Homework Policy

Homework is defined as assignments completed outside of class time, but growing out of or related to classroom instruction. Homework is an important and valid part of the educational process and shall adhere to the following: 

Homework shall:

1. Be planned and assigned for a specific learning outcome
2. Help scholars develop independent study habits
3. Promote growth in responsibility and self-direction in learning
4. Reinforce learning that has taken place in school according to the District’s and State’s prescribed curriculum
5. Promote a closer working relationship between home and school
6. Never be used as punishment
7. Never exceed a scholar’s capacity to complete work within a reasonable amount of time 

The following guidelines shall apply with respect to homework in Grades K-12: 

1. The amount of homework assigned shall be reasonable and varied by level of schooling
2. The purpose of homework shall be identified and articulated to scholars by teachers
   • Homework as Process
     • Homework assigned for practice shall be structured around content with which scholars have a high degree of familiarity. Scholars should be assigned an appropriate amount of homework to increase their skill.
     • Homework is often assigned for preparation and elaboration, and generally increases with their level of schooling. Preparatory homework provides opportunities for scholars to gain background information to be better prepared for classroom instruction.
   • Homework as Performance
     • Homework assignments that encourage scholars to pursue knowledge individually and imaginatively extend learning and may respond to needs for differentiation of interest or readiness. Homework as performance could be research papers, themes, essays, projects, etc.
3. The Parent(s)/Guardian(s) role in homework is to facilitate and support the activity and not solve the content problems for scholars. Depending upon the age of the scholar, Parent(s)/Guardian(s) assistance could range from helping with instructions, acquiring resources, helping children get organized, or conferring with their child on the purpose and understanding of the task 

Homework & Class Assignment Procedures

Homework and class assignment procedures will be applied consistently within and among schools. Schools will develop school-level processes by implementing the following procedures: 

1. Teachers will only assign homework and/or class assignments that are related to the curriculum 
2. Timely and meaningful feedback on homework and class assignments will be provided. Feedback may take a variety of forms as determined by the teacher
3. Teachers establish due dates and deadlines. Teachers are expected to separate the due date from the deadline in order to increase opportunities for scholars to complete assignments. However, there may be some expectations when the due date and deadline are the same. It is recognized that for daily homework assignments, the due date and the deadline may be the same to facilitate the teaching and learning process 

Make-Up Work

1. Homework supports the mastery of standards; therefore, scholars should assume the responsibility of make-up work in all classes
2. n cases of prolonged absences (three (3) or more days), the school shall be notified so that arrangements can be made to have assignments picked up by the Parent(s)/Guardian(s) or sibling(s)
3. Upon returning to school, scholars must make arrangements with the teacher regarding all make-up work 

Requesting Make-Up Work

1. Make-up work should be requested through the school office or individual teacher for absences that are expected to last more than two (2) days
2. Scholars and Parent(s)/Guardians(s) should plan to allow schools at least one (1) day of notice to prepare schoolwork for home use
3. If the teacher is unable to send work home, he/she/they shall explain why and work with the scholar and family to provide make-up opportunities upon the scholar’s return