Academic success or failure in school is determined by a number of factors. One of the main causes of student failure is homework. Failing to do homework results in two major problems: one, the student does not practice and move toward mastery of a topic; and two, incomplete homework results in a zero in the grade book. Many students do not realize that the latter has a devastating effect on their cumulative grade.

The middle school is attempting to eliminate zeros from student grades by making sure all homework is completed. The staff has been asked to hold students accountable for all homework. If a student comes to class without homework completed, he or she is to call his or her parent and make arrangements to stay after school that evening. Students who ride the bus must stay after school the following day if arrangements cannot be made for that evening.

Flexibility is built into the policy as well. Teachers are allowed to use professional judgment when addressing the needs of the students. Some staff members find time during the day for the student to come to them and complete the homework rather than having them stay after school. For instance, teachers may ask a student to come in during the first half of lunch, at recess time (grade 4), STAR, Homeroom, or during an exploratory period.

By implementing the no-zero policy, it is our hope that the overall academic success of our students will improve, the depth of learning will increase, and raised achievement will be reflected on our state assessments.