Homework Exemption Passes

“To give” or “not give” that is the question?

 

 

My Homework Opinion

There are various opinions in regards to giving homework.  I personally have mixed feeling as well.  There are times when I think practicing specific skills at home is necessary.  Then there are times that I understand the frustrations of parents and students.  It is difficult with extra-curricular activities after school.  Therefore I limit the amount of homework I give.

I believe that homework has its place, especially in primary.  I feel it is highly necessary for students to practice important skills in moderation.  As a teacher, I struggle with keeping that balance without devaluing my homework with passes. 

Homework Exemption Pass

I have taught second grade for the past six years.  To be honest, I would rather teach algebra to a group of freshmen than regrouping to second graders. (Partially kidding).  Please don’t get me wrong, I love my profession and I love teaching math.  It never fails, every year I have that group of students that catch on to this concept quickly.  They just flourish! Then I have that group of students that struggle.  Last year, as I was battling with myself to justify making all students do practice sheets over these skills.  It came to me!  Homework exemption passes.

How to Earn Homework Exemption Passes

I always tell my students that our goal for mastery is 85% or above consistently on a skill of study.  I decided to issue these passes to students that had consistently demonstrated the ability to achieve this task.  It goes without saying, my flourishing group was super excited. 

Effects of Homework Exemption Passes on Students

Even though I did not tell my class who got them.  My students knew!  I was a little worried!  I did not want this to have a negative effect on my group that was struggling.  To my surprise, these passes sparked a new level of motivation, effort, and engagement among my struggling students.  Many of them were striving to earn a pass. My flourishing group, continue to step up their game in order to keep earning those passes.  I quickly realized I was onto something!  I began to use these for several different math skills and concepts.  These homework exemption passes gives the teacher control over differentiating homework in a way that emphasis high standards. 

Reflection

Please note that every class is different.  I am not saying that this will have the same effect on all students.  It has been a great asset in my classes. I thought it might be worth sharing. 

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