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Rock Creek Valley Elementary School
2008-2009 Homework Guidelines
Philosophy:
Homework and long-term assignments should have meaning to
the student and relate directly to classroom learning
objectives, activities, projects, and/or identified
concerns. Homework reinforces the skills and concepts
taught in the classroom and provides students with
additional opportunities to establish good work and study
skills. It is important that classroom teachers establish
consistent routines for assigning homework, having students
record homework assignments, collecting homework, and
reviewing/grading homework.
While homework is a valuable tool for shaping learning, it
may not be the most effective measure for assessing mastery
of grade-level indicators. There are specific guidelines
for using homework as part of the body of evidence for
determining a student’s report card grade. These guidelines
include:
·
The specific homework assignment must be identified as a
data point that will be used for grading purposes;
·
The homework assignment should be a measure of proficiency
on grade-level indicators, or above grade level indicators
for students in advanced/accelerated instruction; and
·
The classroom teacher should be correcting/grading the
homework (not having is self-scored by students, etc.).
This does not change the fact that research shows that
providing timely and specific feedback on homework is
helpful to students. It is expected that students will
continuously receive feedback from teachers on both homework
and classwork. Although students should not receive a grade
for merely completing homework, teachers should record and
report a student’s consistency in homework completion
through evaluation of positive learning behaviors, written
report card comments, or through individual parent-teacher
conferences.
General Guidelines:
All homework and long-term assignments
should be carefully planned in accordance with the following
guidelines:
1.
Students understand the assignment and its relation to what
has been learned in the classroom.
2.
Teachers clearly communicate the assignment, procedures for
accomplishing, expectations and standards for completion,
and due dates.
3.
Teachers review homework and give feedback to students
relative to expectations and standards for completion.
4.
Teachers avoid giving homework on Fridays, although
long-range assignments and late or missed assignments may
require work over the weekend.
5.
Homework is not assigned, nor are long-term assignments due
on designated religious holidays or when students are absent
because of religious observances.
6.
Homework, long-term projects, and tests are neither assigned
nor due immediately after the conclusion of major holiday
breaks. However, preparing or gathering information and
materials for reports, projects, and tests may be
appropriate during these major holiday breaks.
7.
Students are not required to complete homework while they
are out sick. Upon return to school, the classroom teacher
will give the student missed assignments as appropriate.
8.
Teachers are not required to assign homework to students who
are absent due to family travel; however, it is appropriate
to identify/suggest learning activities which students can
complete while absent (keeping a journal, reading every day,
practicing basic math facts for a specific period of time,
etc.).
Time Allotments:
Kindergarten: Four times per week
First Grade: 10 to 15 minutes per
night, Monday through Thursday
Second Grade: 15 to 20 minutes per night,
Monday through Thursday
Third Grade: 20 to 30 minutes per
night, Monday through Thursday
Fourth & Fifth Grade: 45 to 60 minutes per night, Monday
through Thursday
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