Elementary Homework Policy
Rationale: To establish consistent practices across the elementary grade levels, the following policy has been set forth as a guide for teachers, parents, and students in the East Union Elementary School. East Union families and staff members will strive to work together in order to assure students’ success in school.
Time Spent on Homework
Grading of Homework
Homework Completion
This policy is based on information provided by Dr. Cathy Vatterott, Associate Professor of Education at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Dr. Vatterott is a former middle school teacher and principal who has visited East Union to conduct professional development with staff members. She is nationally known as “The Homework Lady.”
Dr. Vatterott’s recommendations for effective homework strategies are found on the back of this policy.
“What Parents Need to Know About Homework”
-Dr. Cathy Vatterott
How can I get my kids to do their homework?
How much should I help?
The Homework Chain (Taylor, 2007)
Rationale: To establish consistent practices across the elementary grade levels, the following policy has been set forth as a guide for teachers, parents, and students in the East Union Elementary School. East Union families and staff members will strive to work together in order to assure students’ success in school.
Time Spent on Homework
- Research suggests that students spend no more than 10 minutes per grade level per night, all subjects combined. For example, a fourth grader would be expected to work no more than 40 minutes per night on homework.
- Teachers are encouraged to teach students how to prioritize homework assignments. For example, chunking long assignments would help students understand time management in terms of homework completion.
- If students are spending an excessive amount of time on homework, or show evidence that they are frustrated with the work, we request that parents contact teachers to work out a mutual plan for students’ success.
Grading of Homework
- Homework, if assigned for practice, will not be graded. Practicing the application of basic skills is, however, essential for developing mastery. Students will be expected to complete practice work.
- Summative (graded) projects may involve extra time at home for some students to complete; in these cases, the work done at home will be part of the summative grade.
Homework Completion
- Homework completion demonstrates mastery of Iowa Core Curriculum Standard ES. 5: Demonstrates productivity and accountability by producing quality work.
- Homework completion requirements will be determined by the teacher.
- Teachers may assign varying types of homework, depending on the needs of the learners.
This policy is based on information provided by Dr. Cathy Vatterott, Associate Professor of Education at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Dr. Vatterott is a former middle school teacher and principal who has visited East Union to conduct professional development with staff members. She is nationally known as “The Homework Lady.”
Dr. Vatterott’s recommendations for effective homework strategies are found on the back of this policy.
“What Parents Need to Know About Homework”
-Dr. Cathy Vatterott
How can I get my kids to do their homework?
- Explain to your child that it’s not your job: “Mom and Dad aren’t taking Algebra this year.”
- Talk with your child about your expectations and why homework is important.
- Help your child with organization.
- 13 steps to completing homework (see below)
- Empower your child to take ownership of the homework process.
- Negotiate where, when, and how.
- Rethink your child’s schedule of outside activities.
How much should I help?
- Monitor, but don’t hover or micromanage.
- Ask to see, don’t correct, and send note to teacher if needed.
- Jump in when frustration builds--before “meltdown” stage.
- Praise the effort.
The Homework Chain (Taylor, 2007)
- Realize an assignment is being given.
- Understand the assignment.
- Record the assignment accurately.
- Understand how to perform the assignment correctly.
- Check to bring correct books home.
- Arrive home with materials and the homework assignment.
- Begin the homework time.
- Complete all homework.
- Check that it is complete, accurate, and neat.
- Set completed homework in a special place.
- Take completed homework to school.
- Arrive at class with completed homework.
- Turn completed homework in on time.