Absent student work

kbrown · **Absent student work** 11-04-2009, 03:40 PM

Does anyone have any suggestions for dealing with absent student work? With the "swine flu" going around I have students out multiple days and I also have a lot of students out at the same time. Usually I keep a binder divided into periods and put the student's work and directions in the binder with their name on it. It usually takes about 5 minutes to do this for all 6 classes, but with so many kids gone it is taking me a good half hour to get this done. My prep isn't until 7th period so I am spent by that time and really need somethhing fast and easy.
Thanks

ATeachH · 11-04-2009, 04:40 PM

Have a student helper do it every period. That's what I do! I pick a responsible student and I have a form sheet - just name, date, what you missed, what is due next class - and that student is responsible for filling out the sheet and clipping it to the board at the end of class...works wonders - just pick your students wisely

ATeachH · **Here is that form...** 11-04-2009, 04:59 PM

forgot I had it on my computer at home

MiddlingAZ · **Elbow Partners** 11-05-2009, 09:20 AM

My kids sit in pairs, plus each teacher has a web site with a homework calendar updated daily, so those are the focus of my plan. Elbow partners are chosen carefully (by me) and trained to keep each other on track (silently) as well as report and handle absences. When I hand something out, I pass down extra copies for any absent partners. They write their partners' names on the sheets (or collect graded work handed back) and place the papers in the ABSENT folder taped to the homework board by the door (the papers are sticking up so the names can be seen When absent students return, they check the folder and can get information from their partner or me.

Also, they are supposed to check the online calendar (minimally effective) where I post what we did in class and the homework with descriptions. If it's a handout I have in Word, they can contact me and I will send it in an email. Every day aftre I update it, I print out a copy of the calendar (only the assignment titles are visible, not the descriptions, which they click on for a pop up) and post it next to the absent folder. Maybe a regular calendar would work for this. When kids see "Paragraph Draft" or something which didn't involve a handout, they need to follow up with their partners, me, or look at the details online.

Despite this, absentees make me tear my hair out! I wrote in my syllabus: "YES, you did miss something when you were gone" (and are responsible for missed work). But I still hear it

I really like ATeachH's form and could have partners fill it out and put it in the folder with handouts. THX!

kbrown · 11-06-2009, 09:59 AM

I'm not sure why I never thought of the kids doing this! Thanks so much for your imput, (both of you) and for the awesome form!!!

mimi77 · **Thanks for the form!** 11-06-2009, 04:42 PM

I am gonna use your form. thanks!

SMB · **Absences...** 11-07-2009, 04:37 AM

I use to have a folder where I placed all missed items, but when parents arrive at the end of the school day to pick up missed work, they are expecting more. So, I think I'll try using the form posted here. It seems to be more comprehensive...thanks for sharing.

BeagleLover86 · **Thanks ATeach!** 11-09-2009, 07:01 AM

Thanks ATeach...
I took your form and changed it a bit for my class, but it works wonders so far! The kids enjoy filling them out and having a "job" and the kids that come back...it takes me two seconds to hand them their sheet/whatever they missed, and no trouble for me!

I teach 5 different sections of LA, and each class is at different points, so when kids come back and were asking me what they missed, it was a hassle to try and figure it out! This works great!

Thanks!!