Homework Philosophy
Our school recognizes that homework is an important part of a student’s educational experience. Teachers must be able to evaluate, through classwork and homework, a student’s understanding of information presented in class. Further, we believe that consistent completion of classwork and homework assignments enhances a student’s learning experience and helps to build necessary academic skills as they advance in their schooling. At the same time, we recognize that homework may be a source of significant stress for some students and their families. We recognize the desired need to strike a balance between academic rigor and student well being with our homework policy listed below. There is a purpose of homework at SVS.
It is the student's responsibility to write down the assignments in the homework agenda book provided. All homework assignments should be completed neatly, carefully, and promptly. Please check and sign the student assignment book to see that your child is doing homework as it is assigned and that the entire assignment is completed. Each teacher has a policy regarding homework that is not completed. Upon returning to school after an absence, it is the student's responsibility to find out what work must be made up. Teachers will NOT provide class work or homework for future dates, such as for absences due to family vacations.
Purpose of Homework
The purpose of homework is to:
Strengthen critical learning skills and concepts taught in the classroom through independent practice
Provides an opportunity for the teacher to acquire an increased level of awareness of student’s areas of strengths and areas for growth
Improve the student’s skill and ability to follow directions, organize, plan, and manage time
Allows ample time for meaningful and purposeful student opportunities to demonstrate application of knowledge and skills
Benefit from credited or non-credited tasks for continued learning and growth
Display confidence and become more self-reliant and responsible
Own their academic, physical, social strengths and challenges
Exercise self-advocacy by asking questions and learning from mistakes
Teachers’ Role in Homework
In following the Homework Policy, teachers will:
Evaluate individual student’s strengths and challenges
Acquire a perspective of how each student learns and for teachers to make adjustments in utilizing teaching strategies if necessary
Provide immediate and constructive feedback regarding student progress
Identify the purpose of each homework assignment (pre-learning, checking for understanding, practice, processing, reinforcement, and more)
Make certain that students of different abilities know how to complete homework
Parents’ Role in Homework
In following the Homework Policy, parents should be able to:
Recognize and celebrate their child’s strengths and accomplishments
Feel empowered to taper their level of involvement based on their child’s developmental needs, independence, and level of ability
Acquire a better understanding of their child’s learning style
Receive feedback from their child regarding what they are learning and how he or she is progressing toward the goal of content mastery
We ask that parents:
Provide a quiet space, free from distraction, with the basic materials for homework completion
Allow technology and other helpful materials to be used as tools for work completion
Support their child in managing time wisely, meeting deadlines, and developing good study habits
Monitor student time management, efficiency, and productivity
Check and review all school provided materials
Encourage your child at the earliest opportunity to communicate with their teacher if they are having consistent issues with homework
TK-K: Homework not to exceed 15-20 minutes
Grades 1-2: Homework not to exceed 30 minutes
Grades 3-5: Homework not to exceed 1 hour
Grades 6-8: Homework not to exceed 2 hours
This does not include assigned reading time or time spent on long-range assignments.
