Flossmoor School District 161
K-8 Homework Guidelines
Purpose of Homework
In our commitment to excellence, Flossmoor School District 161 acknowledges the importance of homework as a continuation of the learning process. Homework provides practice that helps expand academic achievement, self-discipline, and responsibility. The effectiveness of homework is based on the coordinated efforts of the schools, parents, teachers, and students. The following guidelines were developed by the Homework Task Force based on current research and input from the school community.
Homework Time Guidelines
The following are the suggested guidelines for time allotted for daily homework:
Grades K-2 10 to 20 minutes
Grades 3-5 20 to 60 minutes
Grades 6-8 60 to 90 minutes
Due to the content in advanced or honors classes, students may be required to spend additional time on homework.
Every student is expected to spend additional time reading independently and practicing math facts.
Types of Homework
Preparation: Introduction of new materials that enables students to obtain background information or allows teachers to assess students’ background knowledge.
Practice: Reinforces prior knowledge and newly acquired skills/concepts taught in the classroom.
Extension: An opportunity for students to apply acquired skills/concepts to other situations.
Project/Product: An extension of skills and concepts taught in classrooms that may require research. Project expectations and timeframe(s) are communicated to the students. The project should reflect student’s work.
Expectations for Students
-Complete homework independently and turn it in on time.
-Obtain and complete missed assignments in a timely manner.
-Organize materials and assignments using assignment notebooks and/or folders.
-Understand homework before leaving class.
-Check homework and share completed assignments and assignment notebook with family.
-Balance schoolwork and extracurricular activities.
-Find a quiet place to do homework.
Expectations for Parents
-Develop a regular homework time/routine for your child.
-Provide a homework center that is free from distractions with appropriate supplies.
-Encourage your child to keep track of assignments in an organized way.
-Facilitate independent work and provide support as needed.
-Review completed assignments and assignment notebook/folder with your child.
-Assist your child in balancing schoolwork and extracurricular activities.
-Communicate openly with teachers.
-Monitor and limit TV viewing, telephone and computer usage, iPod, video games, and other electronic devices.
-Praise your child for having good homework habits.
Expectations for Teachers
-Assign meaningful homework that reinforces, enriches, or supplements classroom activities.
-Check homework and provide feedback to students in a timely manner.
-Coordinate major projects and tests between grade level/teams when possible.
-Encourage parent communication regarding homework related questions/concerns.
-Reinforce student responsibility and self-discipline through the completion of homework.
-Communicate homework expectations to parents and students early in the school year.
-Provide instruction and guided practice before assigning homework as independent practice.
-Provide differentiated homework assignments to meet the needs of students when appropriate.
-Count homework as a part of student effort and/or grade.
Purpose of Homework
In our commitment to excellence, Flossmoor School District 161 acknowledges the importance of homework as a continuation of the learning process. Homework provides practice that helps expand academic achievement, self-discipline, and responsibility. The effectiveness of homework is based on the coordinated efforts of the schools, parents, teachers, and students. The following guidelines were developed by the Homework Task Force based on current research and input from the school community.
Homework Time Guidelines
The following are the suggested guidelines for time allotted for daily homework:
Grades K-2 10 to 20 minutes
Grades 3-5 20 to 60 minutes
Grades 6-8 60 to 90 minutes
Due to the content in advanced or honors classes, students may be required to spend additional time on homework.
Every student is expected to spend additional time reading independently and practicing math facts.
Types of Homework
Preparation: Introduction of new materials that enables students to obtain background information or allows teachers to assess students’ background knowledge.
Practice: Reinforces prior knowledge and newly acquired skills/concepts taught in the classroom.
Extension: An opportunity for students to apply acquired skills/concepts to other situations.
Project/Product: An extension of skills and concepts taught in classrooms that may require research. Project expectations and timeframe(s) are communicated to the students. The project should reflect student’s work.
Expectations for Students
-Complete homework independently and turn it in on time.
-Obtain and complete missed assignments in a timely manner.
-Organize materials and assignments using assignment notebooks and/or folders.
-Understand homework before leaving class.
-Check homework and share completed assignments and assignment notebook with family.
-Balance schoolwork and extracurricular activities.
-Find a quiet place to do homework.
Expectations for Parents
-Develop a regular homework time/routine for your child.
-Provide a homework center that is free from distractions with appropriate supplies.
-Encourage your child to keep track of assignments in an organized way.
-Facilitate independent work and provide support as needed.
-Review completed assignments and assignment notebook/folder with your child.
-Assist your child in balancing schoolwork and extracurricular activities.
-Communicate openly with teachers.
-Monitor and limit TV viewing, telephone and computer usage, iPod, video games, and other electronic devices.
-Praise your child for having good homework habits.
Expectations for Teachers
-Assign meaningful homework that reinforces, enriches, or supplements classroom activities.
-Check homework and provide feedback to students in a timely manner.
-Coordinate major projects and tests between grade level/teams when possible.
-Encourage parent communication regarding homework related questions/concerns.
-Reinforce student responsibility and self-discipline through the completion of homework.
-Communicate homework expectations to parents and students early in the school year.
-Provide instruction and guided practice before assigning homework as independent practice.
-Provide differentiated homework assignments to meet the needs of students when appropriate.
-Count homework as a part of student effort and/or grade.