The policy of the Epsom School District is that homework is required of all students. A normal homework assignment is intended to accomplish course goals outside the classroom without immediate teacher supervision. The term homework does not include make-up assignments, remedial work which requires expert instruction and supervision, or extra credit work. Homework provides the student with the opportunity to apply learning on an individual basis and to develop self-discipline and a positive attitude toward education. Homework should not be used as a punitive measure. These standards and procedures will be reviewed and explained to the staff, students and parents at the beginning of each school year.

• Homework includes any class related assignments to be accomplished outside of class time.

• Homework will be used by teachers as an extension of classroom instruction to extend or enrich the regular class work or to ensure mastery of academic goals and objectives.

1. School/Staff Responsibility - Administration

It is the responsibility of the building level administrators to:

1. Implement the district homework policy.
2. Disseminate the policy guidelines to teachers, students and parents.
3. Include each teacher’s compliance with the homework policy as a part of the evaluation procedures.
4. Attempt to offer in-service courses that can assist the teacher to improve homework assignments.
2. School/Staff Responsibilities - Teacher

It is the responsibility of the teacher to:

1. Make certain that students understand and know how to complete assignments successfully.
2. Review concepts of completed assignments and provide feedback to students.
3. Monitor, collect and include the homework grade as at least 5% of the students’ overall grade.
4. Provide regular homework assignments.
5. Expect students will spend an average of:
1. 10-20 minutes on homework assignments in grades 1-2;
2. 20-30 minutes on homework assignments in grades 3-4;
3. 30-60 minutes on homework assignments in grade 5.

 

APPROVED: May 26, 1999

6. Avoid extensive assignments over weekend, holiday and vacation periods.
7. Assign homework according to age, maturity level, individual needs and interests of the students.
8. Consider the availability of resource materials when creating assignments.
9. Make an effort to create assignments that are meaningful to students.
3. Parent/Guardian Responsibilities

It is the belief of the district that parent involvement in, and support of a homework plan is beneficial to a child’s academic growth and achievement. It is the responsibility of the parent to:

1. Read and discuss the homework policy with the student(s).
2. Provide necessary assistance and a positive, supportive attitude for students completing assigned tasks.
3. Promptly communicate any concerns or questions regarding homework assignments to the student’s teacher(s).
4. Provide an appropriate time and environment for study and learning. Parents are encouraged to look at their student’s homework and take an interest in their student’s studies.
4. Student Responsibilities

In order to foster independent study habits, it is the responsibility of the student to:

1. Make sure that he/she understands the homework assignment(s) before leaving school.
2. Take home all necessary homework and materials needed to complete the assignments(s).
3. Have an organized means of keeping and carrying homework to and from school.
4. Arrange with parents/guardians for a place to complete homework.
5. Schedule time for homework that is compatible with family and/or after school activities.
6. Complete homework with a minimum of parental assistance. Students may want to establish a "Study Buddy" to contact in cases where they need further assistance.
7. Complete homework assignments as carefully and as neatly as in-school work.
8. Complete homework on time.
9. Budget time for long-term projects.

1. School/Staff Responsibility - Administration

It is the responsibility of the building level administrators to:

1. Implement the district homework policy.
2. Disseminate the policy guidelines to teachers, students and parents.
3. Include each teacher’s compliance with the homework policy as a part of the evaluation procedures.
4. Attempt to offer in-service courses that can assist the teacher to improve homework assignments.
5. Provide, when feasible, a supervised quiet area for the completion of homework assignments after school.
2. School/Staff Responsibilities - Teacher

It is the responsibility of the teacher to;

1. Make certain that students understand and know how to complete assignments successfully.
2. Be flexible when aware of students’ homework overloads.
3. Avoid extensive assignments over holiday and vacation periods.
4. Give consideration to limiting weekend assignments.
5. Provide specific written explanations for long-range assignments so that requirements and expectations are clearly understood by students and their parents.
6. Expect that students will spend an average of 1-2 hours on homework assignments per night.
7. Consider homework as part of the total learning process and monitor, collect and include the homework grade as at least 10% of the students’ overall grade.
3. Parent/Guardian Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to:

1. Read and discuss the homework policy with the student(s).
2. Provide necessary assistance and a positive, supportive attitude for students completing assigned tasks. Parents are encouraged to look at their student’s homework and take an interest in their student’s studies.
3. Assist the student in developing good study habits by providing a specific time and place for study which is free of distractions.
4. Promptly communicate any concerns or questions regarding homework assignments to the student’s teacher(s).
4. Student Responsibilities

In order to foster independent study habits, it is the responsibility of the student to:

1. Make sure that he/she understands the homework assignment(s) before leaving school.
2. Take home all necessary homework and materials needed to complete the assignment(s).
3. Have an organized means of keeping and carrying homework to and from school.
4. Arrange with parents/guardians for a place to complete homework.
5. Schedule time for homework that is compatible with family and/or after school activities.
6. Complete homework with a minimum of parental assistance. Students may want to establish a "Study Buddy" to contact in cases where they need further assistance.
7. Complete homework assignments as carefully as neatly as in-school work.
8. Complete homework on time.
9. Budget time for long-term projects.