Handbook Highlight- Homework Guidelines

Homework Guidelines

Characteristics of Good Homework

1. Homework should emphasize quality rather than quantity. 
2. Homework should broaden the students learning experiences and expand interest. 
3. Homework should be at the appropriate level for independent work.
4. Homework reinforces and/or extends learning and practice and is not intended for initial instruction. 
5. Homework should provide a spiral review of the recent weeks/months of instruction 

Homework Guidelines for Students

1. Students should always do their best work. 
2. Assignments should be clearly understood before students leave class. 
3. Students should have all materials required to complete homework assignments. 
4. All assignments should be completed on time. 
5. Any work missed due to absence from class should be completed.
6. Students should talk to their parents and teacher if they are having difficulty with homework. 

Homework Guidelines for Teachers

1. Homework should be assigned on a regular basis in keeping with the district homework policy. 
2. Teachers should provide specific written guidelines to parents/guardians regarding late or missing assignments. The guidelines should include details related to how much time students will have to turn in late/missing assignments and what credit will be given. 
3. Homework should be posted in the classroom, online, or distributed to students regularly. 
4. Teachers should collaborate with grade level partners and/or across departments to ensure total homework falls within the district guidelines and does not overburden students. 
5. Homework should relate directly to the educational program and enhance learning. 
6. Homework should not be pointless busy-work. 
7. Students should understand all homework assignments before leaving school. Students may be given some time to start homework in class to assure understanding. 
8. Consideration should be given to the fact that there may be other competing activities in the daily lives of students. 
9. Procedures for homework assignments provided to absent students are established by the board policy. 
10. Homework should have value for students and should be monitored, collected, checked and returned with, appropriate feedback, in a timely manner. 
11. Specific classroom policies/practices should be clearly communicated to students, parents/guardians, and principals. 
12. Teachers are responsible for communicating with parents of students who are falling behind in completing homework assignments. 
13. Homework may be differentiated based on the student’s abilities and/or needs. 
14. Teachers should provide homework that aligns with individual student’s IEP goals, 504 plans and specified accommodations. 
15. Homework is discouraged over holidays.