Home | How It Works | Stats Login | Register         Case: Homework Hassles Another school year is beginning in a few days. With that comes the frustration of kids not completing their homework on time or at all. I am wanting to get this problem corrected or at least manageable in the first weeks of school. Here is what I work with and what I've tried: -85% low income, several on the homeless side -little to no parent involvement in and out of school -an environment where kids know they will be passed regardless because former administrators make teachers give kids work until they get the D mark -all students have to ride the bus to and from school; only a select few can find rides or walk home (not in the safest neighborhood) I've tried taking recess, after school time, loss of other privileges, etc. Currently I penalize 10% for a day late, 25% for two days late, and 50% after 3 days. I usually have to take the homework if it is well past the 3 day mark, but at 50%. What are some of your homework policies? I just want to get this frustrating habit under control sooner rather than later. Solution: (Rates are posted for this solution!) I also teach at a Title 1, low income school with very little parental involvement. I teach 3rd grade, and we require students to do no more than 30 minutes of homework and 30 minutes of independent reading each night. Students have spelling, reading comprehension, and math review homework every night. I check homework every morning, and students who have not completed a component are required to spend recess inside. Our grade level has worked it out so one teacher per week keeps break detention, and students must complete their homework during this time. As an added incentive, students who complete every homework task throughout the week can earn a treat on Friday. They do not know which weeks I will bring treats, or what the treat will be. My students have gone from maybe half doing their homework every night, to all but one doing their homework every night. We are also not allowed to take homework for a grade, so it counts towards participation.