Homework Policy

Meadow View Elementary strongly supports the philosophy that homework should be meaningful for the student and an integral part of our instructional program.  Homework assignments are provided to extend and reinforce the learning that takes place in the classroom, improve study skills, and help students develop good work habits. Homework must not be busy work or a consequence for misbehavior. Whenever possible, homework should be individualized for each student.

 

Research indicates that students should spend a reasonable amount of time on homework and that those times vary by grade level. Primary students should spend 10-30 minutes on homework each night and intermediate students should spend 30-60 minutes on homework each night. In addition students, both primary and intermediate, will be expected to read for 15-20 minutes each night.

It should be recognized that not all homework takes the form of written assignments.  Some homework, especially in the primary program, should involve students in reading to their parents/guardians and vice versa or taking part in cultural and creative activities.

 

At Meadow View Elementary School, we believe that homework assignments should serve one or more of the following purposes:

1. To reinforce and enrich school learning experiences;
2. To teach students to follow directions and to organize time and materials;
3. To help students to accept responsibility and to develop self-reliance for assigned work;
4. To enable parents to stay informed about their child’s progress and about the school’s instructional program.

 

We believe that teachers should be responsible for:

1. Communicating their homework procedures clearly to students and parents at                                                            beginning of each school year;
2. Assigning homework that is purposeful and meaningful to the child;
3. Assigning homework that will reinforce instruction accomplished in class – it will not introduce new or unfamiliar concepts or skills;
4. Assigning homework that is within the ability of the child;
5. Assisting students in making up work missed due to excused absences by assigning homework to the student upon his/her return to school;
6. Providing due dates for major assignments well in advance so that students can plan their work;
7. Giving effective feedback in a timely manner on homework assignments;
8. Expecting students to do their absolute best!

 

We believe that students should be responsible for:

1. Writing down assignments and due dates, ask questions, and select necessary books and supplies before leaving school in the intermediate grades OR managing homework folders/assignments sheets in primary grades;
2. Completing homework so that it is neat and legible;
3. Turning in assignments when they are due;
4. Making up assignments that are missed due to absences;
5. Completing assignments to the best of their ability!

 

We believe that parents/guardians should be responsible for:

1. Showing interest with questions about and comments on the schoolwork their child brings home;
2. Providing a suitable place to study that is free from disturbances and by supplying needed materials for completing homework assignments;
3. Providing encouragement, support, and suggestions when their child is working on homework but refusing to do the assignment for him/her;
4. Communicating with the teacher when questions arise about an assignment or what is expected of the student;
5. Monitoring the amount of time spent on homework and informing the teacher if their child is exceeding the recommended amount of time;
6. Remembering to praise both effort and finished product, being mindful that the greatest reward is parents approval and the child’s own self-satisfaction;
7. Expecting students to do their absolute best!

 

Working together, teachers and parents/guardians can help each child develop good study habits and feel successful in school.

 

We believe that principals should be responsible for:

1. Ensuring that all teachers, parents/guardians, and students receive a copy of this policy at the beginning of each year;
2. Ensuring that homework is not used as a punishment.

 

 

 

Date Adopted: __7-13-10___

Date Reviewed or Revised: __________ Council Chairperson’s Initials __________