SHREWSBURY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
POLICY 523 HOMEWORK POLICY GRADES 1-8
Context
The homework policy of the Shrewsbury Public Schools derives from the work of a study committee over two years (2000-2002). During that period, the committee reviewed the literature on homework, surveyed teachers, parents, and students, and engaged faculties and parent groups in discussions on the topic. During the course of the study, it became apparent that teachers and parents supported homework as an important part of the educational process. It was also clear that there was insufficient consensus on the purposes and implementation of homework in the district.
There are many learning activities in the life of a student in addition to homework. School activities, athletic and cultural events, and other personal interests are all important in the growth and development of children. The homework policy of the Shrewsbury Schools is provided as a guide to balance homework with the realities of family life in the 21st century.
The most effective implementation of the homework policy will occur when teachers, parents, and students appreciate the importance of good communication among those involved. The mission of the Shrewsbury Public Schools urges that the schools work "in partnership with the community." Such a partnership is particularly important in the area of homework.
The homework policy deals solely with grades one through eight. Information about homework at the high school level is contained in the high school planner/handbook.
In kindergarten, homework is sometimes offered as enrichment. While there is no formal kindergarten homework, families should read daily with their child to foster language and literacy skills.
Policy — Grade One through Grade 8
Homework is defined as written or non-written tasks that are assigned by teachers to be completed by students outside of the classroom. The purposes of homework in the Shrewsbury Schools are to practice newly taught skills, review previously mastered skills, develop independent study habits, and extend and enrich the curriculum. Homework should be related to the curriculum of the school and promote an understanding of the importance of lifelong learning. Additional academic homework will not be used as a behavior management tool or as a form of punishment. Finally, homework should not be done by parents.
Homework may be given four nights per week in grades 1-4 and should not be assigned on weekends. Homework may be assigned on Fridays in grades 5-8. Reading assignments are to be incorporated into the time allotments at each grade level. Because reading is crucial to academic success, voluntary reading beyond homework guidelines is encouraged. Long-term projects should be assigned at least two weekends before the work is due.
Homework guidelines for some students with special needs may be determined by the student’s educational plan and should be specifically related to the student’s learning profile. The modifications in an educational plan supersede the general guidelines listed here.
Time Allocations per Grade Level
The guidelines below provide the appropriate time limits that children at each grade level should devote to homework each night. Parents are encouraged to speak with their children’s teachers if homework time is routinely exceeding the guidelines.
Grade 1 15 minutes Monday - Thursday
Grade 2 20 minutes Monday - Thursday
Grade 3 30 minutes Monday - Thursday
Grade 4 40 minutes Monday - Thursday
Grade 5 50 minutes Monday - Friday
Grades 6-8 60-90 minutes Monday - Friday
Students’ Roles and Responsibilities
• Get the assignment and be able to ask for help if the assignment is not clear.
• Copy all assignments into planner (grades 4-8), carefully recording due dates, and important information.
• Set a time each day to do homework.
• Check work and, if possible, explain it to an adult.
• Maintain the highest quality work on homework assignments.
• Take home all necessary resources, such as packets, textbooks, notes and study guides to accurately complete homework.
• Bring the completed homework back to school when it is due.
• Be responsible for getting assignments when absent from school.
• Be responsible for taking care of, and returning, any borrowed resource materials.
Parents’ Role and Responsibilities
• Promote a positive attitude toward homework as part of the learning process.
• Understand and reinforce expectations for the quality of student work.
• Provide structure, a place, and tools needed to help the child organize for the completion of homework.
• Be available to provide supervision, but do not do the assignment for the child.
• Have an understanding of the amount of assistance appropriate for homework assignments.
• Communicate often with the student and his/her teacher, giving feedback to the teacher when there is a homework concern.
• Learn strategies/techniques for helping the student through opportunities such as parent homework clinics.
Teachers’ Role and Responsibilities
• Identify the purpose of homework assignments for parents and students.
• Establish objectives and guidelines for special projects, including any expectations for parent participation.
• Follow the guidelines for the amount of time designated for homework including special projects.
• Communicate expectations to students.
• Post all assignments and provide time for students to record them.
• Model homework strategies and provide models as appropriate throughout the school year.
• Review homework and return it in a timely manner.
• Establish a system for recording and reporting homework.
• Ensure that resources and materials required for homework projects are easily obtained by the student.
• Provide ways for parents to communicate with teachers about homework.
• Notify parents regarding homework problems and missing assignments.
• Assign long term projects so that the completion time includes more than one weekend, and is not limited to a school vacation period.
• Discuss homework practice with colleagues and provide guidelines for the type of homework at each grade level in each school.
Administrators’ Role and Responsibilities
• Ensure that homework is consistent with the educational goals of the Shrewsbury Public Schools.
• Facilitate communication between classroom and specialist teachers concerning homework.
• Monitor and support the teachers in the implementation of the homework guidelines.
• Encourage teachers to use homework as a tool to reinforce learning.
• Be aware of the assignment of major projects and their impact on the student’s overall educational program.
• Support the need for balance among the many learning activities in the life of a student besides homework.
• Facilitate the communication process between the school and home, and help maintain the parent/school partnership on homework.
Adopted
6/19/02