HOMEWORK & GRADING

Homework is an opportunity for students to practice what they've learned in class with the purpose of solidifying either skills or critical thinking completed earlier that day. Students may adjust the daily work according to other weekly activities. We encourage students to enjoy family time and extracurricular activities.

A typical night (or morning) of homework would be 25 minutes of reading, and some math; either a math worksheet or 10 minutes of practicing math facts. Also 5 - 10 minutes of reviewing or practicing word work at least 3 times during the week. At some points in the year homework may include a topic of discussion, "Table Talk." Occasional projects (one per semester) will be assigned with ample time to complete them. In total, the homework each night should not take more than 55 minutes. If it takes longer, then you as a parent should decide what is most important to eliminate. Since homework is completed at home, PARENTS ARE IN CHARGE OF HOMEWORK.

Not all homework is graded. Class work that is graded uses a scale of:

EXCEEDS - (A grade of 'Exceeds' means that the student went above and beyond the expectations of the rubric. A student with the mark of 'Exceeds' has been working consistently with above grade level curriculum. On a 0-4 scale, this grade is a 4.)

MEETS - (A grade of 'Meets' means that the student performed the task within grade level expectations for that period of time during the year. Typically this is equivalent to a 75% score and above. On a 0-4 scale, this grade is a 3.)

APPROACHING - (A grade of 'Approaching' means that the student is below grade level expectation for that period of time during the school year. This is typically equivalent to a score between 51% and 74%. On a 0-4 scale, this grade is a 2.)

DOES NOT MEET - (A grade of 'Does Not Meet' means that the student has performed well below the expectation for grade level at that point in the school year. This is typically equivalent to a score of 50% and below. On a 0-4 scale, this grade is a 1.)

(A score of "0" may be given if no effort was shown.)

LINKS TO ARTICLES ON "HOMEWORK."

http://www.ascd.org/publications/books/108071/chapters/The-Cult(ure)-of-Homework.aspx

http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/sept10/vol68/num01/Five-Hallmarks-of-Good-Homework.aspx

http://letslassothemoon.com/2016/04/22/benefits-kids-gain-un-busy-life/