Guidelines for Teachers

1. Homework is defined as any school work required to be done outside of the regular instructional day, and includes assignments of short term and long term duration.

2. Homework assessment and grading procedures must be clearly defined at the beginning of a course and communicated to students and parents.

3. Grades for homework should have a limited effect in determining a student's final grade.

4. Each homework assignment should have clearly stated purposes and be an extension of class work.

5. Homework should be developmentally appropriate in terms of content, activities, and length of assignment. See Section D, below, for recommendations of average homework times.

6. Homework should be assigned with awareness of the home resources available to a student and the family.

7. All completed homework should be evaluated and returned to the student within a reasonable length of time.

8. Homework should not be assigned without adequate student preparation.

9. Homework shall not be assigned for disciplinary purposes.

10. A student who misses homework assignments or other assignments or due dates because of absences, whether excused or unexcused, must be allowed to make up the work. Arrangements for completing the work should be made within five school days of the student's return to school. Arrangements should include a schedule for completion of the work.

a. For elementary students, the teacher must initiate the contact with the student regarding such work.

b. For middle and high school students, the student must initiate the contact with the teacher.

11. In all circumstances, homework and other assignments should be accepted, even when turned in after the designated due date. Credit for late work shall be awarded according to the following guidelines:

a. If the student was present in class on the due date, the work may be given less credit;

b. If the student was not present in class on the due date because of an excused absence, full credit shall be given for the completed work;

c. If the student was not present in class on the due date because of an unexcused absence, the work may be given less credit.