Both of my kids have had homework since first grade. Sometimes assignments seem pointless, sometimes they spark rich discussions and sometimes it seems like an assignment from another planet landed in my child's backpack.
Since JW started middle school the homework load has been moderate and the directions and objectives clear. So what's the problem?
He turns homework into the teachers but it is rarely returned to him. Yesterday he reported that his Humanities teacher returned a graded assignment but he was not allowed to bring it home. He filed it in a binder that must remain in the classroom.
Hoping to help him meet the expectations of his math teacher (see yesterday's post- The Math Test That Made Me Testy) we asked him to show us his graded math homework. We explained that studying her corrections and comments on his homework would help him understand what she expected on tests.
He said,"I turn it in and she grades it. She puts the grades in her notebook."
"Then what?" we asked.
Shrugging he replied, "I don't know. Maybe she keeps it or maybe she puts it in her shredder."
Ok, I know a lot of you experienced (dare I say "jaded") teachers are raising your eyebrows and muttering, "Right. He is probably throwing it away or loosing it."
What!!!!! My darling son!!!!!!!! OK, JW is not the most organized or careful kid but I doubt he is tossing his homework. He likes math and is proud of his work. More importantly he keeps everything, even the aluminum foil from his lunch tray which he rolls into huge balls. If we didn't go through his backpack as part of our nightly homework ritual it would be too full to zip closed. He doesn't have a locker or a home base at school so he is not stashing it there either.
It seems as though JW's inferences are correct. The teacher keeps or shredds his homework.
I have been a progressive educator for 24 years. I give seminars on formative assessment. I know this is not best practice. I know that JW would benefit from reflecting on his graded work. I know I am committed to supporting the teacher. I don't know what to do.
I'm pulling my hair out trying to help my son pass eighth grade math. He fails and retakes every test. BUT, the tests are never returned. The principal has denied my request to retuen tests, that's his "policy". Do I have any recourse?! I just want to help my son, not share the test with anyone else.
Posted by: Beth | February 12, 2004 at 04:36 PM