Homework
MEDFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLS HOMEWORK POLICY
Homework is work assigned by educators to be completed outside of the classroom that supports learning of the curriculum. Homework is a learning activity which should increase in complexity as the student matures. Appropriate developmental needs and readiness of the student should be reflected in the assignment to promote independent completion of work.
Educators should take the individual differences of all students into consideration when assigning homework. Homework should not require the use of materials not readily available in most homes, school libraries, or the public library. Students should be instructed in the use of any resource to be used as part of homework completion.
There are many other learning activities in the life of a student besides homework. As such, participating in school activities, pursuing cultural interests, family connections and commitments, and exploring personal interests should be considered by teachers when planning consistent assignments. Homework is not to be used as a form of punishment under any circumstances.
Educators will create homework that is:
● Meaningful, purposeful, and valuable to the learning goals of the curriculum.
● Consistent in terms of the amount given each day and the time required for each assignment so that a pattern of meaningful homework can be established by the teacher.
● Necessary and relevant to classroom learning and/or real-life experiences.
● Manageable for all students to complete with reasonable time and effort.
● Developmentally appropriate for students in terms of time, scope, and expectations.
● Reviewed and/or returned by educators in a manner that provides students with timely and meaningful feedback.
All Medfield Schools will adhere to the expectations and parameters outlined in the Medfield Public Schools Homework Policy Implementation Guidelines.
Medfield Public Schools Homework Policy Implementation Guidelines
Introduction
As outlined in the Homework Policy approved by the School Committee on September 17, 2018 Medfield Public Schools define homework as work that supports learning of the curriculum. Educators use their professional judgment to ensure that the homework assigned is meaningful, manageable, and developmentally appropriate. Educators recognize the variety of student learning styles and readiness, and take this into consideration when designing and assigning work. As such, homework assignments may be differentiated to address individual student needs. The District recognizes the need for students and families to have downtime and family time. Social-emotional wellness and balance in the lives of our students lead to better learning. The Medfield Public Schools Homework Policy supports a balanced and healthy existence for our students, while still engaging them in deep learning experiences.
Types of Homework
Homework may take a variety of forms. The descriptions below are examples of the types of homework your student may be assigned during the year. Please note that the list below is not a complete one, and that homework assignments often entail multiple types and a variety of purposes:
● Preparation This is work that provides review of material, helps students develop confidence, encourages the acquisition of background information, supports executive functioning skills, and prepares students to more fully participate in upcoming lessons, projects, or assessments.
● Completion This work may be assigned as homework when students do not complete classwork during the regular school day. It helps students keep up with the classwork by allowing them the opportunity to finish the work outside of the school day. It is assigned by the educator when it is necessary for the student to practice newly acquired skills and/or to develop proficiency and confidence as a learner.
● Extension This is work that helps students take what they learn in class and make connections. It requires students to transfer specific skills and concepts to new situations.
Daily reading for pleasure as part of extending learning is strongly encouraged.
Homework Missed as a Result of Absence
Upon return to school from an absence, students with the support of guidance, educators and parents/guardians, if needed, will develop a plan to complete make-up work within a reasonable amount of time. Assignments and due dates will be outlined in each school’s handbook.
Homework Time Guidelines*
The table below attempts to establish guidelines for the average amount of focused time spent on homework according to each grade. If a pattern is established whereby a student is consistently exceeding these amounts, please contact the appropriate teacher or guidance.
Grade Average time spent for a typical student per day (when assigned)
K 5-10 minutes 5Gr 50 minutes
1Gr 10 minutes 6Gr 60 minutes
2Gr 20 minutes 7Gr 70 minutes
3Gr 30 minutes 8Gr 80 minutes
4Gr 40 minutes 9 - 12Gr 90 - 120 Minutes
Homework Guidelines for School Vacations, Religious Holidays and State Testing
When educators feel it is necessary to assign homework or schedule due dates or assessments near the school vacations and religious holidays listed below, they will adhere to the following guidelines when assigning the work and choosing a due date:
● Long-term assignments must be assigned at least 5 days before school vacations and not due at least until the 3rd day back after the vacation.
● Assignments will not be given with the expectation that they need to be worked on or completed during the school holidays and vacations listed below. In addition, assessments may not be due or given on the day after these school vacations and religious holidays:
○ Rosh Hashanah
○ Yom Kippur
○ Thanksgiving Recess
○ December Vacation and New Year’s Day
○ Winter Vacation
○ Good Friday
○ Spring Vacation
● Appropriate homework and assessment expectations during state testing will be determined at each building level.
✳️Please note that Advanced Placement courses may be exempt from these guidelines.
Roles and Guidance for Educators, Students, and Families:
● Assign homework in accordance with our principles, as outlined in the Medfield Public Schools Homework Policy
● Take into consideration individual differences of students
● Give clear, concise directions; allow opportunities for students’ clarifying questions
● Post homework in classrooms and/or online where applicable before the teacher’s school day is over
● Coordinate dates for tests or long-term projects with other educators when possible
● Provide appropriate and timely feedback on all homework assignments
● Ensure that students who are absent know how they may make up homework
● Communicate with students and parents/guardians when needed
Students:
● Record the directions for homework and/or learn where educators post assignments
● Ask questions, as necessary, to clarify directions for assignments
● Complete assignments with integrity, on time, thoughtfully, and to the best of their ability
● Utilize resources provided by teachers to assist in completion of homework, if needed
● Establish a routine for completing assignments and keeping materials in order
● Plan time for the completion of long-term assignments
● Make choices that promote a healthy home/school/extracurricular balance
● Reflect on accuracy of homework and self-advocate to teachers, as needed
● Be mindful and minimize distractions (i.e. social media and technology other than as it relates to homework) other than as it relates to the homework assigned during homework completion time
Families:
● Provide a suitable place for study with minimal distractions
● Foster independent work habits
● Limit assistance on assignments to ensure that the student’s work is their own
● Encourage students to self-advocate to their teachers
● Inform the school if the student is struggling and needs clarification or support
● Assist students in learning to manage time, when needed
● Assist students in making choices that promote a healthy home/school/extracurricular balance ____________________________________________________________________________
Approved September 17, 2018
BLAKE HOMEWORK GUIDELINES
Homework is a component of the school program and the learning process. Blake teachers will orient each student to use an electronic agenda on their mobile learning device for efficient and regular management of homework assignments. Students are expected to record all homework and long-term projects in their electronic agenda on a daily basis. Students and parents/guardians can access homework assignments on Google Classroom.
Why is Homework Important?
Prepare for the next day’s lesson
Practice skills and concepts introduced in class
Review material
Homework Guidelines
Teachers’ role…
Assign homework in accordance with why we believe homework is important
Post every day by the end of teacher school day and on the website
Check/monitor regularly
Formatively assess student understanding and guide instruction
Communicate with student and parents/guardians when needed
Students’ role…
Record, complete, and locate in a timely fashion
Ask questions if necessary
Utilize resources provided by teachers to assist in completion if needed
Use accuracy to determine if more support, such as extra help, is needed
Parents/guardians’ role…
Provide the student with a suitable environment for study
Foster independent work habits
Encourage the students to advocate their needs to the teachers
Inform the school if the student is struggling and needs clarification or support
MAKE-UP WORK
Students are responsible for making up missed work and should connect with their teachers upon returning to school. If a student is absent, they should try to get that day’s homework assignments by checking the cluster’s homework page or contacting a friend. Students should plan to make up work during scheduled extra help sessions or make other arrangements with individual teachers. All missed work should be made up as soon as possible. Please contact the guidance department if there is a special circumstance or long-term absence. After three days of absence, you can request that the guidance department collect missed work from the cluster teachers to be picked up by a family member in guidance.