Homework Policy

For GoodShepherdLutheranSchool

Adopted on November 14, 2006

Purpose

GoodShepherdLutheranSchool believes that homework has a positive influence on learning and achievement.  It is an integral part of, and has significance in, the educational experiences of our students.  Homework is defined as the work that students complete independently outside of school.  We believe that homework should be included in the computation of student grades and failure to complete may result in lowering of a course grade.  The following policy encompasses objectives, time allotments, student responsibilities, and parent/guardian responsibilities.

Objective

Homework assignments should address the following objectives:

1. Provide drill or practice on a concept or skill already taught
2. Provide real life application of material studied in class
3. Provide data gathering and integration of knowledge experiences
4. Help develop higher levels of thinking
5. Help the student meet an intermediate deadline on a larger project.

At GoodShepherdLutheranSchool, we emphasize that time for schoolwork at home needs to be considered a study time.  A time should be set aside each evening for study.  This routine should continue on all school nights even when there is a not a specific turn-in type of assignment.  Students can always read a good book, go over the lessons of the day, or practice needed skills.  The following guidelines should be based on the average pupil and work toward the maximum time allotment by mid-year.  It is realized that the middle school is departmentalized and the guidelines actually show a weekly average.  The guidelines follow:

            Kindergarten – At the discretion of the teacher

            Grade 1 – 15-30 minutes daily

            Grade 2 – 15-30 minutes daily

            Grade 3 – 40-60 minutes daily

            Grade 4 – 50-70 minutes daily

            Grade 5 – 60-90 minutes daily

            Grades 6-8 – 1-2 hours daily

We strongly encourage children to finish homework in the morning if it gets too late at night.  Students should pay attention to how long it takes for them to do things and plan accordingly.

Student Responsibilities

1. Students are expected to record their assignments beginning in grade three.
2. Students are responsible for completion of homework.
3. Students should submit homework at a quality level.  It should be:
1. Completed and handed in on time
2. Legible, neat, and accurate in form and content
3. Completed according to directions given by the teacher.
4. Students are responsible to make up assignments when they are absent.
5. Students must communicate to the teacher any problems encountered with the homework.
6. Students are expected to have materials required for the completion of homework (i.e. textbook, worksheet, workbook, etc.).

    

Parent-Guardian Responsibilities

1. Parent/Guardian is encouraged to provide an environment that is conducive to proper concentration
2. Parent/Guardian should assist, support, and monitor the child’s homework without doing the work for the child.
3. Parent/Guardian should notify the school of the reasons for missing homework only if there are extenuating circumstances.
4. Parent/Guardian should request assigned work after the first day of absence.