Definition: Homework is an important dimension of an effective study skills program. Homework is an extension of class-room work to help students become self- directed, independent learners.
Objectives:
1. To extend the concept of learning beyond the classroom.
2. To nurture the development of good study habits.
3. To encourage the use of independent research skills.
4. To promote student independence, responsibil-ity, and self-discipline.
Responsibilities of Principal:
1. Oversees the implementation of the district's homework policy.
2. Interprets policy to students, teachers, and parents.
3. Individualizes the policy according to the needs of his/her school.
Guidelines for Teachers:
Students should be taught study techniques which include the wise scheduling and use of time. They should learn to incorporate long-term assignments into their daily study schedules.
Purposes of assignments:
1. Practice assignments should help students master basic skills that have already been presented in class.2. Preparation assignments should help students benefit from subsequent lessons; for example, define vocabulary terms that will be used in the next lesson.
3. Extension assignments should require students to use a new skill or concept in a new situation; for example, after having learned the causes of the French Revolution, students would then compare these causes to the caus-es of the American Revolution.
4. Creative assignments should require students to integrate many skills and concepts; for example, a book report or research project.
V. Time Allocations For Homework
The following time allocations are to be considered as guidelines since students of different levels of ability may require more or less time than is indicated:
Kindergarten:
Activities for homework in kindergarten should require no more than ten minutes and consist of activities which present the child with the opportunity to reinforce the concepts and skills that have been developed. At this level home/study activities should be assigned at the discretion of the teacher.
Grades 1 & 2 - 20 to 30 minutes a night - 4 nights a week
Grades 3 & 4 - 30 to 40 minutes a night - 4 nights a week
Grades 5 & 6 - 45 to 60 minutes a night - 4 nights a week
Students in the intermediate grades should have experience working on long-term projects, preparing for tests, and reading assignments. These should be considered as homework and may entail completing assignments over a weekend or holiday period because students must learn to budget their time and set up priorities.
Grades 7 & 8
Academic courses - 1 to 2 hours per night, total for all courses.
Related arts and skills classes - where applicable.
Special education - homework assignments for handicapped and special education students should reflect the special needs of these children and should be a definite part of their total school responsibility.
Students in the middle school grades should have experience working on long-term projects, preparing for tests, and reading assignments. These should be considered as homework and may entail completing assignments over a weekend or holiday period because students must learn to budget their time and set up priorities.
High School
Advanced Placement Courses - 4 hours weekly total for all courses.
Advanced or more demanding courses - 3 hours weekly.
Regular courses - 2 hours weekly.
Regular arts and skills courses - 2 hours weekly, where applicable.
Special education - homework assignments for handicapped and special education students should reflect the special needs of these children and should be a definite part of their school re-sponsibility.
Students in the high school grades should have experience working on long-term projects, preparing for tests, and reading assignments. These should be considered as homework and may entail completing assignments over a weekend or holiday period be-cause students must learn to budget their time and set up priorities.
Policy 6154