HOMEWORK POLICY

Homework is an important part of the learning process in school. It is given primarily to extend and reinforce the classroom learning and to develop good work-study habits. The Madera staff has developed the following overall school plan for homework assignments, which suggests the total number of minutes per day allocated for each grade level. The responsibilities of teacher, student, and parent are also included.  Please do not call for homework the first day of your child’s absence. If your child is too sick to be at school, he/she is probably too ill to complete homework. Should students be absent for more than a few days, the teacher will make every attempt to provide work.

Homework is normally assigned according to the following guidelines in terms of “total minutes per day” to complete. Special classroom projects requiring an extended period of time to complete will be included as part of the daily minutes. The time needed to complete a given homework assignment will be based on what could be expected of an average student. Some students may take longer to complete an assignment, while other students may finish more quickly.

The homework time allocations are:

Grade Level                                                         Total Minutes per Day

Kindergarten through 3rd Grade                     up to 30 minutes

4th Grade through 6th Grade                           up to 60 minutes

Please note that this does NOT include the student class requirement of independent reading that should be occurring each evening.

Teacher Responsibilities:

• To provide homework assignments for all students in compliance with the grade level time allocations.
• To instruct students on how to develop good study techniques, study habits and the skills needed to complete homework assignments.
• To review and acknowledge the receipt of homework assignments.
• To indicate when parents should or should not help with homework assignments.

Student Responsibilities:

• To understand and make note of what is expected on the homework assignments.
• To obtain the necessary books and materials to do the assignment before leaving school.  The office staff and custodian will not permit students to return to classrooms for forgotten books or work after their teacher has left for the day.
• To complete and return the homework assignment on time.

Parent Responsibilities:

• To be aware of the student’s homework assignments.
• To provide a suitable place for the student to work, preferably someplace that is quiet, well-lighted, and supplied with any necessary equipment (scissors, ruler, pencils, pens, markers, etc.).
• To help the student establish good study habits at home, such as a regular time and place to study.
• To be supportive and encourage the student to do the work.
•  To speak with your child’s teacher if you have questions/concerns about the amount of time your child spends doing homework.