Greetings Parents,
After looking over the homework survey you took some time
ago and discussing the matter with the third grade team, I wanted to share the results and the steps I am taking to help the process moving forward.
Data and Comments
Action Plan
Data and Comments
Action Plan
-
Math Homework Takes to Long
o Though
it is expected that the student will finish his or her homework regularly, if a
particular assignment is taking the child to much time because he or she is not
prepared for the homework, the parent may email the teacher with the concern
and allow the assignment to not be finished. As long as it does not become the
norm, it is acceptable. Please email the teacher if this option is chosen and
explain what challenges the students dealt with.
-
Reducing the size of the science and history
study sheets and ensuring adequate study time before each assessment
o The
Singapore Math and Spalding curricula are well structured and previously
designed for the Archway Arete staff. Because of that, it would be very
difficult to reduce the amount of homework in those content areas. However, as
a team, we develop the history and science components. We have decided to limit
the amount of work required to fill in the study guides and therefore allow
more time to memorize the content.
o We
are also committed to sending these guides home at least two days before the
assessment to ensure that the student does not have to memorizing everything in
one night.
-
Reducing the size of the literature assessments
and therefore limiting the size of the study guides. In addition, ensuring
adequate study time before each assessment
o In
addition to limiting the size of the history and science study guides, we are
reducing the size of the literature assessments and study sheets. The study
sheets will also be sent home at least two days before the test to allow plenty
of time to fill out and prepare.
-
Study guides may also be kept at home until the
day of the test, as they need to be turned in for a homework grade
-
Giving at least two weeks for any major
assignments or projects
o In
addition to reducing the amount of homework in preparation for assessments, the
instructions for any major projects or assignments will be given out at least
two weeks before they are due.
-
Reading Log
o Each
night, the child should be spending some time reading the poem of the week. The
time the child spends reading the poem, 3-5 minutes max, can be used toward the
20 minutes of reading expected each night.
o History
or science reading assignments may also be used towards the 20 minutes a night
of reading time.
-
Morning Bell Work or Study Time
o Each
morning, when students arrive, we have specific bell work expectations, which
can be studying for a day’s assessment(s), reading quietly, or playing chess.
If a student has a difficult time on an assignment, the child may use the bell
work time as a study hall and ask the teacher for assistance. This may prove
very helpful for students who struggle to finish math assignments because of difficulty.
As always, I am here to serve your child and you. If there
are any other suggestions on how I can help, please email me at
mnaaktgeboren@archwayarete.org.
Best,
Michael Naaktgeboren