Homework Policy

I.  Homework Assignment
    A.  Purposes:
        1.  To enrich and extend school experiences through related home activities.
        2.  To reinforce learning by providing practice and application.
        3.  To stimulate effort, independence, responsibility, and self-direction
        4.  To develop self-discipline and good working habits.
    B.  Procedures:
        1.  Concepts and skills will be introduced and guided practice will be provided before homework involving a concept will be assigned.
        2.  Homework assignments should be as carefully planned as classroom lessons are.
        3.  Homework will be assigned nightly on Monday - Thursday.
            a.  3rd Grade:  Weekly homework assignments will average 45 minutes - 1 hour per night.
        4.  Homework will not be assigned without a meaningful purpose.
    C.  Types of Assignments:
        1.  Reading:  Students should read independently 15-20 minutes nightly.  Reading records will be maintained.
        2.  Continuation:  Students may be assigned the completion of work begun in class.  This may also include continuation of drill on math factors, grammar practice, or completion of creative writing assignments.
        3.  Research, Observation, Projects:  A due date will be clearly given for all long term projects.
        4.  Make-up:  Students will be given 2 days for each day absent for make-up work for excused absences.  Make-up work for unexcused absences is at the discretion of each teacher.  This work may be completed over a weekend period, if necessary.
       5.  Review and Study for Unit and Chapter Test:  Only one major test per day/per team.  (This does not include weekly spelling tests.)

II.  Evaluation of Homework
    A.  Homework assignments will be checked by the teacher and/or students.  Evaluation should be immediate.  If needed, skills and concepts should be reinforced before additional assignments are made relating to this skill or concept.
        1.  Suggested Evaluation Techniques:
            a.  class discussion
            b.  oral or written reports
            c.  quizzes
            d.  collection of reading record
            e.  conferences with individual students
        2.  Students need a clear understanding or how assignments will be evaluated.  No numerical grades will be given.  Credit will be given for completion and effort.
    B.  Homework should be included in determining subject grades; however, homework should not exceed a reasonable amount of a student's grade.