Homework Guidelines for Special Needs Students
Tips for Assigning Homework to Special Education Students
Dec 19, 2008
Often, students with an IEP need to have modifications to their homework as well as classwork and instruction. This will ensure that students are successful and that the homework does not add frustration to what is often a difficult road to acquiring knowledge. When assigning homework, think about how much you assign, what you assign, and parent involvement in the process.
Quantity of Homework
Make sure that the amount of homework assigned overall is reasonable. Reinforce the fact that the homework must be finished and turned in, and have the parents communicate with you regarding how the homework went. What may seem like a reasonable amount to you, may in fact be too overwhelming in the student's home. The student's home environment is very different from the school environment and what the student is capable of finishing in one environment is quite possibly different from what the student can finish in the other.
What to Assign for Homework
Ensure that everything sent home for the student to complete is within the student's capability. Assigning homework at the student's instructional level may very well require the teacher to modify the assignment first. Go over the homework in detail before sending it home to make sure that the student understands what he is to do. This will give you a chance to clarify anything before the student gets home and becomes frustrated.
The Importance of Parent Involvement
Involving the parents and other support persons in the students education outside of the school environment will teach the student who to go to for help. The more people involved in the student's education at home, the better the situation for both the student and the teacher. Communication between the teacher and student will ensure that everyone is kept apprised of any situation that comes up.
Homework Tips to Keep in Mind
Remember to have the homework be teacher-directed, meaning the teacher decides what the student should do, not vice-versa. Never sent homework with new material; always send review work. Homework should be based on the objectives that are unique to the student's needs, and be an extension of the work they are completing at school. The homework needs to be completed outside the school environment, and it needs to be gone over with the student the next day.
Homework is indeed an important key to student learning, and this is no exception for the student with special needs. Having students extend their learning outside the school environment will help to reinforce those skills that the student is working on in class. Keep in mind the appropriate amount of homework to send home, the instructional level of the work, and to encourage parent involvement.
You may also be interested in what to do about unfinished student work.
Read more about homework assignment guidelines.
