Accountability is a word that can conjure up images of punishment, micromanagement, and criticism. It can certainly end up with parents nagging their kids about homework. That’s sometimes why HomeworkCoach is hired—the parents can’t do it anymore.
So your goal is to make accountability something different from taking over the parents’ nagging. Can you make accountability empowering, supportive, and even compassionate? You can do this by:
- Focusing on growth and support, not punishment.
- Fostering independence, helping students set their own goals, and guiding them to take ownership of their learning.
- Encouraging reflection, problem-solving, and forward momentum, turning mistakes into stepping stones for growth.
Yes, but… the student still needs to complete assignments on time and follow through on their good intentions.
True, so your goal as a homework coach is to find empathetic but firm strategies to help your student stay on track:
- Set Clear, Achievable Goals: A coach helps break down big tasks into manageable steps, making success feel attainable.
- Regular Check-Ins and Reflection: Quick, consistent checks by text or a quick phone call or Zoom session as needed to keep students focused and provide opportunities to celebrate progress and adjust strategies. (A quick text should not be billed, but anything more than that, we can help you set expectations that some between-session work is billable.)
- Celebrate Progress (Even the Small Wins): Recognizing effort and improvement builds momentum and reinforces positive habits. Build this into your session—praise work that is handed in on time if this is a challenge for your student.
- Teach Self-Accountability: A coach empowers students to create their own accountability systems, fostering independence and confidence. Ask your student what steps they are taking each week to stay on track and meet deadlines.
The Takeaway: Accountability as a Path to Growth
Accountability doesn’t have to be scary or punitive. With the right approach, it can be a powerful tool for growth, independence, and success. If you can reframe accountability so that your student sees you as their Accountability Partner, you’ll find your relationship less frustrating and more likely to succeed.
To hold my students accountable, I do 3 things. When we meet:
1. Write assignments, due dates, and the amount of time they think it will take them to complete the assignment in planner
2. List assignments due that week on a dry erase board and prioritize them by numbering the most urgent #1, 2, 3, etc.
2. Get cell phone number and check in about important assignments. Send encouraging texts throughout the week.
I had the student Rico set goals on completing her homework assignment (to review for a quiz) and she completed while I was there on her own for the first time. I was constantly praising the student for her efforts and I have seen a difference in her attitude, skills and responsibility.
I’ve become my students’ go-to accountability buddy, helping them stay on track with their goals. One strategy that works like magic is breaking big tasks and projects into bite-sized steps and setting mini-deadlines. My students have become excited to cross off things on their to-do lists each week, making accountability fun and attainable. Weekly check-ins and celebrating small wins keep things positive and motivating—and the progress speaks for itself!
The strategy we use is placing goals on a sticky note and placing the sticky note on surfaces we see the most. One of the surfaces is the laptop screen, the bathroom mirror, and the entrance/exit door. Once the goal is accomplished, the student throws the sticky note away. My student is receptive to this strategy because it is stress free, minimalistic, and the sticky notes are colorful enough to grab their attention. He has become excited to toss the sticky note and reach his goals.