TIME
GUIDELINES FOR KINDERGARTEN
It is generally believed that out of school tasks
given to kindergarten students do not fall into the
same category of homework, as for grades 1 - 5. Out
of school work given to kindergarten students is really
intended to be an opportunity for the children and
family members to work together to review and enhance
the experiences from school.
All out of school activities will be given in kindergarten
for up to 60 minutes per week.
Kindergarten teachers are encouraged to develop the
activities according to the following parameters:
• give written activities on Monday to be completed
by Friday (these should amount to only 15 – 20
minutes/week)
• create activities such as: bring in an item
from home or draw or cut out a picture for letter
of the week
• encourage parents or other family members to
read to children every day
• offer suggestions that provide practical applications
at home for the skills learned in school (ex: set
out 5 plates for dinner to practice the number 5,
find names of objects that start with the letter of
the week, etc.)
• encourage parents to review daily and weekly
work with children to reinforce new skills at home
TIME
GUIDELINES FOR GRADES 1 - 5
It is generally agreed that elementary school children
need to participate in a variety of activities, in
addition to scholastic ones, in order to develop the
total child. To this end, the following guidelines
are recommended with respect to the maximum amount
of time students should be spending doing homework.
They are presented as ranges for each grade level
on a daily and weekly basis.
Grade
1: 15 - 30 minutes daily.
. . . . .1 - 2 hours weekly
Grade 2: 15 - 30 minutes daily.
. . . . . 1 - 2 hours weekly
Grade 3: 20 - 40 minutes daily
. . . . . . .1 1/3 - 2 2/3 hours weekly
Grade 4: 45 - 60 minutes daily.
. . . . .3 - 4 hours weekly
Grade 5: 45 - 70 minutes daily.
. . . . .3 - 4 2/3 hours weekly
Daily homework assignments will generally be given
Monday through Thursday. Homework will not routinely
be assigned on weekends. Occasionally, weekend and
vacation assignments may be necessary for continuity
of learning. Students are encouraged to use weekends
and vacations for long-term assignments and daily
reading.
These guidelines are developed based upon the average
student at each grade level. Individual abilities,
study skills and time management practices will determine
the length of time a student will actually spend on
any given task. Time to complete extra credit activities
is not included in these time guidelines.
IF PARENTS FIND THAT THEIR CHILDREN ARE CONSISTENTLY
SPENDING MORE TIME ON HOMEWORK THAN THE RECOMMENDED
GUIDELINES, THEY ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO CONTACT
THE TEACHERS TO DISCUSS THE CONCERN.
COMMUNICATION
For students to be able to achieve the intended goals
of homework assignments, communication between students,
parents and teachers is essential. The following procedures
are suggested:
• At the beginning of the school year the District
Elementary Homework Guidelines will be distributed
to all parents. Parents and teachers will be asked
to review the guidelines and expectations with students.
Each school has an Open House in September that provides
an additional opportunity for presentation, review
and clarification of the Homework Guidelines between
teachers and parents.
• At the beginning of the school year, individual
teachers will inform parents in writing of all homework
expectations and procedures at the grade level and
in their classrooms.
• Parents are urged to contact their child’s
teacher when there are concerns about homework.
• Teachers are encouraged to use the fall conferences
to solicit input from the parents/guardians of all
students concerning the amount of time being spent
on homework and any problems being encountered on
a regular basis.
• In grades in which they are used, student assignment
notebooks are useful tools for parents and teachers
to communicate in writing as needed. Parent signatures
on homework, tests or other student work may be required
to facilitate communication between home and school.
Parent cooperation is necessary with this requirement.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Student success with homework depends upon the cooperative
efforts of students, parents/guardians, teachers and
administrators.
Student Responsibilities
• Use the assignment notebook to keep a record
of all assignments, tests, and other responsibilities.
Collect the necessary materials (books, worksheets,
etc.) needed to complete the assignments.
• Ask questions and seek help from teachers if
confused about the assignment or any part of the work.
• Be responsible for completing and returning
all assignments on time to the teacher. This includes
making up homework when absent. Follow all expected
standards of quality concerning heading, neatness,
content and directions.
• Budget time wisely and share time plans with
parents/guardians, especially on long-range assignments.
• Study in a quiet place with few interruptions
and distractions that limit focus.
Parent/Guardian Responsibilities
• Assist children in setting up a regularly scheduled
homework time at a reasonable hour each day. See that
he/she meets that daily commitment. Allow sufficient
time for homework even though children may also be
involved in family and community activities (sports,
scouts, dance, arts, etc.)
• Check the assignment notebook daily and encourage
completion of all homework. Please remember that the
homework is the child’s responsibility. Parents
should not do the work for the children but should
encourage accountability and monitor student efforts
to show support. This applies to daily and long-range
assignments and projects.
• Encourage children to have an organized approach
to homework by providing all needed materials.
• If a problem arises over homework time, difficulty
or completion due to extenuating circumstances, contact
the child’s teacher.
Teacher Responsibilities
• Be sure all assignments are created with a
clear purpose and students are able to do them independently.
(Example: give reasonable numbers of computation problems
in math to avoid excessive practice.)
• Coordinate assignments and tests with other
teachers to avoid student overload.
q Inform parents/guardians in writing regarding teacher
expectations and student responsibilities at the beginning
of the school year. Copies will be kept on file in
the school office.
• Modify assignments to meet student needs, as
necessary.
• Prepare students to do the assignments (explain
tasks and directions, teach study skills, etc.)
• Given meaningful homework and provide students
with prompt feedback on their assignments.
• Take into account participation in school-wide
events, religious holidays, etc. in giving assignments.
• Inform parents/guardians of long-term assignments
and expected timelines for completion.
• Teach and encourage students to use an assignment
notebook and check it regularly to insure effective
use of this tool.
• If a problem arises over homework quality or
completion, contact parents/guardians.
• Set up a system for addressing late or incomplete
assignments and communicate it clearly in written
form to students and parents/guardians at the beginning
of the school year.
• The practice of keeping a child in from recess
on a repetitive basis should be discouraged. If homework
problems are chronic other possible solutions should
be sought.
Administrator Responsibilities
• To assist in the dissemination and implementation
of the Elementary Homework Guidelines to all teachers,
parents/guardians and students.
• To help to explain, clarify and interpret all
parts of the guidelines and to assist in the mediation
of disputes regarding homework practices.q To consistently
monitor the implementation of the Elementary Homework
Guidelines to insure full compliance by all teachers.
GRADING
OF ASSIGNMENTS
In the primary grades (K – 2) daily assignments
are not formally graded and reflected in report card
grades. Concerns will be reflected under the Work
and Study Habits sections on the report cards.
In the intermediate grades (3 – 5) daily and
long-range assignments will be graded at the discretion
of the teacher. Students will be informed when assignments
are to be graded and factored into their report card
grades for content areas. Teachers will inform students
and parents of their systems for grading homework
and penalties for late or missing homework assignments
and projects.
REQUESTING
ASSIGNMENTS WHEN STUDENTS ARE ABSENT
Students are occasionally absent from school due to
personal illness, medical appointments, family emergencies,
a death in the family, religious observance, etc.
When an absence occurs the parents/guardians are asked
to please notify the school office between 8:00 and
8:30 AM. If the parent/guardian believes the child
is capable of doing work during the absence, the assignments
must be requested by 9:00 AM. Parents/guardians are
asked to indicate if the work is to be sent home with
another child (suggest name) or picked up in the office
at dismissal time. Teachers will do their best to
compile all assignments before the end of the school
day.
The Scotia-Glenville Central School District discourages
the practice of families taking children out of school
for an extended time period for the purpose of vacations
or recreational trips. Since homework is both an extension
and a reinforcement of class work, it is not as effective
when done as an isolated exercise. Teachers also find
it difficult to accurately project exactly what will
be taught during a child’s extended absence.
It is difficult to predict how concepts will be grasped
and content understood by the group in advance of
the actual lessons. As a result, formal homework assignments
will not be prepared in advance for extended absences.
General suggestions for reinforcing reading, math,
spelling and writing skills may be made in lieu of
specific homework tasks. The specific assignments
will be gathered during the period of absence and
provided to the child upon his/her return to school.
The child will be given a reasonable period of time
to complete the assignments.
HOMEWORK
RESOURCES
At times students may require additional support to
be able to successfully complete homework assignments
and long-term projects or to study for tests. At the
elementary level there are several resources to help
students and families. Please contact your individual
elementary school for more information on any of the
following:
1. Homework Club – These after school
services are open to students in grades 3 – 5
approximately 2 days each week. Participation is on
a voluntary basis and students may be selected based
upon teacher and or parent/guardian suggestion contingent
upon available space in the program and numbers of
sufficient homework sponsors. The homework clubs meet
for approximately an hour and are supervised by teachers
or other qualified staff members. Late bus transportation
is provided. Some schools may also offer before school
homework help. Consult the teacher or the school office
for specific information on this student service.
2. Alternative Education Support Services -
These services are open to students in grades K –
5 and are provided at various times during the school
day. Because there are many reasons that students
have trouble with homework there are many alternative
services offered to help them to be more successful.
These services include individual or small group support
in areas such as (but not limited to):
• time management skills
• study skills
• test preparation
• organizational skills
• specific content and/or skills support
• social skills
• extra homework help on daily or long-term assignments
(research materials, etc.)
A number of staff members help to provide these
support services. Examples of these providers include:
• teachers (classroom, remedial, special education,
enrichment)
• teaching assistants and teacher aides
• librarians
• social workers
Students are recommended for participation in these
services by teachers and/or parents/guardians. Groups
meet during the school day during lunch, recess and
other non-academic times. Consult the teacher or school
office for specific information on these student services.
3. Tutoring – Tutoring can be arranged
through the school office, especially in cases of
extended
absences. The high school guidance office is also
a resource for securing high school students who are
able to tutor elementary students.
4. Internet Homework Hotlines - There are a
number of Homework Hotlines on the Internet that may
be of benefit to students with occasional questions
or problems regarding homework. Parents may wish to
explore some of these options with their children.
No specific Internet Resources or Hotlines are endorsed
by the district. If students have on-going problems
understanding homework assignments, parents are strongly
urged to contact the teacher.
MIDDLE SCHOOL HOMEWORK PROCEDURES AND PRACTICES
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PURPOSE
OF HOMEWORK
Homework is designed to be a meaningful experience
that prepares students for lessons, practices and
reinforces concepts taught in class, and prepares
students for real world activities.
IMPORTANT
MIDDLE SCHOOL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
MAIN
OFFICE: 382-1263
GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT: 382-1275
RESPONSIBILITIES
Teacher Responsibilities
Teachers will:
• Coordinate assignments to eliminate too many
assignments at a time.
• Set up weekly assignment and assessment calendars
to facilitate coordination.
Copies will be given to the Guidance Department.
• Assign appropriate time for each assignment
depending on its complexity
and length while considering the availability to all
students of special resources
needed (i.e. computers).
• Schedule long term assignments given by the
team throughout the school year to
eliminate overburdening student schedules. Each long
term assignment will be
given in writing with intermediate due dates to train
the student in long term
planning. (Teachers not on a team will list long term
assignments on a calendar in
the library media center to coordinate information
among the entire faculty.)
• List assignments in the classroom in a standard
location and give them orally for
students to put in their assignment notebook giving
an approximate time needed
for completion.
• Provide time for homework help ( before or
after school, in study time or during activity/team
periods).
• Provide assignments for students who are absent
from class.
• Provide timely feedback for assignments.
• Distribute a written homework guideline to
every student at the beginning of each
course.
Student Responsibilities
Students will:
• List all assignments in their school-designed
assignment notebook.
• Do all assignments on time to the best of their
ability.
o Maintain the assignment notebook as directed to
maximize its effectiveness in assisting with homework
completion and student organization.
• Organize papers in the assignment notebook
on a regular basis.
• Examine daily schedules with parental help
and set aside time to do homework.
• Seek help when needed by making arrangements
to work with teachers.
• Ask teachers for assignments missed when absent
from class.
Students have 2 days to make up work for each day
absent.
• Adhere to the rules against plagiarism as stated
in the Junior High School Code
Of Conduct.
Parent Responsibilities
Parents will:
• Work with their students to examine family
schedules to allow time for homework.
• Provide an appropriate homework setting that
motivates students to complete all
assignments.
• Monitor the students assignment notebook and
look at the completed assignments.
• Contact the teacher directly or encourage the
student to seek help when students show that they
are having difficulty with their assignments or when
extenuating
circumstances prevent a student from completing assignments.
The Guidance
Department may also be contacted.
• Contact the Guidance Department, if needed,
for resources to help their child with
homework.
• Contact the Guidance Department for a list
of assignments if a student is absent for more than
a day.
Administrator Responsibilities
Administrators will:
• Assist teachers, students and parents in following
the Junior High School Homework
Practices.
• Review and monitor all teachers’ homework
guidelines and make appropriate
recommendations to teachers.
• Make school-designed assignment notebooks available
for purchase at the start
of each school year.
• Ensure that copies of all individual teacher’s
homework guidelines are on file
in either the guidance department or the main office.
SENIOR
HIGH SCHOOL PROCEDURES AND PRACTICES
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IMPORTANT
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
HOMEWORK HOTLINE: 386-4235
GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT: 382-1251
HOMEWORK
STATEMENT
The High School teaching administration and staff
considers the practice of homework as one of the vital
means by which students can better learn the required
material in each curriculum area. The prime responsibility
of homework belongs to the students themselves. The
teachers, parents, and administrators also play an
integral role in a successful homework experience.
The need for active communication is essential throughout
the homework process.
PURPOSE OF HOMEWORK
At the high school level, the purposes of homework
include:
• Practice/Review – to reinforce
and/or master basic skills already presented in class
• Preparation – to introduce material
to be presented in future lessons
• Extension – to provide students
with opportunities to transfer specific skills or
concepts to new situations
• Application – to enable students
to connect skills and concepts to new situations
TYPES OF HOMEWORK
Types
of homework include, but are not limited to:
• Nightly assignments for practice or review
of class work
• Review for tests or exams
• Research activities
• Reading and/or writing assignments
• Projects – individual and group activities
TIME GUIDELINES
• Students are expected to complete homework
by the assigned due date.
• If a student is absent from school due to illness
or another legal reason, the student is expected to
complete the assignment according to teacher guidelines.
•
Homework assigned over weekends or extended vacations
should not represent more work than a non-weekend
or vacation period.
• Assignments requiring computer time will be
extended to a minimum of three days so that all students
are able to access a computer.
AREAS
OF RESPONSIBILITY
The responsibilities expected of the teacher, student,
parent, and administrators are outlined below. Although
this is a rather comprehensive list, it is not intended
to be all-inclusive.
Teacher Responsibilities
At the High School level, the teacher has autonomy
to assign homework to their students based on what
they believe will best assist the students in their
educational program. The wide range of courses offered,
the various levels of courses, and the diversified
curricula are the reasons for this autonomy.
There are, however, certain procedures that all teachers,
regardless of curriculum area, are expected to adhere
to concerning homework. These include the following
items:
1 – Each teacher will distribute to every
student a written homework guideline at the beginning
of each course. This guideline is to be reviewed
by the student and parent, signed and returned to
the teacher. The teacher’s guideline includes,
but is not limited to, the following information:
• A description of the various types of homework
assignments a student might expect during the course.
• The teacher will give the date each assignment
is due.
• The methods in which assignments will be given
to the students.
• The average amount of time a student might
need to complete the different types of assignments.
• The procedure for turning in assignments late,
including any penalty.
• The grading weight and expected length of various
written assignments.
• The expected format of the assignment, e.g.,
medium to use, material, bibliography required, research
style, etc.
• A copy of this guideline will be kept in the
main office.
2 – The homework guidelines will be shared
with parents at Meet the Teachers night.
3 – Teachers are to turn in homework guidelines
to their department supervisors at the beginning of
each course for review and feedback.
4 – Long Range Assignments need to be communicated
to faculty. The following procedures are established:
• A master board will be kept in a central location
to highlight long-range assignments.
• Teachers will post due dates on the master
board during the last week of the quarter, before
the assignment is given. Assignments to be given at
the start of the 1st quarter, or start of the year,
need to be posted by the opening day.
Student
Responsibilities
At the High School level, students are expected to
understand the importance of homework, and are responsible
to comply with each teacher’s guideline.
The student will –
• Read/review each teacher’s guideline on
homework.
• Sign the homework guideline and return it to
the teacher as instructed.
• Contact Homework Hotline as soon as an absence
of two or more days is anticipated.
• Take responsibility for getting all assignments,
whether they are in class or not.
• Make every effort to complete each homework
assignment to the best of his/her ability.
• Seek help from the teacher if he/she does not
understand an assignment or has difficulty completing
homework.
• Stay after school upon request and/or when
necessary to work on assignments with the teacher.
• Present a written explanation to the teacher
when circumstances beyond his/her control prevent
timely return of an assignment; this explanation will
be signed by the parent/guardian.
• Complete assigned work. Homework is the responsibility
of the student, not the parent, sibling, or other
party. Homework is "practice" and the benefits
of doing it well will be reaped at assessment times.
• Make up missed assignments as indicated on
each teacher’s guideline.
• Record homework as it is assigned.
• Read and follow the policy against plagiarism
as stated in the Code of Conduct.
Parent
Responsibilities
Parents play a valuable role in the homework process.
Their communication, guidance, and support of their
son/daughter in the homework process are essential
if the value of good homework practice is to be realized.
The parent should -
• Review with their son/daughter each teacher’s
homework guideline at the beginning of each course,
sign it, and have their son/daughter return it as
requested.
• Encourage good homework practice. Assist them
in organizing their commitments, and try to establish
a definitive time and place to do homework.
• Assist with homework when necessary, not initially.
Let the son/daughter know that assistance is available
if requested, after they have attempted to do it on
their own.
• Help provide a quiet area that would be conducive
to doing homework assignments.
• Communicate to teachers when the parent feels
the homework might be too difficult or too much or
cannot be completed due to extenuating circumstances.
Be willing to discuss this openly with the teacher
and the son/daughter.
• Encourage the students to seek help, or contact
the teacher directly when the student is having difficulty.
Administrative
Responsibilities (Principal, Assistant, Supervisors)
For homework to be considered an important means to
success in all curricula, administrators need to be
involved in the process. They are the educational
leaders. Their leadership, support, and encouragement
will assist all parties in the pursuit of good homework
practices.
The administrators will –
• Review and monitor all teachers’ homework
guidelines, and make appropriate recommendations to
teachers before the guidelines are communicated to
the students.
• Place homework on the agenda at least once
a year at their department meetings. This is for the
purpose of exchanging ideas and giving each other
feedback and information.
• Assist in the dissemination of the High School
Homework Procedure and Practices.
• Review homework procedures and practices periodically
at faculty and supervisor meetings.
Homework guidelines
