Homework Policy

Homework: (Purpose of homework):

When teachers assign homework they do so for many reasons.

To improve academic performance

To promote independent study

To provide parents with the opportunity to see what is happening in school

To reinforce previous learning

To enrich students

To accommodate for ability/learning differences

To prepare for tests/quizzes

To work on major assignments/projects

To catch up on missed or unfinished work

What is homework? Homework is any assigned work which the student must complete after the school day. It is broken down into a couple of areas.

The first would be everyday work that is started in class but not completed. This work may not be given any significant value but is left to the discretion of the teacher. Usually the teacher will assign it for the next class. Sometimes a worksheet or set of questions are assigned for quick completion as a teaching tool for the next class. The value on this type of work is marginal.

Then there are major assignments or projects that are given with a set due date. Usually these involve anywhere from a week to a few months for completion and assigned considerable marks.

All assignments must be submitted at the time specified by the teacher. An extension may be granted under exceptional circumstances. These circumstances must be documented in a letter from the parent/guardian, prior to the deadline, outlining in detail, reasons why the assignment cannot be submitted on time. For those situations where a medical emergency may delay the date of the project then a medical note is required and the student will be given an extension equivalent to the number of school days missed due to the medical problem.

1. Work will be assigned so that reasonable time is given for completion. A major assignment requiring research and in-depth analysis would be given more time than that of a single worksheet or chapter questions at the end of a chapter of work.

2. A due date for completion will be given for all homework and projects/assignments.

3. Teachers will correct assignments/projects in a timely fashion and provide appropriate commentary so that it can be used as a learning opportunity for the student.

4. Parents should ensure that appropriate time is spent on homework and that an area in the home conducive to learning is provided. As a rule of thumb it is desirable that students in the intermediate grade should spend approximately fifteen minutes per grade level eg. Grade seven 1 ½ hrs, grade eight 1 ¾ hrs and grade nine 2 hours. This amount of time is flexible as time for completion of major projects and assignments may require additional time.

5. In the event that the student does not complete assignments/projects on time then the teacher is to ascertain the reason for the delay. In cases where the student provides an appropriate note from medical personnel then the teacher will allow the same amount of time as the student’s absence to complete the assigned work.

6. Where an appropriate note is not delivered then the student will be given a notice that for each school day the assignment/project is overdue there will be a 10% reduction on the value of the assignment/project for up to three school days and a maximum of 30% reduction.

7. If the student passes the assignment in after the three days then the teacher will hold the mark in abeyance and report a NHI (not handed in). If the student requires that mark to successfully complete the course then it will be factored in.

8. When assignments are not completed or handed in on time interventions will be put in place in an ascending order. They are as follows:

i.  For the first incident the teacher will address it directly with the student and a note made of the incompletion and date noted.

ii  If a second incident occurs a phone call/email to the parent by the teacher will be made. The student will also be given a detention.

iii. Should a third incident occur the parent and student will meet with the teacher and the student will sign a contract with the school agreeing to complete all assigned work. The student will also be given two detentions.

iv. On the fourth incident the administration will meet with the student and the parent to determine what must be done to ensure that the student understands the importance of completing assigned work. Further detentions, in-school and out of school suspensions will be considered at that time.

v.  Under very extraordinary circumstances the intervention of both the guidance counselor and/or an educational psychologist will be sought.