General Statement:

• The purposes of homework are to practice newly taught skills, review previously mastered skills, develop independent study habits, or to extend and enrich the curriculum.

• Homework should not be used as a behavior management tool or as a form of punishment.

• Homework should not be done by parents.

• When no assignments are given, students are encouraged to pursue independent reading.

The appropriate time limits that children at each grade level should devote to homework Monday–Thursday night are:

Grade 5     50 min.

Grade 6     60 min.

Grade 7     70 min.

Grade 8     80 min.

Please note that some students may require more time to complete homework tasks specifically related to their learning profile.

Students’ responsibilities:

• Copy all assignments into planner, 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.

• Bring the completed homework to school when it is due.

• Be responsible for getting assignments when absent from school.

Parents’ 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 site, and tools needed to help the child organize and complete homework.

• Be available to provide supervision and support.

• Understand the amount of assistance appropriate for homework assignments— contact teachers for further guidance

Teachers’ responsibilities:

• 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, establishing a system for recording and reporting homework.

• Notify parents early 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.

Adapted from “Developing a Comprehensive Homework Policy,” Fairbanks, et al., Principal, January/February 2005