Introduction

Homework is considered one of the formative assessments. It is counted in the semester grade but it does not count for more than 10%. Students should receive a feedback and/or grade on their homework in a timely manner (not later than five days after submission).

Definition

Homework is defined as the schoolwork that a student is required to do at home. It is done in preparation for a certain lesson taken or in preparation to future lessons that are planned and /or approved by the teacher. The student must complete this work outside regular class time in order to practice, reinforce or apply newly acquired skills and knowledge and to learn necessary skills of independent study.

Philosophy

Homework is another form of learning outside the classroom, which plays a role in good education and leadership skills. It helps students develop good, consistent study habits. Regular homework results in both vital education and life skills. Homework promotes good study habits; develops positive attitudes toward school and demonstrates to students that learning can also take place outside of the school setting.

Purpose of homework

1. Extend learning and provide practice in applying concepts initially presented in the classroom
2. Provide opportunities for independent work
3. Strengthen concept, time management and skill development
4. Provide opportunities for enrichment
5. Develop initiative, responsibility, self-direction and organizational skills
6. Engage with studies
7. Let students investigate on their own, learn how to find answers to questions, show that the teacher does not have an answer to everything.
8. Finish mundane things that class time did not permit.
9. Let students build, work as a team, on their own time, with their own schedule.
10. Enable teachers to keep track of progress

Types of Homework

1. Pre-Learning:
   Assignments used to provide an introduction or background for an upcoming lesson. This may include previewing an instructional video or reading an article related to the upcoming lesson.
2. Practice
   Assignments that allow students to practice a skill that has been previously taught and practiced in class.
3. Application/ Processing:
   Assignments that allow students to reflect on what was learned in class such as essays, and projects.

Quantity

Homework will be set according to the guidelines established by the School Board with the amount of homework set dependent on student grade level and the time of year.

Guideline Responsibilities

1. Student Responsibilities All students are to:
   • Complete their own assignments to the best of his/her ability.
   • Communicate a lack of understanding pertaining to assignments to parent and teacher
   • Return assignments on time.
   • Reflect on their learning.
2. School and Staff Responsibilities
   • Homework should be assigned with a purpose that is beneficial to student learning and aligned with standards.
   • Teachers should assign homework and due dates on the school’s portal in the beginning of the week.
   • Teachers and parents should expect their children to use an agenda to regularly record homework, assignments and due dates.
   • Homework is meant to increase good work habits and to promote learning; therefore, they are graded on completion not accuracy. However, teacher’s feedback on each homework is important to help students progress toward mastery of learning expectations as outlined in the school’s curriculum.
   • In kindergarten, homework is often used for practice and to keep parents updated about their children’s progress. It is often sent by the end of every week (Thursday).
3. Parental Responsibilities Parents are expected to:
   • Set up a quiet place to complete homework.
   • Provide clear expectations on when homework is completed.
   • Encourage and motivate children in order to promote independence and self-direction.
   • Have reflective conversations with the child upon completion of assigned homework.
   • Check both their child’s diary and the electronic homework calendar before contacting school regarding non-setting of homework.

Late work

Al students must complete and submit assigned work. The consequence for not completing this work is that it must be completed and submitted for assessment.
To ensure completion of assigned work, the following procedures should be taken:

1. Set clear and reasonable timelines
2. Communication to parents about assignment deadlines
3. Ensure that the task/ assignment is clear and understood
4. Support the students who will predictably struggle with the task without intervention.

When work is not completed, teachers should discuss with the student the necessity of completing assigned work and parents should be communicated to inform them that work is overdue. Meetings with parents may be conducted when necessary.
Late work will be accepted but with a reasonable deduction for “late work”. Furthermore, a comment on the report card will be posted to reflect lateness (if it becomes a habit).
In other words, late work is accepted to ensure that students are acquiring the knowledge related to that work but no later than the end of the instructional unit to which this work was assigned.
Students are expected to complete all assignments. Although zeros are discouraged, they might be assigned only when all the previously discuss efforts were taken to encourage students to complete and turn in work.

Based on this policy, homework is not intended to be challenging, extensive, or time-consuming.