Morris School District
MORRIS SCHOOL DISTRICT
Morristown, New Jersey 07960

Policy
File Code: 6154-R
Monitored:
Mandated:
Other Reasons X
HOMEWORK/MAKEUP WORK

Homework, an essential component of the district's educational program, should:
  1. Be assigned with regularity;

  2. Clearly relate to the curriculum and daily classroom instruction;

  3. Reinforce skills or knowledge previously taught, or explore new and related subject matter;

  4. Assist pupils to work independently, or in small groups, to organize and budget time, to develop good study skills and to develop a positive self image.
When assigning homework, teachers shall consider:
  1. The grade, ability and maturity of the pupil;

  2. The purpose of the assignment and its relationship to classroom instruction;

  3. The length of the assignment and time required to complete it;

  4. The need to make assignments clear and specific;

  5. The need to make certain that pupils know exactly what is expected of them and when the assignment is due;

  6. Homework demands being made by other teachers, or in other subject areas;

  7. The need to give feedback on homework and, where appropriate, provide sanctions for incomplete or incorrect assignments;

  8. The need to consider homework quality on a consistent basis in the calculation of grades;

  9. A minimum of two assignments per week in each academic course in grades seven through 12.
In general, teachers shall avoid specific assignments over holiday and vacation periods, although long-term assignments may extend across such periods.

Teachers shall expect pupils to:
  1. Record all homework assignments;

  2. Obtain information about missed assignments in the event of absence;

  3. Complete all homework assignments on time;

  4. Initiate discussion with teachers concerning problems encountered in completing assignments.

  5. Budget their study time appropriately;

  6. Plan and implement a time schedule for ongoing projects and long-term assignments.
Teachers shall encourage parents/guardians to:
  1. Motivate pupils to accept their responsibilities for completing homework assignments by providing an atmosphere of encouragement and support.

  2. Provide a suitable location and environment for homework;

  3. Assist pupils in budgeting their time and planning so that homework assignments are completed satisfactorily and on time;

  4. Communicate with teachers when problems arise which prevent children from completing assignments.
Grade Level Frequency of Assignments Suggested Total Daily Time
K Occasional as readiness permits  
1-2 Four times a week 20-25 minutes
3-4 Four times a week 30-35 minutes
5-6 Four times a week 40-45 minutes/td>
7-8 Daily 1-1½ hours
9-12 Daily 2-3 hours

This regulation shall be distributed in all school handbooks.

Date: April 14, 1986
November 19, 2001 Reviewed
 

Morris School District | 31 Hazel Street | Morristown, New Jersey | Phone: 973-292-2300
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