Blaine MIDDLE SCHOOL

. . . Making A Difference

The purpose of homework is to enhance student achievement; help students become self-directed independent learners; and to develop good work habits.

Parents can expect homework to be:

Final projects, reports, or other long-term assignments which serve as a demonstration of student learning are not considered routine homework.

HOMEWORK MAY BE ASSIGNED TO BE COMPLETED OUTSIDE OF THE STUDENTS'S DAY FOR:

A. Practice -- to help students master specific skills which have been presented in class;

B. Preparation -- to help students gain the maximum benefits from future lessons;

C. Extension -- to provide students with opportunitiesto transfer specific skills or concepts to new situations; and

D. Creativity -- to require students to integrate many skills and concepts in order to produce original responses.

TIME LENGTH FOR SPECIFIC

GRADE LEVELS PER DAY:

6 30-60 minutes MON - FRI

7 60-90 minutes MON - FRI

8 60-90 minutes MON - FRI

TEACHER RESPONSIBILITIES

Carefully plan and organize homework assignments in accordance with time length guidelines.
Assign homework consistent with the needs and abilities of students.
Make clear to students at the time of the assignment the purposes of homework, the guidelines or rules, and the basis for evaluating the work performed.
Monitor and check for student understanding of the assignment and skills necessary to successfully complete the homework.
Review, acknowledge and return homework in a timely manner.
Utilize homework to locate problems in student progress and to individualize instruction.
Confer with parents regarding concerns as they arise.
Work with other CORE teachers to develop a consistent pattern for homework expectations between and across grade levels, disciplines and courses.

PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide encouragement and support;show interest in your child's work.
Assist students to develop good study habits by providing a comfortable, well-lit area free from distractions.
Evaluate your child's activities to be sure they have sufficient time to study and participate in family or outside activities.
Schedule a regular time for homework completion. Monitor homework completion and the efficient use of time.
Encourage students to complete their own homework, unless otherwise specified.
Confer with teachers regarding homework concerns and review student's planner. (Binder Reminder)
Acknowledge responsible homework habits and effort.
Contact teachers for homework on student extended absences from school

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Understand the homework assignment(s) before leaving school.
Take home all necessary materials to complete assignment(s).
Schedule and organize time for homework that is compatible with family and/or after school activities.
Schedule time free from distractions.
Complete and return homework on time.
Confer with teacher(s) regarding homework concerns.
Record assignments in Binder Reminder.
Collect and turn in all work missed during absence from school.