6154

Instruction

Homework

Philosophy

Learning involves active participation on the part of the learner.  Homework is one of the processes by which the student becomes actively engaged in the learning, acquiring knowledge and skills while developing attitudes, values and ideals that make the students responsible and curious learners.

The teaching-learning process should be a shared experience between the teacher, the student and the parent.

Homework is a vital part of the process of learning.  Homework should offer the student added opportunity to master course content and to think critically as well as to reinforce habits of reliability, self-discipline, responsibility and independence.

Homework should be relevant and meaningful to the learning experience to enable students to carry their learning into the home and the community.  Assignments should be challenging and interesting while keeping in mind individual differences in order that all students feel pride in their accomplishments.

Goals

The goals of homework assigned to students in the Windsor Locks Public Schools are as follows:

• homework should be an integral part of the total educational experience;

• homework should have a valid instructional purpose and should be an extension of the goals and objectives of the curriculum;

• homework should be designed to prepare students for new learning or to practice what has already been taught in the classroom;

• homework should be designed to develop a sense of responsibility and resourcefulness;

• homework should be designed to stimulate student interest through further exploration of a topic or concept;

• assignments or projects should be completed independently by the student (or a group of students assigned by the teacher) outside of the classroom;

• homework may be a long-range assignment and done over an extended period of time;

• the quality of homework should be held to high standards;

• homework should be structured to integrate and produce original responses or demonstrate transfer from the information to application level; and

• homework should acquaint parents with information about what students are learning and invite their appropriate participation.

Policy Adopted:  September 1985

Revised:  October 1996, October 2024

(Previously Numbered 6170)

Homework

REGULATION/PROCEDURES/FORMS

In order for a student to be successful in school, the responsibility must be shared.  Students, parents and guardians, and staff must work together to promote and realize educational goals.  The responsibility for homework will be shared as follows:

Responsibilities

Student

• completes and submits the assignment on time;

• accepts responsibility for understanding the assignments and gathering the needed materials;

• plans a personal schedule which will allow sufficient time for research and the completion of quality work;

• is cognizant of each teacher’s homework policy and is responsive to those expectations;

• takes initiative to obtain make-up work;

• seeks assistance from teachers and/or parents if needed; and

• is aware that homework may extend beyond writing or reading assignments including review and preview of material.

 Teacher

• assures the students understand the purpose of the assignment;

• clarifies and ascertains students’ understanding of the assignment;

• evaluates and gives feedback regarding completed work in a timely manner;

• provides differentiated assignments according to students’ individual needs;

• coordinates assignments with other staff and specialists at the elementary and middle school levels;

• refrains from assigning homework as a punitive measure;

• emphasizes quality and encourages revision, if needed;

• teaches study skills needed for successful completion of assignments;

• informs parents and students in writing of homework policy;

• assigns homework which is an outgrowth of/or supportive of class work and curriculum goals;

• informs parents when expectations are not being met;

• varies assignments to accommodate different learning styles, interests and talents; and

• carries out homework policy in a consistent manner.

 Administration

• supports and monitors the application of the homework policy;

• acts as a liaison for teachers, parents and students regarding homework issues;

• informs students, parents and teachers of the district homework policy; and

• reviews with all constituencies periodically the efficacy of the homework policy.

 Parent

• reviews with student homework policy and expectations from teacher;

• establishes an appropriate place for student to work;

• assists students in assembling appropriate materials;

• helps student with homework as appropriate;

• assists student in developing a reasonable and appropriate homework schedule;

• displays active interest in the student’s work;

• encourages student to take responsibility for own work and to seek out assistance when needed;

• maintains communication with student’s teacher; and

• encourages student to read, write and explore areas of interest for pleasure, especially when there is little assigned homework.

Time Guidelines