When I assign homework, I give the students a 100 if the assignment is completed, a 50 if the assignment is at least half way completed, and a 0 if it is not turned in (these grades count a third of a test grade). The motivation is the grade. As far as the parent, I would run a biweekly report on homework assignments (like a report card that shows dates of assignments and grades). I would have them sent home to be signed by parents and brought back. If students do not bring them back, a copy will be mailed to the home. A copy of the report will be dated and placed in the child's classroom file in case it is needed for a parent meeting.

If I notice a student consistently not turning in homework, I talk to that student to see if I can get to the bottom or root of the problem of the student not turning in homework. If the student gives me reasons such as "I forgot," "I got home late," "I was playing outside," or "My mom didn't make me do it," I pull that student in during recess or PE to have them complete it. Yes, it is on my "free" or "planning" time, but the student must realize that it is important to complete homework at home. Usually a few times of missing their play time helps cure the problem. If it continues, then I call the parent/guardian. Concerning the last question in your case: I have not had this problem yet. Here's how I would handle an irrate parent insisting that the teacher does not send homework when in fact the teacher does: I would calmly explain that their child has homework nearly every night. It is in their take home folder every single day on the "bring back" side, and that once their child has complete the homework, it should be put in the folder to return to school. I would also let the parent know that my students are reminded every single day that they have homework and that it can be found in their folder. I would also ask them to sign up for Remind101 for the class, so this parent is for sure to get homework and study reminders for each day.

Some motivational strategies I use to encourage students to turn in homework, is of course the grade, but I also use a ticket reward system as a positive behavior intervention. When the students turn their homework in on time, the get a ticket. At the end of the week they get to use the tickets to "purchase" items out of our classroom treasure chest. This seems to work well with my 4th and 5th grade students.

I use a Fun Friday reward system. Students that return their homework each day and have good behavior get to participate in our Fun Friday activities. Sometimes we sing a song. Sometimes we have 5 minutes of free time. Sometimes I bring a small snack or candy. Students also miss some of their daily recess time if they do not return their homework.

To deal with parents and if homework is given or not I use remind.com. It is a mass media service that allows teachers to communicate with parents and students without exchanging cell phone numbers and other forms of communication. It allows you to send text messages, emails, or phone calls home to notify them of homework assignments, key dates, or vital information to the course. When dealing with students who do not turn in homework. I use after school detention. I give students 5 opportunities to turn their homework late. When we reach the fifth missed or late assignment they get a 45 minute after school detention that they must attend. Parents are notified and school administration as well.

I do not take homework for a grade, but I have a "Homeworkpoly" board in the classroom. When they do their homework, they get to move around the board. When they make it all the way around they earn a homework pass. It is a simple system but my second graders really enjoy it. I also have a class website where I post assignments, so parents are able to access it on a nightly basis if they want to check on what is for homework.

One way to solve this problem would be to not grade homework. Students who do their homework should be rewarded within the classroom, but students who do not do their homework should not be punished, as it is not always their fault, especially with younger elementary students. If there are students who are consistently not doing their homework, the teacher could set up a Breakfast Club or Lunch Bunch, where the students can come to the classroom before school or during lunch to do their homework with the teacher's guidance. Also, to ensure that parents are aware of homework, the teacher should set up a communication system (email, newsletter, agenda, etc.) so that information is clear and concise.

Most of my homework is done on sites like MobyMax and First in Math where students time is tracked each night. It only counts time they are actively engaged, so they cannot just log in and leave it open. This lets me know quickly whether or not they have completed it. If they do not, they have the choice to bring it to lunch or do it during recess. As for parents, it is posted on our class website daily. I also post copies of all paper assifnmebts so if the student says they forgot to bring it home, they can still complete it on a piece of paper. Parents can't argue with that.

I have experienced that problem myself. As a middle school teacher, I give students homework twice a week. Students can turn homework in up until Friday of that with ten points being deducted every day it is late. Students were able to purchase agendas and they write down their homework assignments daily. If your school does not have agendas, the irate parent can purchased her child a weekly calendar and use that as way to keep up with homework assignments.

If students do not turn in homework in I hold them from the weekly assembly. Every Friday students are allowed 25 minutes to go outside and purchase candy and snacks. Students who fail to have their worked turned into me cannot go. This really helps me. If my school did not have that I would try to positively reinforce students for completing their assignments. Maybe some free time, rewards, or extra computer time.