Accountability

The beginning of the school year is full of promises. Piles of freshly bought and bound books pose beside bouquets of freshly sharpened pencil while the autumn sun streams in the window. In the fall, the world is our oyster. Educators, much like gardeners in spring, plan great things and venture forth into the ideal. However, winter starts to creep in and the weeds of education, those pesky sinners we call students, entangle our idyllic lessons. What does this look like with older students? 

With middle and high school students, we are our worst enemy. We know that we don't have the time to check every dot and tittle, and worse yet, they know it too. They know that we can't keep up checking 30 math problems each day anymore than they can keep up completing them. The world promised us wisdom and all it gives is vanity. It is in these moments that I turn to my realist friends. What is a realistic expectation of my child?  

As a math mentor (teachers and tutors are great, but a mentor is more personal) I want to see your child succeed, not just in math, but in God's plan for her life. I know what the ideal looks like on paper, but I'm more concerned with the bigger picture. Mathematics cannot be ripped from the heavens and put into a 40 question test, no matter what the CLT makers want us to believe. (disclaimer: I actually edit CLT questions so I think as far as standardized tests go, they're the best. But I also know their limitations) 

Let us face this homework accountability struggle head on and add some realistic expectations for all involved. For Math Master students, I assign Triads, three question assessment worksheets, which are in addition to homework. This assignment gives your child realistic outside accountability that is actually manageable for both parties. 

If you've started the school year with me and you're wondering about holding your child accountable, here's your procedure: 

1. When your child completes a lesson have him circle his answers.
2. He must show his work. 
3. Does it look complete to you? Check for shown work ( pictures, numbers in the act of being multiplied, space was used on the paper), answers for each questions (not accuracy, just existence), and neatness ( can you read it). This should take all of 2 minutes. You're NOT correcting the homework, just checking for completion.
4. If any questions are blank - ask him why? Does he have a question to email to me? 
5. If you have the answer key - pick a question at random to check the answer. (this is how many high school teachers check work, they check 2 - 5 questions of a 30 problem set at random) 
6. If the homework is complete with an acceptable answer, call it good and move on! 

Here's my accountability check: 

1. At the beginning of each chapter, students must complete a new triad worksheet (these are emailed, but are also available on the chapter website)
2. Upon completion, the student scans it into a pdf and emails it to me.
3. I check their work for neatness, clarity, and accuracy
4. I respond with feedback 

Do we have high expectations for this school year? Absolutely. But we are also realistic with our time and abilities. Let's help our children learn how to manage their time and workload well as we seek to learn more about God together through his creation!