Paly Voice reporter Chloe Fishman wrote this story about a new pilot program at Palo Alto High School that is using ‘Homework Passes’ to encourage conversation between teachers and students about homework, life outside of school, and more. Photos by Emma Chiu and Chloe Fishman.
New ‘Homework Passes’ at Paly are hoping to encourage conversations between students and teachers.
The Homework Pass idea resulted from an event hosted by the Stanford School of Design, at which Paly administrators, teachers and students focused on how to “hack” and improve school culture. If the results of the pilot are positive- with high student interest and constructive feedback- the Homework Pass could become a widespread option at Paly.
Students were allowed to use the pass to extend or excuse an assignment. However, the student was required to have lunch with the teacher who assigned the homework to have a follow-up conversation about why the assignment was not completed or why the student needed more time.
“We hear that students can’t speak up, because they’re worried a teacher will retaliate and take it out on their grade,” said Paly Principal Kim Diorio, who took part in the Stanford D School event. “For some students, [the Homework Pass] would provide an opportunity to have an honest conversation with their teacher without that fear of their teacher thinking something bad about them.”
In addition, Diorio hopes that teachers will learn more about students’ school and extracurricular schedules.
“It’s the empathy piece,” Diorio said. “How can we, as the adults on this campus, empathize with the students and understand what their experience is like? And then take that information and change teachers’ practices and ways they assign work?”
Diorio explained to gather data about the conversations that emerge from the Homework Passes, Teachers formulated a list of questions to ask students, such as “How much homework do you have per night?”, “How do you think the homework assigned could better benefit you?” and “What other activities are you involved in that limit your time?”
Senior Zoe Tierney is excited about the passes and used one this week.
“As a senior, it can be really challenging to keep up with college apps, homework and production for publications,” Tierney said. “I don’t mind having homework as long as it’s meaningful and is helping me practice the material.”
The pilot program for the Homework Passes was conducted last week by a limited number of teachers to test student interest and its efficacy at sparking helpful conversations. Depending on the data from this pilot program, the Homework Pass could expand at Paly.
For other news on Palo Alto Pulse from Paly students, check out the editorial about the need to destigmatize counseling or a sneak peak into Mitchell Park Library. Or subscribe to Palo Alto Pulse to get more great stories like these…
