Policy 6154 - Homework and Make-Up Work

Homework and Make-Up Work

The Board of Education believes that homework serves many important purposes. The administration and certificated staff shall design homework plans and assignments so that through their homework, students can reinforce academic skills taught in school and learn how to conduct research effectively, develop ideas creatively and become life-long learners.

The Board of Education believes that homework is the responsibility of the student. It is the student’s job to develop regular study habits and to do most assignments independently. The Board of Education encourages teachers at all grade levels to use the parent/guardian as a contributing resource and to structure homework assignments so as to involve the parent/guardian without diminishing the student’s sense of responsibility. As needed, teachers may receive training in designing relevant, challenging and meaningful homework assignments that reinforce classroom learning objectives. Teachers’ expectations related to homework may be addressed in their evaluations.

Homework should reinforce classroom learning objectives and be related to individual student needs and abilities. When students repeatedly fail to do their homework, parents/guardians shall be notified and asked to contact the teacher.

The Superintendent shall ensure that each school site develops an effective homework plan in accordance with Board policy and administrative regulation.

Make-up

Work Students will be given the opportunity to make up school work missed because of an excused absence; and may be given an opportunity to make up school work missed because of a suspension or unexcused absence. Students shall receive full credit for make-up work if the work is turned in according to a reasonable make-up schedule.

Teachers may require a suspended student to complete any assignments and tests missed during suspension.

Students who miss school work because of unexcused absences may be given the opportunity to make up missed work for full or reduced credit. Teachers shall assign such make-up work as necessary to ensure academic progress, not as a punitive measure.

Rule 6154

The principal and staff at each school shall develop a school site homework plan which includes guidelines for the assignment of homework and describes the responsibilities of students, staff and parents/guardians. The plan shall identify the following:

1. For each grade level, the amount of time that students shall be expected to spend on homework;
2. For each grade level, the extent to which homework assignments shall systematically involve participation by parents/guardians;
3. The means by which parents/guardians shall be informed about homework expectations, how homework relates to the student’s grades, and how best to help their children;
4. Techniques that will be taught to help students allocate their time wisely, meet their deadlines, and develop good personal study habits.

Homework for Elementary Grades

1. Students should be expected to spend an average of thirty (30) minutes on homework at the primary level (grades 1-3) and an average of forty-five (45) minutes at the intermediate level (grades 4-6) four days a week. Classwork not completed in school may be considered an addition to homework. In addition, students may be required to engage in independent reading, 20-30 minutes nightly depending on the grade level.
2. Kindergarten homework assignments should stimulate students to talk often with their parents/guardians. Parents/guardians should be encouraged to read to their children.
3. Homework assignments in grades 1-3 should promote the development of skills and encourage family participation.
4. In grades 4-6, homework should continue to reinforce skill development and encourage family participation. Assignments should help develop good personal study habits and may include occasional special projects. Teachers should instruct students on how to develop good study techniques and habits.
5. Homework assignments should not require use of encyclopedias or other specialized materials unless sufficient time is allowed for students to get such materials from the library.
6. Students may be required to complete class work not completed at school in addition to the specific homework assignments.

Homework for Grades 7-9

1. Students should be expected to spend an average of one (1) hour on homework, four or five days a week. Class work not completed in school may be considered an addition to homework.
2. Teachers of academic subjects should provide regular homework activities which promote the development of skills and provide students with the opportunity to grow academically.
3. The teaching staff should coordinate assignments so that students do not receive an overload of homework assignments one day and very little the next.

Homework for Grades 10-12

1. Students should be expected to spend an average of eight to ten (8-10) hours a week on homework.
2. To help students learn to use time effectively, homework assignments should emphasize independent research, reports, special reading, and problem solving activities.

The Superintendent or designee shall notify parents/guardians that no student may have his/her grade reduced or lose academic credit for any excused absence when missed assignments and tests are satisfactorily completed within a reasonable period of time. Such notification shall include the full text of Education Code 48205.

The teacher of any class from which a student is suspended may require the student to complete any assignments and tests missed during the suspension.