DBS CODE:  6154

INSTRUCTION:

Homework:

Philosophy:

The Somers Board of Education recognizes the need for homework on the part of students as a supplement to the learning activities of the classroom.

Homework is an integral part of the instructional process.  It represents an extension of the teachers directed practice activities into the home where the student does independent practice of similar learning activities.  Homework should also be used to extend students cognitive ability by helping them work toward high levels of thinking.  These assignments take the form of projects, reports, term papers and research projects.

Levels and Time Limits:

It should be understood that each grade level serves as the foundation for the next.  Homework should be introduced in the elementary school years to encourage responsibility as well as  good study habits and study skills.  The Board recognizes, however, that the amount of time devoted to homework and its degree of difficulty will vary according to the age and special needs of individual students.

Parent/teachers Responsibilities:

Teachers:

1.  Teachers will explain to students at the beginning of the year and subsequently, if necessary, the homework policy and how it will be carried out in their respective classes.

2.  Teachers will explain the purpose of a given homework assignment.

3.  Students should understand not only what to do, but also how to do it.

4.  Homework should grow from classroom problems, projects, and concerns.

5.  Homework assignments should be as individualized as possible realizing that students accomplish tasks as varying rates of speed and in varied situations.

6.  Teachers must insure the availability of necessary resources to carry out the assignment.

7.  Teachers must evaluate properly each homework assignment.  Students should understand the method to be used for evaluating the homework, its potential impact on grades, and what penalties might be imposed if deadlines are not met.

8.  Teachers must estimate the time needed to accomplish assignments and not take a disproportionate amount of the student’s time and effort.

9.  Teachers have the responsibility to communicate with parents of the children who are falling behind in completing homework assignments.

10.  Assignments before holidays and vacations should be avoided.  Consideration should be given students who may  not have adequate time for homework preparation due to religious observance or illness.  Homework should not prevent a family from fully participating in recreational activities.

What Teachers Can Expect From Parents Regarding Homework:

Parents Should:

1.  Understand the importance of homework in the development of the student’s study skills and in the mastery of the general subject matter.

2.  Help the student to develop a sense of responsibility about completing assignments and meeting deadlines.

3.  Provide place, time, and atmosphere conducive to studying at home.

4.  Understand that there is always a need for the student to review, to preview, or to improve a pending assignment.

5.  Make arrangements to pick up assignments if the student is to have an extended absence from school.

6.  Refrain from giving so much help that the value of the assignment is destroyed.

7.  Understand that because homework is an outgrowth of classroom instruction, it may be difficult to provide meaningful homework to students who have missed classroom explanation.

Legal Reference:  Connecticut General Statutes

10-221 Boards of Education to prescribe rules.

Adopted:  March 10, 1986