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Recordkeeping and Assessment
As with any other tutoring relationship, you'll need to observe the child(ren) you work with and assess progress over time. Because the content you cover may be wide-ranging, focus your assessment on behaviors and skills related to homework success. These include preparation, ability to articulate assignments and problems, and completion. For an example of a homework assessment rubric, visit: www.nwrel.org/learns/resources/ost/homework_assessment.pdf
What to do when there is no homework. Occasionally you will be scheduled to help a student who doesn't have any homework. Don't miss this opportunity to engage in enjoyable learning. Vocabulary, poetry, math facts, read-alouds, spelling games, cognitive activities (e.g., puzzles, mazes), art, reading and writing newspaper articles, book talks, book games, trivial pursuit, and story retelling are just a few of the possibilities (O'Connor & McGuire, 1998). For more ideas, visit: www.nwrel.org/learns. If you suspect that your student really does have homework, you or your project coordinator can work with teachers to get assignments ahead of time.
More Homework Help Tips
The United States Department of Education Web site (www.nochildleftbehind.gov) has additional homework help resources you can access. Most materials are available in English and Spanish and include a downloadable booklet for parents, Helping Your Child with Homework (www.ed.gov/parents/academic/help/homework), and a PowerPoint presentation, Homework Tips for Parents.
These approaches provide a starting point for addressing the range of issues that you might face as a homework helper. You can never anticipate every assignment or challenge your student will bring to you, but you can adapt the strategies and models presented here to fit your situation and the unique needs of your student.
References
Cooper, H. (2001). The battle over homework: Common ground for administrators, teachers, and parents (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
O'Connor, S., & McGuire, K. (1998). Homework assistance in out-of-school time: Filling the need, finding a balance. Wellesly, MA: Wellesly College, National Institute on Out-of-School Time. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED428894)
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