Homework Policy

The below guidelines specifically address the protocols and procedures for Homework and should not be confused with classwork. Classwork assignments are grading in accordance of the Miami Dade County Public School Student Progression Plan.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Use the assignment notebook and/or student planner to keep a record of all assignments, tests, and other responsibilities. Collect the necessary materials (books, worksheets, etc.) needed to complete the assignments.
  • Ask questions and seek help from teachers if confused about the assignment or any part of the work.
  • Be responsible for completing and returning all assignments on time to the teacher. This includes making up homework when absent. Follow all expected standards of quality concerning heading, neatness, content and directions.
  • Budget time wisely and share assignments, especially on long-range assignments with parents/guardians.

PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Contact teacher early if the student begins to develop a pattern of late or incomplete work.
  • Contact the teacher to clear up any misunderstandings, troubleshoot problems and be better informed about the students’ learning progress.
  • Ask the teacher about parent workshops and/or online tutorials available to help them understand the skill being taught to better assist their child with home-learning assignments.
  • Assist children in setting up a regularly scheduled homework time at a reasonable hour each day. See that he/she meets that daily commitment. Allow sufficient time for homework even though children may also be involved in family and community activities (sports, scouts, dance, arts, etc.)
  • Check the assignment notebook daily and encourage completion of all homework. Please remember that the homework is the child’s responsibility. Parents should not do the work for the child(ren) but should encourage accountability and monitor student efforts to show support. This applies to daily and long-range assignments and projects.
  • Encourage children to have an organized approach to homework by providing all needed materials.

TEACHER RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Be sure all assignments are created with a clear purpose and students can complete them independently.
  • Coordinate assignments and tests with other teachers to avoid student overload.
  • Inform parents/guardians in writing regarding teacher expectations and student responsibilities at the beginning of the school year.
  • Modify assignments to meet student needs, as necessary.
  • Prepare students to do the assignments (explain tasks and directions, teach study skills, etc.)
  • Given meaningful homework and provide students with prompt feedback on their assignments.
  • Consider participation in school-wide events, religious holidays, etc. in giving assignments.
  • Inform parents/guardians of long-term assignments and expected timelines for completion.
  • Teach and encourage students to use an assignment notebook or student planner and check it regularly to ensure effective use of this tool.
  • Set up a system for addressing late or incomplete assignments and communicate it clearly in written form to students and parents/guardians at the beginning of the school year.

GRADING OF HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS

In the primary grades (K – 2) daily homework assignments are not formally graded and reflected in report card grades. Concerns will be reflected under the Effort sections on the report cards.

In the intermediate grades (3 – 5) daily and long-range homework assignments will be graded at the discretion of the teacher. Students will be informed when assignments are to be graded and factored into their report card grades for content areas. Teachers will inform students and parents of their systems for grading homework and penalties for late or missing homework assignments and projects.

REQUESTING HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS WHEN STUDENTS ARE ABSENT

Students are occasionally absent from school due to personal illness, medical appointments, family emergencies, a death in the family, religious observance, etc.

If the parent/guardian believes the child can do work during the absence, the assignments must be requested by 9:00 AM. Parents/guardians are asked to indicate if the work is to be sent home with another child (suggest name) or picked up in the office at dismissal time. Teachers will do their best to compile all assignments before the end of the school day. In the event, that time does not permit, parents must allow 24 hours for teachers to compile such assignments.

Miami Dade County Public Schools discourages the practice of families taking children out of school for an extended time for vacations or recreational trips. Since homework is both an extension and a reinforcement of class work, it is not as effective when done as an isolated exercise. Teachers also find it difficult to accurately project exactly what will be taught during a child’s extended absence. It is difficult to predict how concepts will be grasped and content understood by the group in advance of the actual lessons.

Thus, formal homework assignments will not be prepared in advance for extended absences. General suggestions for reinforcing reading, math, spelling and writing skills may be made in lieu of specific homework tasks. The specific assignments will be gathered during the period of absence and provided to the child upon his/her return to school. The child will be given a reasonable period to complete the assignments.

COMMUNICATION

For students to be able to achieve the intended goals of homework assignments, communication between students, parents and teachers is essential. The following procedures are suggested:

  • At the beginning of the school year, the Homework Guidelines for Olympia Heights Elementary School will be distributed to all parents. Parents and teachers will be asked to review the guidelines and expectations with students.
  • Open House will provide parents with an additional opportunity for presentation, review, and clarification of the Homework Guidelines between teachers and parents.
  • At the beginning of the school year, individual teachers will inform parents in writing of all homework expectations and procedures at the grade level and in their classrooms.
  • Parents are urged to contact their child’s teacher when there are concerns about homework.
  • In grades in which they are used, student assignment notebooks or student planners are useful tools for parents and teachers to communicate in writing as needed.
  • Parent signatures on homework, tests or other student work may be required to facilitate communication between home and school. Parent cooperation is necessary for this requirement.