Policy 7580: Homework (Rules)

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

1. The amount of homework assigned shall be reasonable and vary by level of schooling.
2. The purpose of homework shall be identified and articulated to students by teachers.
   • Homework as Process
     • Homework assigned for practice shall be structured around content with which students have a high degree of familiarity. Students should be assigned an appropriate amount of homework to increase their skill. Homework that includes unfamiliar content produces misconceptions and/or error.
     • Homework is often assigned for preparation and elaboration, and generally increases with their level of schooling. Preparatory homework provides opportunities for students to gain background information to be better prepared for classroom instruction. Grades shall not be lowered due to homework completed as process. 
   • Homework as Performance
     • Homework assignments that encourage students 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, etc.
3. The parent(s)/guardian(s) role in homework is to facilitate and support the activity and not solve the content problems for students. Depending upon the age of the student, 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 and 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 shall establish due dates and deadlines. Teachers are expected to separate the due date from the deadline in order to increase opportunities for students to complete assignments. However, there may be some exceptions 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.
4. School staff will communicate course-specific procedures to students and parent(s)/ guardian(s) at the beginning of the course. 

Make-Up Work: 

1. Homework supports the mastery of standards; therefore, students should assume the responsibility of make-up work in all classes.
2. In cases of prolonged absences (three 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, students 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 days.
2. Students and parent(s)/guardian(s) should plan to allow schools at least one day of notice to prepare school work for home use.
3. If the teacher is unable to send work home, he/she shall explain why and work with the student and family to provide make-up opportunities upon the student’s return.