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Academics

HOMEWORK GUIDELINES

Rationale

Homework is an important extension of classroom learning, and an integral part of the elemen-tary school program. It is designed with attention to the cognitive and developmental level of the students.

Homework can also have beneficial effects other than the academic. It provides parents with an opportunity to see what is going on at school and express positive attitudes toward achievement.

For our younger students, homework can help:

  • develop good study habits and organizational skills.
  • develop independent learning.
  • develop independent practice and work habits.
  • develop responsible character traits.
  • illustrate that learning occurs in places other than school.

Assignments will usually be on material that has been taught previously, and given only after guided practice has been provided and the probability of success is high.
Homework can provide an opportunity for:

  • the extension of learning to higher levels of thinking.
  • periodic review of previously learned materials.
  • preparation for a new skill/concept.

Homework may not always be in written form, and the format may be varied. For example, in preparation for a new skill or topic students may be asked to read background material, collect materials, or discuss topics with parents. To extend/enrich learning, children may be asked to conduct an interview, complete a craft project, or work on "team" projects.

Guidelines

The time needed to complete homework assignments may vary based on individual abilities, learning styles, and time management skills. In order to provide for individual differences/circumstances, a note from parents would be helpful when:

  • students make a good effort to complete assignments, but are unable to because they"don't understand".
  • students work beyond the time limits established and are unable to complete the work.
  • students are unable to complete an assignment due to an action/decision by the parent.

Many religious observances prohibit students from spending any time on schoolwork. Students will be given a reasonable time to make up the missed class work and will not to be penalized for missing classes. Even if class work was provided before the absence, teachers realize that many religious days of obligation do not allow students to complete any schoolwork while they are out due to considerable family obligations. Therefore, teachers will not expect students to return ready to take missed tests or quizzes or to have completed assignments on the first day back to school.

The following are recommendations for frequency and length of assignments.

  • K - No regular schedule for homework.
  • 1st - Homework may be assigned on an occasional basis. It will often be projects to be shared between parent and child. Additional reading practice is encouraged. The frequency of assignments may increase throughout the year.
  • 2nd - Homework may be assigned on a regular basis but will not exceed 10-15 minutes. Additional independent reading may be assigned. The frequency of assignments may increase throughout the year.
  • 3rd - Generally, homework is assigned at least 2-4 times per week. Assignments are designed so that students will need no longer than 30 minutes to complete all homework. Additional in-dependent reading may be assigned.
  • 4th - Generally, homework is assigned 3-4 nights per week. Assignments are designed so that students will need no longer than 45 minutes to complete all homework. Additional independ-ent reading may be assigned.
  • 5th - Generally, homework is assigned each school night. Assignments are designed so that students will need no longer than one hour to complete homework. Additional independent reading may be assigned.

Responsibilities

Student - Make an honest effort to:

  • complete and return assignments on time.
  • take home materials needed for homework.
  • do careful, neat work that demonstrates their best work
  •  

Faculty

  • Identify and articulate the purpose of the homework.
  • Link homework to instructional goals.
  • Assign constructive not punitive homework.
  • Share homework expectations with students and parents early in the school year.
  • Design long-range assignments of greater length as students progress from the primaryto the intermediate grades.
  • Inform students and parents when and how homework will be graded.

Parent

  • Help set up a consistent organized place for homework to be done.
  • Help your child establish a schedule for completing homework with sufficient time.
  • Encourage, motivate, and prompt your child to do homework but do not do the homework for him/her.
  • If your child is not consistently able to do the homework by him/herself, please contactthe teacher.
  • If your child is not consistently able to complete homework in the recommended time,contact the teacher.
  • Even if your child is not finished, stop him/her at bedtime.
  • Help your child by planning trips and doctor appointments when school is not in session.
  • Do not ask teachers to provide assignments in anticipation of children being absent from school because of family pleasure trips or for other unexcused reasons. Please look at the student handbook for a description of excused and unexcused absences.

The above information is in accordance with the Pittsford Central School District Elementary Homework Guidelines.

VACATION HOMEWORK

Occasionally, parents will inform us that children will be absent from school for a period of time due to family travel, vacation, etc. While we cannot condone such absences, we cannot prevent them from occurring. In fact, some travel experiences may be unique learning opportunities. However, parents often request that teachers prepare "homework" for the student while absent.

Our policy is that classroom instruction is important and cannot be replaced by homework. We discourage teachers from sending workbooks and textbooks, but we do encourage parents to involve the student in activities related to the trip which would maintain current skills. Teachers will make every effort to be supportive and help catch up students upon their return.