MARSHFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLS' HOMEWORK POLICY

(as set by the Marshfield School Committee)

 

HOMEWORK                                                   

 

The School Committee recognizes homework as a valuable element in the educational process. The frequency, quantity, and content of homework are indicated below.

1.      Homework should be given to reinforce specific skills or concepts.

2.      Homework should be explained carefully by the teacher.

3.      The returning of homework in a timely fashion and correct manner is a major goal of this policy. Contact with the home or the issuance of progress reports is an expected action for repeated failure to turn in assignments.

 

LENGTH OF ASSIGNMENTS

 

Grade        Suggested Minimum Time for Homework          Additional Time for Student Reading

   K                                Occasional                                      Kindergarten parents are encouraged to read to their children daily

  1                                10 Minutes                                                        30 Minutes

   2                                20 Minutes                                                        30 Minutes

   3                                30 Minutes                                                        30 Minutes

   4                                40 Minutes                                                        30 Minutes

   5                                50 Minutes                                                        30 Minutes

 6-8                                2-3 hours                                                         45 Minutes

 9-12                              3-4 hours                                                         60 Minutes

Homework assignments should take into consideration individual differences of students such as health, ability, conditions at home, and educational resources at home. 

Homework for Special Needs students should be commensurate with their strengths and needs as defined in their Individual Educational Plans.

School activities, pursuing cultural interests, participating in family living, and exploring personal interests should be considered by teachers when planning consistent assignments.  Homework is not to be used as a form of punishment under any circumstances.

 

                                                                                                                                School Committee Policy 4-8-08

 

KINDERGARTEN (occasionally) 

Homework is not given on a regular basis, but parents are strongly encouraged to READ to their children daily and to reinforce any concepts on which they are working.  Occasionally, family projects are requested.  Absentees are asked to do missed class work for homework.             

GRADE ONE (10 minutes) 

Take-home books (pre-read in school) are sent home weekly with students to be shared with the family.  A weekly theme-related paper-pencil activity is also sent home to be shared with the family.  Parents are encouraged to READ nightly with/to their first graders.

GRADE TWO (20 minutes) 

Assignments will vary in nature among math, language arts (reading or spelling), social studies, and science.  There will also be occasional “at home” family projects assigned.  If there is no assigned homework for a given evening, children are expected to READ and/or have a parent or other sibling read to them.

GRADE THREE (30 minutes) 

Each child is expected to read at least 30 minutes each night.  Fifteen-minute assignments will be given in one or two other subject areas.  Some variation in assignments is to be expected on occasion.  Additionally, book reports, social studies and/or science projects will also be assigned at certain times throughout the year.

GRADE FOUR (40 minutes) 

Assignments will be given in different subject areas nightly and should require at least 40 minutes.  If a child finishes his/her homework early, s/he is expected to READ for the remaining portion of the 40-minute time period.

GRADE FIVE (50 minutes) 

Assignments will total 50 minutes minimum in social studies, math, science, and language arts.  Special projects each month may carry over through weekends or vacations.