Philosophy

The Wareham Public Schools believe that meaningful homework assignments are necessary and when assigned systematically, provided additional time for learning the contributes toward improving the student’s academic achievement.  Homework builds on classroom work, encourages the development of self-discipline, develops responsibility, and strengthens the partnership between the parents/guardians and the school.  Homework increases opportunities for parental/guardian involvement in the child’s learning.  It enhances cooperation among the child, parent/guardian, and the school and promotes the academic and vocational success of the student.

Definition

Homework is defined as any instruction-related tasks and activities approved by the teacher to be completed by the student outside of the regular classroom without the immediate and direct supervision of the teacher.

Guidelines

All administrators, teachers, and parents/guardians responsible for the education of Wareham Public School students are expected to construct their efforts in such a way as to promote these homework requirements in every appropriate and conceivable manner.

Homework will be assigned according to the following guidelines:

Homework shall be based on instructional objectives and assignments made at the appropriate student instructional level.

Homework shall be recognized by students, parents, and teachers as part of the student requirements.

Homework assignments should be a purposeful extension of independent practice.  The assignment should be initiated in the class to ensure students’ proper understanding, and completed outside of the classroom.

Homework assignments should reinforce a variety of student skills in all subject areas.

Homework should encourage students to use external resources such as materials in the school library or in the public library, whenever possible.

Homework may encourage the use of technology as a learning tool and its applicability will be determined by the classroom teacher.

Homework assignments shall be monitored, evaluated, and may be considered in determining the subject grade.

Homework assignments shall be reviewed with students.  Student/Teacher interaction is necessary to promote positive attitudes toward homework and meaningful learning experiences.

Homework assignments shall encourage and promote positive opportunities for parent/guardian and child interaction.

Purposes

Homework is valid when it is used:

To reinforce learning through practice, application, integration and/or extension of knowledge and skills.

To develop student skills, work habits and a sense of personal responsibility so that the student may become an independent learner.

To stimulate imagination, originality and creativity.

To enhance home/school communication and provide for increased curriculum understanding.

To encourage a follow up of worthwhile school activities into permanent leisure interests.

To involve parents/guardians in the learning process of their children.

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 INSTRUCTIONAL CONNECTIONS

Practice

Practice assignments are given to provide the student an opportunity to continue that which has been presented and practiced in class, for example, the Math teacher assigns the student additional problems for homework after the Math concept has been both presented and practiced in class.

Preparation

Activating prior knowledge to prepare students to connect that knowledge with the new concepts to be taught.  Providing experiences for the students to connect with unknown concepts and knowledge.  For example, the teacher may assign the students to interview their parent/guardian about family traditions prior to an introduction to the concepts of ethnicity and culture.

Extension

Extension assignments challenge students to demonstrate understanding and applications of the knowledge and skills learned.  For example, the teacher may assign a choice of projects in which students would be challenged to apply and extend a Science concept already taught.

Creativity

Creativity assignments enhance knowledge by stimulating the students to utilize their unique talents through projects, demonstrations, art, drama, or music.  The teacher may assign a choice of projects in which students would demonstrate an understanding and interpretation of a story they have read.

Most importantly homework review is a critical component in the homework process to provide:

1.  opportunities for students to check for correctness, and
2. opportunities for teachers to check student understanding and plan individual future learning experiences
3. opportunities for teachers to provide feedback to students regarding the assignment.

Responsibilities for Elementary Schools

Each school will implement homework standards and procedure based upon the following requirements.  These procedures based upon the following requirements.  These standards and procedures will be reviewed and explained to staff, students, and parents/guardians at the beginning of each school year.

Administration

              * Implement the homework requirements.

              * Disseminate requirements to teachers, students and parents.

* Supply a homework folder (1 folder per child per year)

Teacher

             * Implement the homework requirements.

             * Communicate with parents in September, individual classroom homework

procedures and routines.  In addition, long term project assignments and due dates need to be communicated to parents during the school year.

             * Encourage parents to review homework assignments.

             * Provide purposeful homework assignments.

             * Assign homework according to age, maturity level, individual needs and

              interests of the students.

             * Establish standards relative to format, neatness, and procedures.

             * Be sure students understand and know how to complete assignments

              successfully.

             * Utilize homework folder system.

             * Expect students to spend the recommended average time in K-5.

             * Explain to students that homework assignments can effect grades.

             * Grade level teachers will coordinate homework assignments.

             * Consider the availability of resource materials when creating

assignments.

             * Review homework with the class and assess students’ understanding.

Parents/Guardians

It is the belief of the Wareham Public Schools that the involvement of parents/guardians is beneficial to a child’s academic growth and achievement.  It is the responsibility of the parents to:

              * Read and discuss the homework requirements with your child.

              * Provide necessary assistance and a positive, supportive attitude for

completing assigned tasks.

              * Provide a routine time and appropriate environment for study and

learning.

              * Review homework with the child consistently.

              * Promptly communicate any questions or concerns regarding homework

              assignments to your child’s teacher.

              * Monitor the use and return of the homework folder.

Student

              * Make sure you understand the homework assignment (s) before

learning school.

              * Use the homework folder to keep and carry homework to and from

school.  It is an important tool to help you with organizing your assignments and completed work.

              * Arrange with parents/guardians for a place to do your homework.

              * Schedule time for homework that is compatible with family and after

school activities.

* Do your homework with a minimum of parental help.

 

              * Do homework assignments as carefully and as neatly as in-school

work.            

              * Complete and return homework on time.          

              * Budget your time for long term projects.

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Time Frame

Kindergarten

Homework assignments should be designed to promote language and mathematical development and school readiness.  The central idea of Kindergarten homework is parent-child interaction.  It is strongly encouraged that the Kindergarten child be read to at home each day.

Grades 1 – 5

Homework assignments should give students an opportunity to prepare, review, practice, and further explore materials taught in class, and should vary in form, e.g., oral and written drill, study, recreational reading, written assignments, and preparation of reports.

Recommended Average Time

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