Settling an Assignment Policy in Math

Cielo S. Lanzaderas
Teacher III
Opol National Secondary Technical School
Taboc, Opol, Misamis Oriental

When settling an assignment policy, it is important to create one that is fair and
consistent for the students, and, at the same time, realistic for the busy teacher.
Student lateness and absence can make it difficult to enforce an assignment policy,
especially in a class period of 60 minutes.

I use an assignment and preparedness policy that works very well.  I never penalize
a student for being absent. However, I will deduct points if a student fails to make
up missed assignments.

As a general rule, students may not show me missed or late assignments during
class. There simply is not enough time.  I have them come after school or at lunch
to show me the assignments.

This policy may seem elaborate, but it is actually quite effective. Students are
motivated to make up missed work in order to get points back. It teaches them to
be responsible.

Going over assignments is just as important as having a system for grading it.  If
you don't go over the assignment at all, students will think assignment is
unimportant, regardless of your policy. As a math teacher, I like to emphasize that
some mistakes on assignments are okay, as long as you learn from them. Each day,
I go around the room checking that assignment was completed, marking missed
assignments on my clipboard. Next, I go over the answers with the class in one of
the following ways depending on the assignment

Whatever assignment policy you devise, remember to create something that is

realistic and enforceable. Also keep in mind that your time in and out of the
classroom is valuable. Take the time to spell out your policy to students at the
beginning of the school year. You may even want to send your policy home to
parents in a letter -but have a colleague or administrator review it first.