Using IEPs to Solve the Homework Problems of Struggling Readers | Reading & Other Learning Disabilities.
If homework frustrates your child, answer these questions about his ability to handle typical homework assignments:
- Without help, can he accurately explain what his assignments require him to do?
- Without help, can he quickly and accurately recognize 99% of the words in his assignments? (Yes, ninety-nine percent.)
- Without help, can he understand 90% of the reading in his assignments? (Yes, ninety percent.)
- Without help, can he fully, clearly, and accurately meet the writing requirements?
- Without help, can he quickly and accurately complete 90% of the mathematics problems?
- Without help, can he complete all his assignments in reasonable time (or the time his teacher says is reasonable)?
- Without help, prodding, or encouragement, can he sufficiently organize his homework and focus on it?
You probably noticed that each question started with the phrase, without help. The reason is simple: children should do homework independently. Your child should do it without help; at most, with little help. If the challenge is moderate and he makes a moderate effort, he should succeed. If he needs help regularly, if he struggles, the work is too difficult. Teachers should modify his assignments so the work is moderately challenging, he expects success, experiences success, and
