Improving Homework Completion and Academic Performance: Lessons From Special Education

The Effects of Self-monitoring on Homework Completion and Accuracy Rates of Students with Disabilities in an Inclusive General Education Classroom

“…Bryan and Burstein (2004) completed a research synthesis regarding what research has gleaned so far regarding homework completion and academic performance for students with disabilities. The researchers discovered that homework may pose significant challenges for students with disabilities to be successful, particularly since there is an increased reliance on homework as an adjunct to instruction (Bryan & Burstein, 2004). However, just as students with disabilities may need instructional adaptation and accommodations to be successful in the classroom, they may also need homework accommodations.…”

“…These studies have produced findings that assist general education students in progressing more effectively through the curriculum (Bryan & Burstein, 2004). Yet, there has been minimal research done on understanding how teachers, students, and families can better facilitate homework completion and accuracy for students with disabilities.…”

“…In these inclusive classrooms, most students with disabilities are being required to meet grade level expectations, and homework completion is one of them (Mastropieri et al, 2005). The reauthorized Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA, 2004) emphasizes equal access to the general education curriculum for all students; homework is an aspect of this, and yet many of our students with disabilities are not prepared to meet these expectations (Bryan & Burstein, 2004).…”

“…These strategies include teachers giving clear and suitable assignments (Meyer & Kelley, 2007), providing homework accommodations (Bryan & Burstein, 2004), and permitting alternative responses to assignments (Lee, Palmer & Wehmeyer, 2009). Assignments are viewed as suitable when they are reviews or extensions of skills learned in class and are tasks students can perform independently (Bryan, Burstein, & Bryan, 2001).…”

“…Recommended homework accommodations include shortening the length of the assignment, monitoring the students' homework, and providing peer support (Meyer & Kelley, 2007). In addition, alternative response formats could be considered to demonstrate learning in their homework assignments such as audiotaping, videotaping, and/or drawing to demonstrate (Bryan & Burstein, 2004).…”