Homework Policies and Suggestions

A major goal of the instructional program is to assist students in becoming committed to the process of learning. Learning is not restricted to the classroom, but is a continuous process. The individual school can only teach a small portion of that which is valuable and available to be learned. More importantly, the school can stimulate, within the student, the thirst for knowledge and the desire to pursue solutions to problems. The home is a vital partner in this process and a systematic approach to home study can assist the teacher, parent, and student in achieving common learning goals.

The basic objective of homework is the reinforcement and application of previously learned concepts, principles and skills. Home study assignments, therefore, should be structured to reinforce and apply that which has be introduced and explained in the classroom.

Homework can provide an essential communication link between the school and home. One measure of a program, of course, is the quality of the work done at home by the student. A strong home-school partnership, with many lasting benefits for the individual student and his/her family, can be greatly enhanced by a sound program of home study. In addition, homework should be an important tool in developing independent thought, self-direction, and self-discipline. It can assist the student in developing good work habits and in the wise use of time.

Guidelines for Homework

Homework should be assigned after introduction and thorough explanation of the skills necessary to successfully complete the assignment.
Homework should be assigned in such a manner that it will be clearly understood by all students.
Homework should serve a valid purpose and be closely related to current classroom activities.
A student’s access to resource materials should be considered when making assignments.
Homework should be evaluated promptly and returned to the student. Appropriate rewards should be given to those students who successfully complete assigned work. Effort should be recognized as well as competency.
Teachers should seek to determine the cause if a student regularly fails to do assigned work. Teachers should not avoid giving homework because they believe students will not do the work.

Our School Board policy recommends the following guidelines for homework:
Grades K-2 (30 minutes per day - 5 days per week)
Grades 3-5 (60 minutes per day - 5 days per week)

Homework should not be used for disciplinary purposes.

The time required for homework varies for each student. Factors affecting the time needed are:

The age of the child
The competence of the child in study skills
The interest of the child

Also of significance is the amount of work brought home that could have been done in class. In many instances, students do not use class time wisely and end up having to do the work at home along with their assigned homework.

Students should be reminded that time must be planned for completing long-term assignments. Procrastination results in an excessive amount of time needed on a given night for completing the work.

The following responsibilities must be assumed for homework:

By Teachers:

Provide and encourage home study that is meaningful and useful to the individual
Allow initiative in the student’s approach to the assignment

By Parents :

Provide a suitable place for study
Help the student develop systematic home study habits
Show an interest in the work being done
Return any class or homework requested by the teacher
Encourage development of sound study skills. Students in grades 1-5 will be using a school-wide “Assignment Book” and a “West Salem Homework Folder.” The folder will be “white” and the school will provide each student with one at the beginning of school. Parents are encouraged to review this folder daily. Folders will be available in the school book store if students wish to purchase a new one. Students are expected to use these “homework” folders.

By Students :

Understand and record the directions for homework
take textbooks and appropriate materials home so the homework can be completed
put best effort into assigned homework
return homework to teacher on time and in a neat, accurate condition