Grading&Homework


 * 1) look at our grading policy
 * 2) discuss re-tests (requirement)
 * 3) look at rubrics, etc.
 * 4) define homework – purpose, amount, quality
 * 5) students who don’t complete assignments – policy
 * 6) number of assignments


 * These lists are not all-inclusive. Each committee can generate other ideas.
 * Each committee will post minutes and/or ideas.
 * They may also present monthly to staff during staff meetings

Date each entry and put the newest entry at the top of the list.
February 3, 2009 Members Present:Neville Austin, Jeanette Bergman, Deb Collins, Shannon Freehart, Joe Sudimak, Josh Thomas, Christopher Pollock


 * reexamined again what the Homework philosophy is in the Middle School
 * spoke again of Rick Wormelli (10 minute x grade rule)
 * should there be a policy of whether or not homework is assessed for accuracy?
 * What are the consequences of not doing homework? We need something in place for the IST process/data collection and consistency.---Zero is a natural consequence. There needs to be another consequence for not completing assignments.--maybe assigning a mandatory homework completion period during Monday activity where the student needs to make up the missed assignments but for no credit?
 * There is a need for consistency between teams, teachers, and grade levels about homework and the acceptance of late homework.
 * Kids need to gradually work towards the high school expectations. We need to come up with a system which moves the kids from the elementary mindset (6th grade) to be consistent with the high school homework policy (in 8th grade).
 * Does the high school have a written homework policy?
 * Could the 6th and 7th grade teachers wean the kids into the more rigorous homework policy?

Outcome: We need to develop a continuum of expectations for homework and the completion of such from 6th through 8th grade. Specifically, we need to look at the transition between elementary and 6th grade, and then 7th to 8th grade and the increased levels of expectations.

We discussed emailing the 5th grade teachers to ask about their homework policy; we will contact the 9th grade departments to do the same.

November 10, 2008Members Present: Jeanette Bergman, Meredith Cole, Shannon Freehart, Heather Spancake, Joe Sudimak, Josh Thomas

Watched the Video from Lenape Middle School that John Sanville lent to committee about Lenape Middle School. Meredith Cole presented information from Lenape Middle School to share their "2nd Chance Learning" program.

September 15, 2008 Members Present: Jeanette Bergman, Meredith Cole, Shannon Freehart, Heather Spancake, Joe Sudimak, Josh Thomas

1. Examined description of Committee 2. Set Goals for group 3. Create agenda for next meeting

Topics Covered: Homework philosophy of the school
 * teachers try to steer away from weekend homework
 * possible mission statement for homework
 * steer clear of a definitive homework policy
 * homework guide= 10mins. X grade student is in...example 8th graders= 80 mins of homework nightly
 * are teachers "stewards" for values and work completion?
 * Regarding re-tests: M. Cole will be contacting Lenape Middle School (Central Bucks SD) to gather information regarding their "2nd Chance Learning" program
 * negative reinforcement (i.e. detentions) for missing assignments DOESN'T work

Goals for next time:
 * create a survey (a quick one) to poll faculty on amount/frequency/purpose of homework
 * ideas for positive reinforcement for homework completion