here's a peek at what "distinguished" looks like for 1c :

Teacher’s goals reflect high-level learning relating to curriculum frameworks and standards; they are adapted, where necessary, to the needs of individual students, and permit viable methods of assessment.

Strategy/Tool to Try: (thanks to ITF Jeff Vlk)

This video, made by another D214 ITF, shows students how they can use the "Reminders" App on their iPad as an assignment notebook.

Instructional Focus:

I've read The Homework Myth by Alfie Kohn and wanted to share some resources in the Friday Focus. I only ask that you reflect on your own homework assignments and policies and make sure that they are aligned to your instructional goals and to the current research and best practice for students and families.

Here are two resources about "Fair vs Equal" in assigning HW: