homework policy at school

Creating a Homework Policy With Meaning and Purpose

Tips & Strategies
An Introduction to Teaching
Policies & Discipline
Community Involvement
School Administration
Technology in the Classroom
Teaching Adult Learners
Issues In Education
Teaching Resources
Becoming A Teacher
Assessments & Tests
Elementary Education
Secondary Education
Special Education
Homeschooling
M.Ed., Educational Administration, Northeastern State University
B.Ed., Elementary Education, Oklahoma State University

We have all had time-consuming, monotonous, meaningless homework assigned to us at some point in our life. These assignments often lead to frustration and boredom and students learn virtually nothing from them. Teachers and schools must reevaluate how and why they assign homework to their students. Any assigned homework should have a purpose.

Assigning homework with a purpose means that through completing the assignment, the student will be able to obtain new knowledge, a new skill, or have a new experience that they may not otherwise have. Homework should not consist of a rudimentary task that is being assigned simply for the sake of assigning something. Homework should be meaningful. It should be viewed as an opportunity to allow students to make real-life connections to the content that they are learning in the classroom. It should be given only as an opportunity to help increase their content knowledge in an area.

Differentiate Learning for All Students

Furthermore, teachers can utilize homework as an opportunity to differentiate learning for all students. Homework should rarely be given with a blanket "one size fits all" approach. Homework provides teachers with a significant opportunity to meet each student where they are and truly extend learning. A teacher can give their higher-level students more challenging assignments while also filling gaps for those students who may have fallen behind. Teachers who use homework as an opportunity to differentiate we not only see increased growth in their students, but they will also find they have more time in class to dedicate to whole group instruction .

See Student Participation Increase

Creating authentic and differentiated homework assignments can take more time for teachers to put together. As often is the case, extra effort is rewarded. Teachers who assign meaningful, differentiated, connected homework assignments not only see student participation increase, they also see an increase in student engagement. These rewards are worth the extra investment in time needed to construct these types of assignments.

Schools must recognize the value in this approach. They should provide their teachers with professional development that gives them the tools to be successful in transitioning to assign homework that is differentiated with meaning and purpose. A school's homework policy should reflect this philosophy; ultimately guiding teachers to give their students reasonable, meaningful, purposeful homework assignments.

Sample School Homework Policy

Homework is defined as the time students spend outside the classroom in assigned learning activities. Anywhere Schools believes the purpose of homework should be to practice, reinforce, or apply acquired skills and knowledge. We also believe as research supports that moderate assignments completed and done well are more effective than lengthy or difficult ones done poorly.

Homework serves to develop regular study skills and the ability to complete assignments independently. Anywhere Schools further believes completing homework is the responsibility of the student, and as students mature they are more able to work independently. Therefore, parents play a supportive role in monitoring completion of assignments, encouraging students’ efforts and providing a conducive environment for learning.

Individualized Instruction

Homework is an opportunity for teachers to provide individualized instruction geared specifically to an individual student. Anywhere Schools embraces the idea that each student is different and as such, each student has their own individual needs. We see homework as an opportunity to tailor lessons specifically for an individual student meeting them where they are and bringing them to where we want them to be.

Homework contributes toward building responsibility, self-discipline, and lifelong learning habits. It is the intention of the Anywhere School staff to assign relevant, challenging, meaningful, and purposeful homework assignments that reinforce classroom learning objectives. Homework should provide students with the opportunity to apply and extend the information they have learned complete unfinished class assignments, and develop independence.

The actual time required to complete assignments will vary with each student’s study habits, academic skills, and selected course load. If your child is spending an inordinate amount of time doing homework, you should contact your child’s teachers.

Homework Guidelines for Elementary and Middle School Teachers
6 Teaching Strategies to Differentiate Instruction
Classroom Assessment Best Practices and Applications
Essential Strategies to Help You Become an Outstanding Student
An Overview of Renaissance Learning Programs
Creating a Great Lesson to Maximize Student Learning
Effective Classroom Policies and Procedures
How Scaffolding Instruction Can Improve Comprehension
The Whys and How-tos for Group Writing in All Content Areas
How Much Homework Should Students Have?
Gradual Release of Responsibility Creates Independent Learners
5 Types of Report Card Comments for Elementary Teachers
Methods for Presenting Subject Matter
7 Reasons to Enroll Your Child in an Online Elementary School
Teaching Strategies to Promote Student Equity and Engagement
Collecting Homework in the Classroom

ChatGPT for Teachers

Trauma-informed practices in schools, teacher well-being, cultivating diversity, equity, & inclusion, integrating technology in the classroom, social-emotional development, covid-19 resources, invest in resilience: summer toolkit, civics & resilience, all toolkits, degree programs, trauma-informed professional development, teacher licensure & certification, how to become - career information, classroom management, instructional design, lifestyle & self-care, online higher ed teaching, current events, advice on creating homework policies.

Getting students to work on their homework assignments is not always a simple task. Teachers need to take the initiative to create homework policies that encourage students to work hard to improve their achievement in the classroom setting. Educational leadership starts with making a policy that helps students learn and achieve while competing with extracurricular activities and the interests of students.

Set high standards

Homework policies need to have high standards to encourage students to work hard on achieving the best possible results. Student achievement in school improves when teachers set high standards and tell students that they are expected to meet the standards set in the classroom.

By setting high standards for the homework policy, teachers are ensuring that the students will be more willing to work on getting assignments done. The policies for homework that teachers and parents create can help improve student understanding of materials and result in better grades and scores on standardized tests.

Focus on study skills

Teaching students in their early education is a complicated task. Teachers need to balance the age of the students with the expected school, state and federal educational standards. Although the temptation to create a homework policy that focuses on repetition and traditional assignments can make the policy easy to create, it also removes the focus from establishing strong study skills and habits to engage students in education.

Creating a homework policy for younger students in the elementary grades should avoid traditional assignments and focus on building study skills and encouraging learning. Older students after elementary school are ready to take on written assignments rather than using technology and other tools.

Putting more focus on study skills will set a stronger foundation for homework in the future. As students get into higher grades, the type of assignments will focus on writing with a pen or pencil. The age of the student must be considered and the goal is to create a strong foundation for the future.

Involve the parents

Getting parents involved in the homework policy will encourage students to study and complete the assigned tasks. Asking parents to get involved to facilitate assignments will ensure students are learning without the parents completing the assignment for their child.

The goal of involving the parents in the homework policy is getting the family to take an interest in ensuring the assignments are completed. The best assignments will allow the student to manage the work without seeking answers from a parent. That allows parents to supervise and encourage their child without giving the answers.

Give consequences for incomplete assignments

Homework is an important part of providing educational leadership in the classroom. Although parental involvement and high standards can help encourage students to study, it is also important to clearly state the consequences if assignments are incomplete or not turned in on time.

A clear homework policy will lay out the possible consequences of avoiding assignments or turning in incomplete work. Consequences can vary based on the student grade level and age, but can include lowering the grades on a report card or taking away classroom privileges.

Although it is important to provide details about the consequences of avoiding the assignments, teachers can also use a reward system to motivate students to complete their work. Rewards can focus on the entire class or on individual rewards, depending on the situation. For example, teachers can give a small candy when students complete five assignments in a row.

Consequences and rewards can serve as a motivating factor when it comes to the homework policy. By clearly stating the potential downsides and the benefits to the student, it is easier for students to focus on the work.

Creating homework policies is part of educational leadership in the classroom. Although homework must focus on helping students achieve, it also needs to clearly state the expectations and give details about the benefits and consequences of different actions. By giving a clear policy from the first day of school, the students will know what to expect and can gain motivation to work on achieving the best results.

Homework policy: examples

See examples of homework policies from primary, secondary and special schools to help you write your own. also, adapt our sample clause for handling the impact of ai tools on homework., primary school, secondary school, special school, multi-academy trust, sample ai clause.

Shadwell Primary School in Leeds has a homework policy that covers:

When pupils take books home for reading
How long they should spend reading at home
English and maths homework
Spelling and times tables expectations
Additional half-termly homework tasks, such as a learning log and key instant recall facts
Instances when pupils may receive additional homework
How homework will be recorded
Rewards and sanctions

Chelmsford County High School for Girls in Essex has a school-wide homework policy setting out:

The importance of homework
Types of homework that could be set
How much time different year groups should spend on homework

North Ridge High School in Manchester has a homework policy that explains:

How homework may differ in form, expectations and outcomes
How long the school recommends pupils spend on homework
The roles of the class teacher, leadership team and governing board, and parents and carers
The homework that different Key Stages and learners will get
Marking, feedback and pupil absence

The policy also includes a homework timetable.

STEP Academy Trust has homework policies set for its schools that are agreed by the board of trustees. Each policy has been adapted slightly for each school.

To find the homework policies , scroll down in the 'Policy' search box in the top-right corner, and select 'STEP homework policy' – you'll see a list with links to homework policies for each of the trust's schools.

The DfE has advised that you may wish to review your homework policy to consider the impact of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools (such as ChatGPT and Google Bard) on homework and unsupervised work.

Adapt our example text below to suit your school's context and approach to AI.

Primary schools

Secondary schools.

We're working on some practical guidance to help you get to grips with AI - select 'save for later' in the top right-hand corner of this page to be updated when it's ready.

The Key has taken great care in publishing this article. However, some of the article's content and information may come from or link to third party sources whose quality, relevance, accuracy, completeness, currency and reliability we do not guarantee. Accordingly, we will not be held liable for any use of or reliance placed on this article's content or the links or downloads it provides. This article may contain information sourced from public sector bodies and licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

This article is only available for members

Want to continue reading?

Start your free trial today to browse The Key Leaders and unlock 3 articles.

Already a member? Log in

Start getting our trusted advice

Thousands of up-to-the-minute articles
Hundreds of templates, letters and proformas
Lawyer-approved model policies

Satchel One learning platform
About Satchel
Get in touch
Back to all blog posts

How to Write the Perfect Homework Policy

Author: Naimish Gohil

Posted: 10 May 2017

Estimated time to read: 4 mins

Homework is an integral part to the learning process and as such, each school should have a clear homework policy readily available to teachers, students and parents that sets out your expectations when it comes to home-learning .

how to write the perfect homework policy

A clear and effective homework policy will mean that quality and quantity of homework can be easily tracked and all stakeholders are on the same page. We've created our own Homework Policy that you can adapt for use in your school or use as an outline when creating your own policy:

1‭. ‬Introduction

This is the school’s policy for the provision of homework to pupils and has been drawn up in accordance with guidance from the DFE and Sutton Education Trust‭.‬ It must be recognised that parents play a vital role in the education of their child‭, ‬therefore it is important and valuable to‭ ‬have a good home-school partnership‭, ‬of which a homework policy must address‭.‬

2‭. ‬Homework‭ - ‬A definition

Homework is defined as any work or activity that students are asked to undertake outside of lesson time‭, ‬either on their own or‭ ‬with the aid of parents and carers‭. ‬Homework doesn’t necessarily have to be completed at home but can be completed in free periods and after-school homework clubs‭. ‬We see work completed outside of lesson time as a valuable part of a student’s learning‭.‬

3‭. ‬The purpose of homework‭ ‬

The school regards the purpose of homework as being to‭:‬

‭ Provide learners with the opportunity to work on an activity that is relevant to learning outcomes‭, ‬or that contributes to gaining qualifications/accreditations‭.‬
Develop an effective partnership between the school‭, ‬parents and carers in pursuing the academic aims of the school and the development of their child‭.‬
Consolidate and reinforce skills and understanding prior to the following lesson‭, ‬particularly in English and Mathematics‭.‬
Extend learning across the curriculum‭, ‬for example through additional reading‭.‬
Encourage pupils as they get older to develop the confidence‭, ‬self-discipline and independence to develop organisational skills‭.‬

As a school‭, ‬we encourage children to pursue out-of-school activities‭. ‬Homework should be used to effectively reinforce and/or extend what is learned in school‭. ‬We hope that children will feel a sense of personal satisfaction in a task completed well and that their efforts will be recognised and praised both at home and at school‭. ‬

Homework tasks should be undertaken to the best of‭ ‬their ability‭. ‬We hope that parents and carers will be willing and able to give their active support to ensure that work completed at home is done so conscientiously and in the best possible conditions‭.‬

4‭. ‬Current practice‭ ‬

At the beginning of the academic year‭, ‬each year group will be informed about what is expected of them with regards to homework‭.‬

5‭. ‬Time to be spent completing homework

Based on current good practice‭, ‬we ask pupils to spend the following amount of time on homework‭:‬

Years 7‭ ‬to 9‭: ‬1‭ - ‬2‭ ‬hours per day

Years 10‭ ‬&‭ ‬11‭: ‬1‭ - ‬3‭ ‬hours per day‭ ‬

Pupils may be expected to undertake a variety of homework activities‭. ‬These activities will differ depending on the teacher and‭ ‬subject‭. ‬Examples include‭: ‬Reading tasks‭, ‬numeracy tests‭, ‬spelling tests‭, ‬quizzes‭, ‬project work‭, ‬classwork extensions‭, ‬coursework‭, ‬essays and research activities‭.‬ As a general rule‭, ‬teachers will not usually set substantial homework tasks to be completed for the next day‭, ‬pupils will have at least two days to complete any work set‭.‬

6‭. ‬Pupil feedback

The school recognises the importance of providing prompt and actionable feedback to pupils‭, ‬parents and carers‭. ‬Feedback will include how well homework tasks have been tackled‭, ‬and the knowledge‭, ‬skills and understanding developed‭.

‬A variety of methods will be used to provide feedback‭, ‬such as an appropriate comment of praise‭, ‬appreciation or area for improvement‭. ‬Any given feedback will vary according to the age of the pupil‭.‬

7‭. ‬Where to access the school homework policy

The school will use newsletters to inform parents and carers about the school’s homework policy and secure their involvement‭. ‬The homework policy‭, ‬as well as useful information for parents in supporting their child’s learning‭, ‬is displayed on the school website‭. ‬

Parents’‭ ‬Evenings and New Intake Evenings will be used to promote this partnership and obtain feedback‭ (‬e.g‭. ‬English and Mathematics workshops‭). ‬Homework questionnaires will be used where appropriate to ascertain parent views‭. ‬Parents will be consulted about any significant changes to the policy that are being considered by the governing body‭.‬

8‭. ‬Reviewing the policy

The homework policy will be reviewed every year‭. ‬Where significant changes to the policy are felt to be required‭, ‬proposals will‭ ‬be presented to the governing body and parents consulted‭.‬

download the improtance of homework guide PDF

Get a roundup of our articles once per month.

Subscribe to Email Updates

FREE quiz tool

Browse through over 500k questions created by teachers on Neeto , create a quiz and share back to Satchel One. It's free!

Frog Education

Schools & Education
Professional Development
Special Projects
Global Initiatives

The power of a good homework policy

Published 18th March 2019 by Frog Education

With the homework debate continuing to rage and be fuelled by all parties involved, could publishing a robust homework policy help take some of the headache out of home learning?

What is a homework policy.

The idea of a homework policy is for the school to officially document and communicate their process for homework. The policy should outline what is expected of teachers when setting homework and from students in completing home learning tasks. It is a constructive document through which the school can communicate to parents, teachers, governors and students the learning objectives for homework.

Do schools have to have a homework policy?

It is a common misconception that schools are required by the government to set homework. Historically the government provided guidelines on the amount of time students should spend on home learning. This was withdrawn in 2012 and autonomy was handed to headteachers and school leaders to determine what and how much homework is set. Therefore, schools are not required by Ofsted or the DfE to have a homework policy in place.

The removal of official guidelines, however, does not give pupils the freedom to decide if they complete homework or not. Damian Hinds , Education Secretary, clarified that although schools are not obliged to set homework, when they do, children need to complete it in line with their school’s homework policy; “we trust individual school head teachers to decide what their policy on homework will be, and what happens if pupils don’t do what’s set.”

The majority of primary and secondary schools do set homework. Regardless of the different views on the topic, the schools that do incorporate homework into their learning processes, must see value in it.

Clearly communicating that value will demonstrate clarity and create alliance for everyone involved – both in and outside of school. This is where the publication of a good homework policy can help. 5 Benefits of publishing a good homework policy

#1 Manages students' workload

Studies have shown a correlation between student anxiety and demanding amounts of homework. One study found that in more affluent areas, school children are spending three hours per evening on homework. This is excessive. Secondary school students’ study between eight and ten subjects, which means they will have day-to-day contact with a number of teachers. If there is no clear homework policy to provide a guide, it would be feasible for an excessive amount of homework to be set.

A homework policy that sets out the expected amount of time students should spend on homework will help prevent an overload. This makes it more realistic for children to complete homework tasks and minimise the detrimental effect it could have on family time, out-of-school activities or students’ overall health and well-being.

#2 Creates opportunity for feedback and review

The simple act of having an official document in place will instigate opportunities for regular reviews. We often consider the impact of homework on students but teachers are also working out-of-hours and often work overtime . One reason is the need to set quality homework tasks, mark them and provide valuable feedback. No-one, therefore, wants home learning to become about setting homework for homework’s sake.

A regular review of the policy will invite feedback which the school can use to make appropriate changes and ensure the policy is working for both teachers and students, and serves the school’s homework learning objectives.

#3 Connects parents with education

Parents’ engagement in children’s education has a beneficial impact on a child’s success in school. Homework provides a great way for parents to become involved and have visibility of learning topics, offer support where needed and understand their child’s progress.

A good homework policy creates transparency for parents. It helps them to understand the value the school places on homework and what the learning objectives are. If parents understand this, it will help set a foundation for them to be engaged in their child’s education.

#4 Gives students a routine and creates good habits

Whether children are going into the workplace or furthering their education at university, many aspects of a student’s future life will require, at times, work to be completed outside of traditional 9-5 hours as well as independently. This is expected at university (students do not research and write essays in the lecture theatre or their seminars) and will perhaps become more important in the future workplace with the growth of the gig economy (freelancing) and the rise of remote working .

A homework policy encourages a consistency for out-of-school learning and helps students develop productive working practices and habits for continued learning and independent working.

#5 Helps students retain information they have learned

A carefully considered and well-constructed home learning policy will help teachers set homework that is most effective for reinforcing what has been taught.

A good homework policy will indicate how to set productive homework tasks and should limit the risk of less effective homework being set, such as just finishing-off work from a lesson and repetition or memorisation tasks. What makes a good homework policy?

A good homework policy will determine how much homework is appropriate and what type is most effective for achieving a school’s learning objectives. Publishing the homework policy – although it might not unify everyone’s views on the matter – fosters good communication across the school, sets out expectations for teachers and pupils, and makes that significant connection between parents and their children’s education. But most importantly, if the policy is regularly reviewed and evaluated, it can ensure home learning remains beneficial to pupils’ progress, is of value to teachers and, ultimately, is worth the time and effort that everyone puts into it.

Frog 's Homework Solu tion

If you'd like to see better results from homework and independent learning, you should see HomeLearning in action!

- Set and mark online and offline homework in seconds - Access 300,000 curriculum-mapped quizzes using FrogPlay - Track homework setting and completions in MarkBook - Provide full visibility for parents, leaders, staff and pupils - Encourage independent learning

Get a demo of HomeLearning :

Speak to Frog

Back to Blog Listing

Home Learning
homework policy

We believe that every child can be given a unique and personal education, and that this can be delivered by today’s teachers without increasing workload through the clever use of technology.

+44 (0)1422 250800

[email protected]

Dean Clough Mills, Halifax HX3 5AX Find on Google Maps

Our Mission

What’s the Right Amount of Homework?

Decades of research show that homework has some benefits, especially for students in middle and high school—but there are risks to assigning too much.

Many teachers and parents believe that homework helps students build study skills and review concepts learned in class. Others see homework as disruptive and unnecessary, leading to burnout and turning kids off to school. Decades of research show that the issue is more nuanced and complex than most people think: Homework is beneficial, but only to a degree. Students in high school gain the most, while younger kids benefit much less.

The National PTA and the National Education Association support the “ 10-minute homework guideline ”—a nightly 10 minutes of homework per grade level. But many teachers and parents are quick to point out that what matters is the quality of the homework assigned and how well it meets students’ needs, not the amount of time spent on it.

The guideline doesn’t account for students who may need to spend more—or less—time on assignments. In class, teachers can make adjustments to support struggling students, but at home, an assignment that takes one student 30 minutes to complete may take another twice as much time—often for reasons beyond their control. And homework can widen the achievement gap, putting students from low-income households and students with learning disabilities at a disadvantage.

However, the 10-minute guideline is useful in setting a limit: When kids spend too much time on homework, there are real consequences to consider.

Small Benefits for Elementary Students

As young children begin school, the focus should be on cultivating a love of learning, and assigning too much homework can undermine that goal. And young students often don’t have the study skills to benefit fully from homework, so it may be a poor use of time (Cooper, 1989 ; Cooper et al., 2006 ; Marzano & Pickering, 2007 ). A more effective activity may be nightly reading, especially if parents are involved. The benefits of reading are clear: If students aren’t proficient readers by the end of third grade, they’re less likely to succeed academically and graduate from high school (Fiester, 2013 ).

For second-grade teacher Jacqueline Fiorentino, the minor benefits of homework did not outweigh the potential drawback of turning young children against school at an early age, so she experimented with dropping mandatory homework. “Something surprising happened: They started doing more work at home,” Fiorentino writes . “This inspiring group of 8-year-olds used their newfound free time to explore subjects and topics of interest to them.” She encouraged her students to read at home and offered optional homework to extend classroom lessons and help them review material.

Moderate Benefits for Middle School Students

As students mature and develop the study skills necessary to delve deeply into a topic—and to retain what they learn—they also benefit more from homework. Nightly assignments can help prepare them for scholarly work, and research shows that homework can have moderate benefits for middle school students (Cooper et al., 2006 ). Recent research also shows that online math homework, which can be designed to adapt to students’ levels of understanding, can significantly boost test scores (Roschelle et al., 2016 ).

There are risks to assigning too much, however: A 2015 study found that when middle school students were assigned more than 90 to 100 minutes of daily homework, their math and science test scores began to decline (Fernández-Alonso, Suárez-Álvarez, & Muñiz, 2015 ). Crossing that upper limit can drain student motivation and focus. The researchers recommend that “homework should present a certain level of challenge or difficulty, without being so challenging that it discourages effort.” Teachers should avoid low-effort, repetitive assignments, and assign homework “with the aim of instilling work habits and promoting autonomous, self-directed learning.”

In other words, it’s the quality of homework that matters, not the quantity. Brian Sztabnik, a veteran middle and high school English teacher, suggests that teachers take a step back and ask themselves these five questions :

How long will it take to complete?
Have all learners been considered?
Will an assignment encourage future success?
Will an assignment place material in a context the classroom cannot?
Does an assignment offer support when a teacher is not there?

More Benefits for High School Students, but Risks as Well

By the time they reach high school, students should be well on their way to becoming independent learners, so homework does provide a boost to learning at this age, as long as it isn’t overwhelming (Cooper et al., 2006 ; Marzano & Pickering, 2007 ). When students spend too much time on homework—more than two hours each night—it takes up valuable time to rest and spend time with family and friends. A 2013 study found that high school students can experience serious mental and physical health problems, from higher stress levels to sleep deprivation, when assigned too much homework (Galloway, Conner, & Pope, 2013 ).

Homework in high school should always relate to the lesson and be doable without any assistance, and feedback should be clear and explicit.

Teachers should also keep in mind that not all students have equal opportunities to finish their homework at home, so incomplete homework may not be a true reflection of their learning—it may be more a result of issues they face outside of school. They may be hindered by issues such as lack of a quiet space at home, resources such as a computer or broadband connectivity, or parental support (OECD, 2014 ). In such cases, giving low homework scores may be unfair.

Since the quantities of time discussed here are totals, teachers in middle and high school should be aware of how much homework other teachers are assigning. It may seem reasonable to assign 30 minutes of daily homework, but across six subjects, that’s three hours—far above a reasonable amount even for a high school senior. Psychologist Maurice Elias sees this as a common mistake: Individual teachers create homework policies that in aggregate can overwhelm students. He suggests that teachers work together to develop a school-wide homework policy and make it a key topic of back-to-school night and the first parent-teacher conferences of the school year.

Parents Play a Key Role

Homework can be a powerful tool to help parents become more involved in their child’s learning (Walker et al., 2004 ). It can provide insights into a child’s strengths and interests, and can also encourage conversations about a child’s life at school. If a parent has positive attitudes toward homework, their children are more likely to share those same values, promoting academic success.

But it’s also possible for parents to be overbearing, putting too much emphasis on test scores or grades, which can be disruptive for children (Madjar, Shklar, & Moshe, 2015 ). Parents should avoid being overly intrusive or controlling—students report feeling less motivated to learn when they don’t have enough space and autonomy to do their homework (Orkin, May, & Wolf, 2017 ; Patall, Cooper, & Robinson, 2008 ; Silinskas & Kikas, 2017 ). So while homework can encourage parents to be more involved with their kids, it’s important to not make it a source of conflict.

Homework Policy Still Going Strong

Posted January 15, 2014
By Lory Hough

It's become one of those stories that has legs. Two years after we ran a feature story on whether schools should assign homework, we're still receiving letters to the editor and new tweets. On the Ed. site, the story has consistently been one of the most shared.

" Are You Down With or Done With Homework ?" featured Stephanie Brant, principal of Gaithersburg Elementary School in Gaithersburg, Md., who got rid of nightly homework in exchange for nightly reading and longer projects. At the time, Brant was just a few months into the homework change. Since the story in Ed. continues to spark so much interest among readers, we asked Brant if the policy was still in place, how it was going, and whether she had been approached by other media.

"Absolutely," she says, noting that The Washington Post , Family magazine, msn living, and The Huffington Post contacted her, as did several principals and school boards, asking if they could visit the school.

And the policy continues. "What's changed is the culture and community that we created," she says. "We've really built a culture of reading, at school and at home." Of course, some parents, especially new parents, still ask questions. "They ask, 'My child isn't doing math homework?' And I get it. I'm a parent, too."

But now, instead of reassuring them with talk of what she hopes will happen, she can tell them what has happened — students are making progress.

"The majority of our kids don't go to preschool. Now, since the policy, the majority of them leave kindergarten reading," she says. "At the end of the last school year, we looked at every student who started reading below grade level. Every one of them has risen at least 1.2 levels in growth. We've also had kids who grew 10 and 11 grade levels in one year."

Brant has made it easy for kids to embrace the new reading culture. Not only does she give them the time at home to read by not assigning other homework, but she also makes books readily available: Around school, there are book baskets in the halls. During the summer, in her gray Acura RDX, she becomes a one-woman bookmobile, driving around the city twice a week, giving out free books to kids — some donated, many that she paid for herself.

It's exactly what Brant wanted when she changed the homework policy. "Reading here has become the norm," she says. "My hope when I started this was to make reading a habit. Students who read become adults who read."

Are You Down With or Done With Homework?

Ed. Magazine

The magazine of the Harvard Graduate School of Education

The Case for Homework

Hill: parents need to link schoolwork to future goals.

Connect with us to understand how we can help you.

State* Andhra Pradesh Chhattisgarh Delhi Gujarat Haryana Himachal Pradesh Karnataka Madhya Pradesh Maharashtra Odisha Punjab Rajasthan Tamil Nadu Telangana Uttar Pradesh Uttarakhand Others

Solution Products* School Loans Smart Learning Maths and Science labs Digital Smart Classroom School ERP and Fee Management Integrated Curriculum Solution School Bus Insurance School Uniform
I authorize Varthana to connect with me over call and WhatsApp overriding my registration with NDNC

Board of Directors
Our Investors
School Solution
VCARE – Varthana care for you

How To Create An Effective Homework Policy In School?

by Team Varthana
Posted on January 12, 2024
in School Assignment , School Homework Management

Homework, for us, brings to mind endless writing without a clear reason, often leading to missing out on evening games. We didn’t enjoy it in school and never really questioned why.

Since homework is an integral part of the educational experience, providing students with opportunities to reinforce learning, develop essential skills, and cultivate a sense of responsibility is the criteria. However, creating an effective homework policy requires careful consideration, especially in the diverse and dynamic educational landscape of India.

A homework policy is a set of guidelines, rules, and principles established by educational institutions to govern the assigning, completion, and evaluation of homework assignments. This policy outlines the expectations and responsibilities of students, teachers, and parents regarding homework.

It serves as a framework to ensure that homework is purposeful, relevant, and contributes to the overall learning objectives of the educational institution.

What are the Key Components of a Homework Policy in School?

1. purpose of homework and the educational philosophy:.

This includes reinforcing classroom learning, developing independent study skills, and fostering a sense of responsibility.

2. Guidelines for Homework Assignment:

Such as complexity, relevance to the curriculum, and differentiation to accommodate varying student abilities.

3. Time Allocation:

Specifies the recommended time students should spend on homework each day, including extracurricular activities and rest.

4. Parental Involvement:

Supporting their children with homework, communication channels between teachers and parents, and a conducive environment for learning at home.

5. Feedback and Evaluation:

Providing timely and constructive feedback on homework assignments, emphasizing feedback as a tool for improvement.

6. Technology Integration:

Guidelines for the use of digital tools and ensuring accessibility for all students.

7. Flexibility and Accommodations:

Considering the diverse needs and circumstances, include allowing for alternative assignments or extended deadlines when necessary.

8. Collaborative Learning:

Through group projects, peer reviews, or other cooperative activities that foster teamwork and communication skills .

Also Read: 7 techniques to boost communication skills for teachers and administrators

9. Alignment with Curriculum:

Ensures that homework assignments align with the broader curriculum goals and contribute to the mastery of key concepts and skills.

10. Cultural Sensitivity:

Acknowledges cultural diversity and ensures that homework assignments are culturally sensitive and inclusive.

Also Read: Leveraging Tech: 5-Step Guide for Teachers & Parents to Support Students with Special Needs

Homework Policies for Each Phase of School Education

Homework policy for kindergarten:, 1. purposeful play and exploration:.

Homework in kindergarten should emphasize purposeful play and exploration. Activities may involve simple art projects, interactive games, or reading together with parents to foster a love for learning.

2. Limited Duration:

Keep homework sessions short, typically not exceeding 10-15 minutes. Kindergarten students have short attention spans, and the emphasis should be on enjoyable and age-appropriate learning experiences.

3. Parental Engagement:

Encourage parents to engage with their child during homework time, making it a positive and bonding experience. Homework may involve activities that promote fine motor skills, creativity, and basic literacy.

Homework Policy for Elementary School:

1. balanced subjects:.

Assign homework that covers a range of subjects, supporting a well-rounded education. This can include math problems, reading assignments, science experiments, and simple research projects.

2. Development of Basic Skills:

Homework should focus on developing foundational skills, such as reading comprehension, basic math operations, and written expression. It provides opportunities for independent practice and reinforces what is taught in class.

3. Parental Support:

Encourage parents to provide support as needed, fostering a positive home-learning environment. Homework can serve as a communication tool between teachers and parents, keeping them informed about what is happening in the classroom.

Homework Policy for Primary School:

1. subject-specific assignments:.

As students move into primary school, homework may become more subject-specific. Assignments can include math exercises, reading comprehension tasks, science projects, and social studies research.

2. Preparation for Higher Grades:

Homework serves as preparation for higher grades by introducing students to more structured assignments. It encourages time management and responsibility while reinforcing the importance of daily practice.

3. Feedback and Assessment:

Use homework for formative assessment , providing constructive feedback to guide students’ progress. This feedback loop helps identify areas of strength and areas needing improvement.

Also Read: 5 formative assessment techniques for real time feedback

Homework Policy for Secondary School:

1. diverse subjects and specializations:.

Homework in secondary school becomes more diverse as students take on different subjects and potentially specialize in certain areas. Assignments may include essays, research projects, and problem-solving tasks.

2. Preparation for Exams:

Homework plays a crucial role in preparing students for exams. It reinforces learning, allows for deeper exploration of topics, and helps students develop study strategies for upcoming assessments.

3. Independent Learning:

Encourage independent learning skills. Secondary school students should be capable of managing their workload, researching independently, and applying critical thinking skills to their assignments.

Homework Policy for High School:

1. advanced academic rigor:.

High school homework involves advanced academic rigor, often requiring critical analysis, research, and synthesis of information. Assignments may be more extensive and may contribute to overall course grades.

2. College and Career Preparation:

Homework in high school prepares students for college or vocational pursuits. It emphasizes skills such as research, time management, and effective communication, essential for success in higher education and future careers.

3. Balance and Well-Being:

Acknowledge the increased academic demands and extracurricular commitments in high school. Strive for a balance that promotes student well-being, considering the importance of mental health and a holistic educational experience.

Homework Policy for Pre-University College (PUC):

1. academic specialization:.

Homework in PUC is often more specialized, focusing on subjects relevant to the chosen course of study. Assignments may be research-intensive, requiring students to delve deeply into their chosen field.

2. Critical Thinking and Research:

Emphasize critical thinking and research skills. PUC homework should challenge students to think analytically, apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios, and engage in independent scholarly inquiry.

3. Transition to Higher Education:

Homework in PUC serves as a bridge to higher education. It helps students adapt to the expectations of college-level coursework, where independent research and self-directed learning become increasingly important.

4. Preparation for Examinations:

PUC homework is closely tied to exam preparation, helping students develop effective study habits, time management skills, and a comprehensive understanding of the subjects they are studying.

Tips for Creating an Effective Homework Policy for Students

1. understanding cultural dynamics:.

A homework policy should be sensitive to the diversities, acknowledging that students may come from varied socio-economic backgrounds and have different levels of support at home. Tailoring homework assignments to be inclusive and culturally relevant ensures that all students can engage meaningfully with the material.

2. Balancing Academic Rigor and Well-being:

While academic excellence is a priority, it’s essential to strike a balance between challenging students and safeguarding their mental health. The pressure-cooker environment of education can be overwhelming, so a well-crafted homework policy should consider the recommended guidelines for the amount of homework assigned, ensuring it aligns with developmental needs and does not contribute to excessive stress.

3. Clear Communication with Parents:

Transparent communication with parents is crucial for the success of any homework policy. Schools should clearly articulate the purpose of homework, its role in the learning process, and the expected level of parental involvement . Regular updates and parent-teacher meetings can facilitate a collaborative approach, fostering a supportive learning environment at home.

Also Read: 5 formative assessment techniques for real-time feedback

4. Differentiated Homework Assignments:

Recognizing the diverse learning styles and abilities of students, teachers should design homework that allows for differentiation. Tailoring assignments to cater to varying levels of proficiency ensures that each student is appropriately challenged and has the opportunity to succeed .

Also Read: Tips for Parents to help their children succeed in school

5. Aligning Homework with Curriculum Goals:

The homework policy should be closely aligned with the broader curriculum goals of the school. Assignments should reinforce classroom learning, providing students with opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in practical contexts. This alignment ensures that homework serves as a meaningful extension of the educational experience rather than a disconnected task.

6. Promoting Self-directed Learning:

A well-designed homework policy encourages self-directed learning and critical thinking. Assignments that prompt students to explore topics independently, ask questions, and connect learning across subjects foster a sense of curiosity and intellectual engagement.

7. Incorporating Technology Thoughtfully:

In the digital age, incorporating technology into homework assignments can enhance the learning experience. However, it’s essential to do so thoughtfully, considering accessibility issues and ensuring that technology complements the learning objectives rather than becoming a distraction.

8. Providing Timely and Constructive Feedback:

Feedback is a crucial component of the learning process. Teachers should establish a system for providing timely and constructive feedback on homework assignments. This not only helps students understand their strengths and areas for improvement but also fosters a culture of continuous learning.

9. Encouraging Collaborative Learning:

Homework assignments that encourage collaboration can be beneficial in schools. Group projects, peer reviews, and cooperative learning activities promote teamwork, communication skills, and a sense of shared responsibility.

10. Flexibility and Adaptability:

Recognizing that students may face unforeseen challenges at home or in their personal lives, a flexible and adaptable homework policy allows for accommodations when needed. Teachers should be understanding and responsive to individual student needs, ensuring that the policy is a tool for support rather than a source of additional stress.

Also Read: How can school leaders help parents get to know the school staff better?

A well-designed homework policy is a valuable tool for creating a positive and effective learning environment. In all phases of school education, it’s essential to consider the developmental needs of students, provide clear communication between teachers and parents, and maintain a balance that promotes both academic success and overall well-being.

Homework should be purposeful, aligned with educational goals, and conducive to the development of lifelong learning skills. Additionally, an effective homework policy contributes to the overall well-being of students by striking a balance between academic rigor and the importance of a holistic educational experience.

Latest Blogs

Jodhpur school leader finds joy in educating dangiyawas local kids and fulfilling their dreams, february 23, 2024, 6 impact of social media on education, february 26, 2024, why is stem education crucial for future job opportunities, february 27, 2024, most viewed blogs, the benefits of teaching financial literacy to children at an early age, march 22, 2024, this school leader from kota opens a school addressing the community’s competitive exam needs, april 5, 2024, what to do when low enrollment becomes a problem for your school, april 8, 2024.

21st century skills (1)
Bias in Schools (1)
Budget Private Schools (3)
Bullying (2)
Business (1)
career guidance (1)
Career Guidance In School (1)
Career planning (1)
Child Labour (1)
Classroom Management (35)
Customer stories (119)
Diversity in Education (6)
Education (343)
Educational Podcasts (1)
Empathy in Education (2)
Exam Management (1)
Examination (1)
Extracurricular Activities (6)
Festive Learning (2)
Finance (11)
Financial Literacy (4)
Gen Z and Education (1)
Girl Education (2)
Higher education (2)
Language Skills (1)
Learning Loss (2)
Learning Styles (2)
Menstrual Hygiene (3)
Mental health (18)
Outdoor Education (5)
Parent-Teacher Communication (1)
Parents engagement (8)
school administration (1)
School Admissions (2)
School Assignment (1)
School budget (5)
School data analytics (1)
School Education (1)
School Enrollment (1)
School Field Trips (1)
School finance (7)
School Growth (9)
School Homework Management (1)
School Infrastructure (10)
School Insurance (1)
School Leadership (18)
School Loan (18)
School Loans (1)
School Management (1)
School Safety (2)
School self evaluation (5)
Skill-Based Learning (1)
Social Media in Education (4)
STEM Learning (4)
Student Apps (1)
Student Counselling (1)
Student Mental Health (1)
Student Productivity (11)
Teacher Podcasts (1)
teacher training (9)
Teacher-Student Relationship (2)
Teachers training (9)
technology (2)
Technology in Education (8)
Technology in School (3)
Uncategorized (7)
Vocational Education (1)
Women in STEM (4)

Dear Varthana Customer,

We have an information update regarding your loan/s with us.

Your details are submitted successfully.

You can see how this popup was set up in our step-by-step guide: https://wppopupmaker.com/guides/auto-opening-announcement-popups/

Should Kids Get Homework?

Homework gives elementary students a way to practice concepts, but too much can be harmful, experts say.

Mother helping son with homework at home

Getty Images

Effective homework reinforces math, reading, writing or spelling skills, but in a way that's meaningful.

How much homework students should get has long been a source of debate among parents and educators. In recent years, some districts have even implemented no-homework policies, as students juggle sports, music and other activities after school.

Parents of elementary school students, in particular, have argued that after-school hours should be spent with family or playing outside rather than completing assignments. And there is little research to show that homework improves academic achievement for elementary students.

But some experts say there's value in homework, even for younger students. When done well, it can help students practice core concepts and develop study habits and time management skills. The key to effective homework, they say, is keeping assignments related to classroom learning, and tailoring the amount by age: Many experts suggest no homework for kindergartners, and little to none in first and second grade.

Value of Homework

Homework provides a chance to solidify what is being taught in the classroom that day, week or unit. Practice matters, says Janine Bempechat, clinical professor at Boston University 's Wheelock College of Education & Human Development.

"There really is no other domain of human ability where anybody would say you don't need to practice," she adds. "We have children practicing piano and we have children going to sports practice several days a week after school. You name the domain of ability and practice is in there."

Homework is also the place where schools and families most frequently intersect.

"The children are bringing things from the school into the home," says Paula S. Fass, professor emerita of history at the University of California—Berkeley and the author of "The End of American Childhood." "Before the pandemic, (homework) was the only real sense that parents had to what was going on in schools."

Harris Cooper, professor emeritus of psychology and neuroscience at Duke University and author of "The Battle Over Homework," examined more than 60 research studies on homework between 1987 and 2003 and found that — when designed properly — homework can lead to greater student success. Too much, however, is harmful. And homework has a greater positive effect on students in secondary school (grades 7-12) than those in elementary.

"Every child should be doing homework, but the amount and type that they're doing should be appropriate for their developmental level," he says. "For teachers, it's a balancing act. Doing away with homework completely is not in the best interest of children and families. But overburdening families with homework is also not in the child's or a family's best interest."

Negative Homework Assignments

Not all homework for elementary students involves completing a worksheet. Assignments can be fun, says Cooper, like having students visit educational locations, keep statistics on their favorite sports teams, read for pleasure or even help their parents grocery shop. The point is to show students that activities done outside of school can relate to subjects learned in the classroom.

But assignments that are just busy work, that force students to learn new concepts at home, or that are overly time-consuming can be counterproductive, experts say.

Homework that's just busy work.

Effective homework reinforces math, reading, writing or spelling skills, but in a way that's meaningful, experts say. Assignments that look more like busy work – projects or worksheets that don't require teacher feedback and aren't related to topics learned in the classroom – can be frustrating for students and create burdens for families.

"The mental health piece has definitely played a role here over the last couple of years during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the last thing we want to do is frustrate students with busy work or homework that makes no sense," says Dave Steckler, principal of Red Trail Elementary School in Mandan, North Dakota.

Homework on material that kids haven't learned yet.

With the pressure to cover all topics on standardized tests and limited time during the school day, some teachers assign homework that has not yet been taught in the classroom.

Not only does this create stress, but it also causes equity challenges. Some parents speak languages other than English or work several jobs, and they aren't able to help teach their children new concepts.

" It just becomes agony for both parents and the kids to get through this worksheet, and the goal becomes getting to the bottom of (the) worksheet with answers filled in without any understanding of what any of it matters for," says professor Susan R. Goldman, co-director of the Learning Sciences Research Institute at the University of Illinois—Chicago .

Homework that's overly time-consuming.

The standard homework guideline recommended by the National Parent Teacher Association and the National Education Association is the "10-minute rule" – 10 minutes of nightly homework per grade level. A fourth grader, for instance, would receive a total of 40 minutes of homework per night.

But this does not always happen, especially since not every student learns the same. A 2015 study published in the American Journal of Family Therapy found that primary school children actually received three times the recommended amount of homework — and that family stress increased along with the homework load.

Young children can only remain attentive for short periods, so large amounts of homework, especially lengthy projects, can negatively affect students' views on school. Some individual long-term projects – like having to build a replica city, for example – typically become an assignment for parents rather than students, Fass says.

"It's one thing to assign a project like that in which several kids are working on it together," she adds. "In (that) case, the kids do normally work on it. It's another to send it home to the families, where it becomes a burden and doesn't really accomplish very much."

Private vs. Public Schools

Do private schools assign more homework than public schools? There's little research on the issue, but experts say private school parents may be more accepting of homework, seeing it as a sign of academic rigor.

Of course, not all private schools are the same – some focus on college preparation and traditional academics, while others stress alternative approaches to education.

"I think in the academically oriented private schools, there's more support for homework from parents," says Gerald K. LeTendre, chair of educational administration at Pennsylvania State University—University Park . "I don't know if there's any research to show there's more homework, but it's less of a contentious issue."

How to Address Homework Overload

First, assess if the workload takes as long as it appears. Sometimes children may start working on a homework assignment, wander away and come back later, Cooper says.

"Parents don't see it, but they know that their child has started doing their homework four hours ago and still not done it," he adds. "They don't see that there are those four hours where their child was doing lots of other things. So the homework assignment itself actually is not four hours long. It's the way the child is approaching it."

But if homework is becoming stressful or workload is excessive, experts suggest parents first approach the teacher, followed by a school administrator.

"Many times, we can solve a lot of issues by having conversations," Steckler says, including by "sitting down, talking about the amount of homework, and what's appropriate and not appropriate."

Study Tips for High School Students

High angle view of young woman sitting at desk and studying at home during coronavirus lockdown

Tags: K-12 education , students , elementary school , children

2024 Best Colleges

Search for your perfect fit with the U.S. News rankings of colleges and universities.

Blog The Education Hub

https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2018/10/28/education-secretary-i-trust-head-teachers-to-decide-their-homework-policies/

Education Secretary: I trust head teachers to decide their homework policies

Education Secretary Damian Hinds has today written an op-ed for the Sunday Times setting out his position on homework, which has been followed up with a news story . He says that ultimately up to heads and school leaders to decide whether to set homework and what the consequences should be if children do not complete their homework set.

The Education Secretary said:

One of the tougher things I’ve taken on recently was solving a ‘part-whole model’, involving nine ducks and a jagged shoreline. This was, I should clarify, a piece of homework for one of my children, not something called for in my day job. Homework is a staple of school life, and of home life. Parents know this. After all, almost every one of us will have done homework ourselves as a child and most of us will be drafted in to help with it at some point as a parent, carer or grandparent. There has been some high-profile interest of late on social media suggesting that homework is bad for children, at least in the first half of schooling. There have even been subsequent questions about its legal status. Just to be clear: schools are not obliged to set homework, and some don’t. But when schools do set homework, children do need to do it. We trust individual school head teachers to decide what their policy on homework will be, and what happens if pupils don’t do what’s set. Policy and approach won’t be the same in all cases. Autonomy for schools, and the diversity that comes with it, is at the heart of this government’s approach to education. Of course, schools should, and do, communicate with parents. Parents need to know where they stand. Teachers obviously need to be realistic about expectations, and they know this. Obviously, no one wants children spending an inordinate amount of time every night doing homework. Clearly, there are other important things to do, too – like playing outside, family time, eating together. Good homework policies avoid excessive time requirements – focusing on quality rather than quantity and making sure that there is a clear purpose to any homework set. In 2011 we helped set up the Education Endowment Foundation as an independent expert body to study and advise on “what works” in education. It has established that, although there are more significant educational improvements derived from homework at secondary school, there can still be a modest but positive impact at primary level. Homework isn’t just some joyless pursuit of knowledge. It’s an integral part of learning. Beyond the chance to practice and reinforce what you’ve learned in class, it’s also an opportunity to develop independent study and application – and character traits like perseverance. Children need to know that what they do has consequences. At secondary school, if a pupil doesn’t complete their homework, they risk falling behind. They may also hold up others – clearly it is harder for the teacher to keep the whole class moving forward if some are doing the homework and others aren’t. At primary school, too, we all want our children to develop their knowledge – but we also want them to develop values. Homework set at primary school is likely to be of relatively shorter duration. But if a child is asked to do it and they don’t, for that to have no consequence would not be a positive lesson. Ultimately, of course, the responsibility for a child’s educational development is a shared one. Parental involvement makes a big difference, from the very earliest stage. In the early years parents can support their child’s development through story telling, singing or reading together. Later on, homework can give an ‘in’ for continued involvement in learning. Homework should not in general require adult help, and with today’s busy lives it certainly can be hard to find the time. But I know as a parent that we are called on as reinforcements if an assignment is especially challenging. Other times, it falls to parents just to give a nudge. I want all children to enjoy their progress through school and they will have a much better chance of doing this if they are not having to play catch-up during the day. Parents need to trust teachers, with all their experience of teaching and learning – and know that their child’s homework is not just proportionate, but will be of lasting benefit. From motivation and self-discipline to the wonder of independent learning, homework can teach children about far more than the part-whole model, some ducks and a jagged shoreline.

Sharing and comments

Share this page, related content and links, about the education hub.

The Education Hub is a site for parents, pupils, education professionals and the media that captures all you need to know about the education system. You’ll find accessible, straightforward information on popular topics, Q&As, interviews, case studies, and more.

Please note that for media enquiries, journalists should call our central Newsdesk on 020 7783 8300. This media-only line operates from Monday to Friday, 8am to 7pm. Outside of these hours the number will divert to the duty media officer.

Members of the public should call our general enquiries line on 0370 000 2288.

Sign up and manage updates

Homework Policy

Policy generator.

We’re all aware of how students dread homework. They don’t like the idea of doing schoolwork at home after spending a whole day in school. We know how that feels. We’ve all been there during our elementary , high school , and college years. Although laziness is among the reasons, there are credible justifications for why students hate homework. That’s why some schools have imposed policies to regulate homework. Too much homework can be counterproductive. So as a school admin, if you see that your teachers are overworking students with homework, make your move to control it. You can start by downloading our Homework Policy Examples !

10+ Homework Policy Examples

1. homework policy template.

Size: 93 KB

2. Middle School Homework Policy

Size: 81 KB

3. Elementary School Homework Policy

Size: 657 KB

4. Sample Homework Policy

Size: 192 KB

5. High School Homework Policy

Size: 163 KB

6. Homework Policy Example

Size: 233 KB

7. Basic Homework Policy

Size: 16 KB

8. School Homework Policy Template

9. Homework Policy in PDF

Size: 165 KB

10. High School Homework Policy Example

Size: 59 KB

11. Kindergarten Homework Policy

Size: 77 KB

What Is a Homework Policy?

A school homework policy is a set of guidelines on how often teachers should give homework or what type of homework they should give. Its main function is to protect students from being overworked and ensure that their homework is beneficial to their learning .

Homework policies are an important aspect of classroom management . It’s crucial not to drown students with school work. They need time to breathe from doing study activities . Other than that, some teachers might be giving homework that contributes nothing to their studies. Homeworks that are irrelevant only serves to waste the students’ time and energy. But with a homework policy elementary school, high school, or college, that won’t happen.

The Purpose of Homework in Schools

At the start of this blog, we’ve been shedding a bad light on homework inadvertently. Giving a home assignment to a student has some benefits. After all, homework wouldn’t exist in the first place if it doesn’t have a real purpose.

One purpose of homework is to push students to immerse themselves more with their studies. That helps them to absorb what they’ve learned during classes more effectively. It keeps their learning process consistent outside of the classroom . And also, homework teaches students to be responsible and professional, especially when it comes to meeting deadlines.

Another function of homework is that it can be a way for parents to be more involved in their children’s education. They can monitor what lessons their kids are studying by seeing what sort of schoolwork they’re doing at home.

How to Create a Homework Policy

Among the first steps you must take to protect students from too much and irrelevant homework is creating a homework policy. To get you started, we’ll show you our short 4-step guide below.

Step 1: Conduct a Survey

In general, conducting a survey is the first step in formulating policies. In this case, you need to survey the students regarding their homework duties. Your survey form must ask the right questions, such as how homework affects them mentally and how useful it is in the lesson plan . Find out how functional the students’ homework is to see its pros and cons.

Step 2: Communicate with Faculty

Imposing a homework policy is a drastic change in your school’s teaching process. That said, you should communicate about it with your faculty staff . Based on the findings of your survey, let your teachers know what specific regulations you’ll impose in terms of giving homework. You may also ask if they have suggestions or objections about your proposed policy . If there are, you can make some adjustments if you see them fit.

Step 3: Write Down the Regulations

After you make adjustments and finalize everything, write the homework regulations in a document or memo . Make sure to explain each of them in detail. Justify how each regulation is helpful for the students’ learning and well being. For instance, if one regulation is a No Homework on Fridays, you can justify it by saying students need the weekends to spend more time with friends and family. And that it gives them a chance to refresh their minds from school pressure.

Step 4: Add the Homework Policy to the Student and Teacher Handbook

To make the homework policy an official school policy, integrate it into the teacher and student handbook. In doing so, both faculty and students will be more aware of it. That way, the homework policy will slowly but surely become a norm in your school. The teachers, especially, will follow it strictly.

What is the 10-minute rule in homework?

The 10-minute homework rule, as its name implies, suggests that teachers should only give homework that students can finish in under 10 minutes. However, this rule mostly only applies to first graders.

What type of homework is considered meaningful?

The type of homework that’s meaningful are those that are in-line with the curriculum and beneficial to the learning process. Meaningful homework complements the lesson plan significantly. And they’re doable depending on the students’ current level of capability. A homework that adds nothing to the students’ progress is merely a to-do task .

Is it too much to give two hours of homework?

According to the Stanford Graduate School of Education , beyond two hours of homework is too much. Having more than two hours of homework to do has three negative effects on students. These are:

Increase in stress levels, affecting productivity
Health risks, such as sleep deprivation, severe weight loss, and exhaustion
Less time with friends and family, which can lead to depression and neglect of schoolwork

Homework is an integral part of your school’s teaching methods. It is an extension of your school’s guidance for the students outside the classroom. But there have to be limitations. So start making a homework policy now. And don’t forget to download our Homework Policy Template.

Text prompt

Instructive
Professional

Draft a school policy on the use of technology in classrooms, outlining acceptable devices and usage guidelines

Create a student conduct policy for a high school, including expectations for behavior, dress code, and disciplinary actions

Rondebosch East Primary School

Alte Spectate ~ Aim High!

Homework Policy

The Homework Policy is designed to:

Ensure consistency of approach throughout the school.
Ensure progression towards independence and individual responsibility.
Ensure parents have a clear understanding about expectations for themselves and the learners.
To provide opportunities for parents and pupils to work in partnership and enjoy learning experiences.

Purpose & Philosophy

Homework is an integral part of the learning process and includes opportunities for learners to reinforce, synthesize, extend classroom learning and assists in developing time management skills.

Homework should be meaningful and engaging and should support the curriculum, helping learners to develop responsibility and good work habits.

Homework is a natural extension of the school day and an important part of the learner’s educational experience.

Homework should be designed to be completed independently.

The three homework types generally are:

Practice: – This homework reinforces newly acquired skills taught in the class.
Preparation: – This homework helps the learners prepare for upcoming lessons, activities or tests.
Extension: – This homework provides challenging, often longer term opportunities for enrichment and extension that parallels class work.

Time Allocations

It is recommended that learners will spend the following times on average on homework activities:

Homework will be concentrated on Monday to Thursday. The weekend should be left free or for the completion of larger projects and research.

Will not give homework as punishment.

Will provide a range of homework activities and tasks to consolidate and extend learning in class.

Will ensure that learners clearly understand the task and have a common understanding of the high expectations held of them individually, according to their ability.

Will communicate with parents and keep them informed of their child’s progress, projects and topics to be studied.

Will vary homework assignments: short term and long term, practice of new skills, written or oral reports, preparation for upcoming lessons, enrichment exercises, etc.

Will make sure that learners have access to any materials needed to complete an assignment.

Will give prompt feedback on checking homework, correcting errors and reviewing important concepts.

Guidelines for learners and parents

Must write down all the day’s homework in their homework diaries.

Must organise and take home all materials necessary to complete the homework tasks.

Must set aside a regular time to study each evening.

Must have a quiet well lit place to study.

Must complete all assignments on your own and to the best of your ability.

Must complete and hand in assignments on their due date.

Must talk to your teacher when you do not understand the work or any other circumstances that you may face.

Should put in place a good routine for homework and study. This should not be interrupted by family plans, television, etc.

Should help your child organize themselves so that they can be effective in their study time.

Should be supportive when your child becomes discouraged or frustrated, particularly with difficult assignments.

Should be actively involved in the homework of younger children.

Should sign and date your child’s homework when completed and of an acceptable standard.

Should provide educational opportunities that broaden your child’s interests, such as visits to the museum, the zoo and places of historical significance.

Feedback for learners, parents & teachers

Feedback must be given as quickly as possible. Teachers are interested in knowing how the homework activities were performed. Was it too easy, too difficult, interesting, etc. The homework diary is the ideal communication from home to school and visa versa. As with all school activities, parents are invited to discuss any queries with their child’s teacher.

Homework Policy (2023)

Click here to download this policy

Aims of the policy

Through implementation of this policy, we aim to:

Give pupils the opportunity to extend their learning in areas of personal interest
Ensure a consistent approach throughout the school
To encourage children to develop the confidence, independence, self-discipline and motivation needed to study on their own and prepare them for the next phase of education
To make set homework relevant and meaningful for the child linked to work done at school
Make expectations about homework clear to children, parents and other carers
Provide opportunities for parents and children to work together, thereby, fostering an effective partnership between home and school

« Back to all policies

Sorry. You need to upgrade your browser

You are using internet explorer 8.

This is considered an out of date browser. This website has been developed with modern browsers in mind to allow it to display at its best in a wide variety of viewing situations - including mobile viewing. But we haven't supported older browsers like IE8. Please upgrade to the latest version of Internet Explorer - or try Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome. Both are excellent browsers.

Primary School website design by Peter Bourne Communications

IPS changes homework, discipline policies in bid for equity

Two students both wearing zip up sweaters stand on each side of an orange poster board that is standing up in front of a dry erase board in a classroom.

Sign up for Chalkbeat Indiana’s free daily newsletter to keep up with Indianapolis Public Schools, Marion County’s township districts, and statewide education news.

When eighth grader Kelsey Aguilar is called from class to de-escalate a conflict between her peers, she heads to the Guided Learning Center at Harshman Middle School with a calm demeanor.

That’s where she’ll get to the heart of an issue between friends or couples, unpacking insults on social media or rumors that could lead to a fight.

The mediation program that Aguilar participates in as a peer mediator is part of the school’s restorative justice approach to discipline. It’s less punitive, aims to stop fights before they start, and focuses on healing transgressions between students.

It’s a disciplinary approach that Indianapolis Public Schools hopes to embrace district-wide through the adoption of a series of policies that aim to promote equity and reduce barriers to learning that affect certain groups of students. The policies, which the school board has been approving in batches, include a shift in how teachers should approach assigning homework and how the district should identify students for its gifted program. The board approved the latest round of policy changes — including one highlighting restorative justice in student discipline — on Tuesday.

The policies could address some of the district’s disparities that are common in education .

For example, Black and multiracial students in the district have historically been disciplined at higher rates than their white peers, according to district data . Some of the district’s most popular schools with specialized academic programming are disproportionately white .

And while the latest ILEARN state test scores show white students appear to have recovered from pandemic learning loss , Black and Hispanic students have yet to recover to pre-pandemic levels of proficiency.

At Harshman, officials say the mediation program has helped reduce the number of suspensions both for Black students and for students overall.

And Kelsey believes it has definitely reduced the number of fights among her peers — even though some may see mediation by a classmate as a joke.

“I honestly think it’s a serious thing because we’re solving problems with other people,” she said. “I think that’s a great thing for us to do.”

Changes to dress code, homework assignments adopted

The policy changes were proposed by the Culturally Responsive and Equitable Education Committee, which the school board created last year . They reflect much of the district’s ongoing work around expanding academic opportunities to more students of color and those from diverse backgrounds.

The district’s Rebuilding Stronger plan, for example, will bring Honors Algebra, Honors Geometry, Honors Biology, and Spanish I classes to all middle schools. The plan will also expand Montessori, STEM, high-ability, dual language, performing arts, and International Baccalaureate academic models to more schools throughout the district.

Many of the committee’s proposed changes codify the district’s current equity efforts under Superintendent Aleesia Johnson, said school board member Nicole Carey, who led the creation of the committee. But the policy shifts will hold any future leaders of the district accountable to this equity mindset, she said.

Here are equity-focused policies that the board approved in April:

The district’s revised homework policy acknowledges that students come from “diverse backgrounds with different resources and support systems.” The policy says that, “Homework assignments must be equitable and considerate of these varied home environments.” In addition, the policy states that the assignments should also consider students’ academic needs and out-of-school responsibilities.
The district’s revised policy on its gifted and talented program commits the district to using culturally responsive, unbiased assessments to identify students eligible for its academically gifted program. That program is currently housed at the K-8 Sidener Academy but will expand to two separate elementary and middle schools in 2024-25. It also directs the district to actively inform families from diverse backgrounds about the gifted program. (Enrollment data from 2023-24 shows Sidener Academy is whiter and has fewer students qualifying for free or reduced-price meals than the district as a whole.)
The district’s new universal dress code provides less-rigid guidelines that aim to reduce disciplinary actions that keep students out of classrooms.

Below are some equity-focused policy changes the board approved Tuesday:

The revised policy on the use of seclusion and restraint requires all administrators, special education teachers, and school-based crisis teams to undergo training in de-escalation techniques and conflict resolution strategies. All incidents involving seclusion or restraint of a student must be documented and provided to the student’s guardian in a timely manner, and an annual report of these incidents will be presented to the board.
Another revised policy directs administration to develop clear, written criteria for the approval of student groups . It also encourages groups that represent diverse demographics and interests.

In March, the equity committee proposed a more comprehensive restorative justice policy that would require training for all staff members. But it’s unclear if that will come before the board.

Restorative justice at Harshman could be inspiration for others

Meanwhile, the new discipline policy says restorative justice approaches should be used as alternatives to traditional discipline “when appropriate.” It also says educators should collaborate with families on approaches to discipline.

At Harshman Middle School, officials say their mediation program has reduced the number of incidents of aggression or physical fighting between current eighth graders from the first semester of last year to the first semester of this year.

Sometimes, peer mediators such as Kelsey are called to oversee a mediation session with staff present. Other times, staff mediate. There are even sessions to resolve conflicts between staff and students.

Even the school’s hallways advertise restorative justice.

“Problem: Unresolved conflict,” reads one sign. “Solution: Peer mediation. Let’s talk about it!”

The school received support from the Peace Learning Center , funded through a grant, to provide mediation training for students and staff. Students are selected as mediators after an interview process.

School staff say the program has created a mindset shift in students, who will alert staff members of potential rising tensions between students or request mediation on their own.

“They don’t want to fight each other, they don’t want to argue, they don’t want to miss class, they don’t want to be suspended,” said Rockeyah Lord, a dean at the school.

Because the program aims to resolve issues before they devolve into fights, Lord said, suspensions overall have decreased.

Kelsey said she got involved in the program because she used to be involved in a lot of drama herself — but at times wanted a way to get out of it.

“I knew that other people do want to get out of it too sometimes,” she said. “So it’s better to talk about it than to keep going with it.”

Amelia Pak-Harvey covers Indianapolis and Lawrence Township schools for Chalkbeat Indiana. Contact Amelia at [email protected] .

Illinois bill blocking changes at Chicago’s selective enrollment stalled as clock winds down on session

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson asked Illinois Senate President Don Harmon in a letter late Thursday to hold a bill that would block changes to selective enrollment schools and prevent any school closures until 2027.

Indiana sees a big spike in the number of voucher students from wealthy families

Lawmakers last year relaxed income eligibility rules so that most Indiana families now qualify for the Choice Scholarship program.

Through Mural Arts, Philadelphia students probe their inner selves and the world around them

Students work with artists to find themselves, learn about their world, and see their work showcased around the city.

Colorado lanzará el Cuerpo de Salud Mental Juvenil para apoyar las necesidades de salud mental de los jovenes.

El programa capacitará a jóvenes de entre 18 y 24 años para actuar “como navegadores que sirven a estudiantes de secundaria y preparatoria en escuelas y en organizaciones comunitarias.”

Newark teachers could see 4.5% raises and a seat at the table under proposed new contract terms

The teachers union’s 7,000 members are scheduled to take a ratification vote on June 6.

Will Michigan schools hurt from the end of COVID relief?

The state superintendent said cuts to staff won’t be prevalent in all districts. But educators say the “fiscal cliff” existed in the state well before federal COVID relief funds.

I help kids who refuse to go to school. This is what I've learnt

perspective I help kids who refuse to go to school. This is what I've learnt

Rebecca Plunkett has been working closely with students refusing to attend school for almost a decade, and feels there is a better way to describe it.

"I prefer school avoidance," says the acting assistant principal at Travancore School in Naarm/Melbourne.

"Refusal has a negative association. When we talk about avoidance, we acknowledge that they avoid going to school because it is too emotionally distressing for them."

Rebecca was part of the Travancore's In2School program's conception in 2015 — an intervention program delivered in partnership with the Melbourne Graduate School of Education and the Royal Children's Hospital Mental Health.

It assists students aged between 11 and 14 (and their families) who have been refusing school and have a diagnosis of anxiety and/or mood disorders.

Rebecca was closely involved in the project before taking some maternity leave.

"It was like handing over one baby to get another baby," she says.

We spoke to Rebecca about how we can better understand school refusal through what she has observed.

These are her words.

Why are some kids refusing to go to school?

School refusal isn't the same as other forms of absence — it's when the child experiences distress in coming to school, and caregivers are across it and have been trying hard already to get them to attend.

The reasons for the avoidance can vary greatly and be quite complex, but some examples might be around social engagement. Navigating forming friends, break times at school, how to interact and meet all the nuanced social rules of being in a classroom.

It could be from not feeling safe or connected to peers or staff at school.

It can be through having difficulties in learning and being able to access curriculum, and those ideas of being able to learn and feel success.

It can also be from not wanting to be at school because they want to be at home with a caregiver for whatever reason. Maybe there is a family member who is sick, or someone they feel they need to protect.

The early warning signs

School refusal rarely begins from a student attending full time, to suddenly not attending at all.

The literature around school refusal shows this can happen at any age, from childcare right through to secondary school.

Often there are a range of early warning signs and sometimes those are things that might be noticed at school, or in the home.

It could be things like delaying getting ready for school.

Then starting to cry and plead with the parents or caregiver to be able to stay home.

It could present symptomatically, like the student complaining of feeling sick or having a headache, and not wanting to attend school because of that.

We can see this increase after weekends, school holidays and end-of-year breaks.

Parents might notice it escalates in the evenings before bed, or in the mornings.

At school, the child might attend sick bay more often, and ask to go home, or avoid participating in certain classes or activities.

They might be found avoiding interacting with peers during breaks, or hiding around the school.

It might start as missing certain lessons, part days, then regular full days, moving into missing multiple days a week, before potentially missing a week or more at a time.

Re-engaging kids

In2School is a wraparound collaborative program approach, where families work with mental health clinicians and specialised teachers to help kids return to their enrolled school.

The beginning stages are about getting to know the student and their family, and the school they have come from.

From there they enter a transitional classroom that we have on site, and we put in all sorts of supports that encourage them to feel successful attending our classroom program.

The last phase is where we transition them back to their school, using individualised and highly structured graduated return-to-school plans.

It's been an incredible opportunity personally and professionally, especially to become so knowledgeable and have this skill set of supporting and working with these students, their families and their schools who are facing this difficulty.

The relationship you end up building with the students and their families is quite incredible.

One challenge is we don't get to see long-term results as much, but I have heard two stories of students on our program.

Both of them have gone on to complete VCE and these are students who were having a really hard time.

Acknowledging parents

There is a misconception that there is more parents should be doing.

When you get to the point of school refusal, parents have already tried really hard to get their kid to school.

If they could get them there, they would.

As refusing school starts happening on a more regular basis, it gets harder and harder.

Every day they are having this battle in their household. I know parents who have had to stop working to be at home with the child.

The parents need a real shout-out in this situation.

I'd say to anyone in this position: pat yourself on the back, hang in there, reach out and try to find referrals or supports to help navigate what is a very difficult situation.

Create some small steps with your child, and team together to address the school avoidance.

ABC Everyday in your inbox

Get our newsletter for the best of ABC Everyday each week

X (formerly Twitter)

'Will I have to quit my job and homeschool?': What it's like dealing with school refusal

Young boy with dark hair and a blue check shirt hugs the hip of a woman wearing a yellow jumper and blue jeans

Sienna was lost and lonely while learning at home. Everything changed when she found this school

A young white woman in a floral blue shirt standing next to a horse

The program helping to win 'school refusal' kids back to the classroom

A teenage boy sits at a table surrounded by classmates smiling

'It's a real fear': Yolanda's daughter's school refusal behaviour manifested in panic attacks. Here's how they overcame it

Mother and daughter sitting at a dining table.

Book challenge policies continue to consume Alachua County school employees' focus

Two meetings this week put the focus on the amount of time and resources Alachua County Public Schools employees are spending on book challenges.

The Alachua County School Board on Tuesday postponed the removal of two books from public school libraries. The board intends to revisit the issue in a public hearing on June 18.

Subsequently, the district’s Library Advisory Committee on Thursday voted to keep two books on the shelves.

The books whose removals were postponed on Tuesday are “FADE” by Lisa McMann and “Empire of Storms” by Sara Maas. The books that were voted to remain on shelves Thursday afternoon are “Julian is a Mermaid” by Jessica Love and “Storm and Fury” by Jennifer L. Armentrout. Olivia Haley petitioned for the removal of all four of these books.

Haley, an undergraduate student at the University of Florida, has challenged 13 books since late February.

According to current school district policy , a parent of a student in the district or resident of the county has 30 days after the board’s adoption of specific instructional material to file a petition.

Haley said in an email response, “I believe all tax paying citizens and parents especially should have the right to question or challenge any protocols/material that is provided in the public schools. And that I hope with the new policy changes that the school district is currently making, tax paying citizens and parents still hold this right.”

Haley’s status as a petitioner within Alachua County, however, will change in the coming months.

In an amendment this year to a law passed in 2023, HB 1285 added restrictions to how often books can be challenged. Residents who do not have children within their respective school districts will not be allowed to petition more than one book a month. Limits on the petitions of parents at least one child in the school district have not been specified. The law will go into effect July 1.

District Media Specialist Patty Duval said she hopes to see fewer petitions in the coming months.

“It has taken up at least 90% of my time. In doing the research, and interpreting the law, and, you know, putting together the reviews, and the meetings, and the hearings, and reading the books,” Duval said after the Thursday advisory meeting.

Duval said the real purpose of the law, which is to allow parents to air genuine concerns with what is in school libraries and on their children’s curricula, hasn’t seemed to be fulfilled.

“I don't know that this is true, but I feel that some of the objections that are submitted are just — they didn't read the book. There’s a list. And they're just going down the list,” Duval said.

Petitioners like Olivia Haley have challenged books like “FADE” and “Empire of Storms” with objections such as:

The material depicts or describes sexual conduct as defined in Section 847.001(19)
The material is not suited to the student needs and their ability to comprehend the material.
The material is inappropriate for the grade level and age group for which it is used.

In the library advisory committee meeting, Duval and committee members considered what Duval called “suitability and appropriateness.” Committee members and the school board have agreed that sexual content in literature is not inappropriate in all cases.

HB 1069, which Gov. Ron Desantis signed in 2023 as part of what he called the “Let kids be kids package,” allowed parents or residents to challenge material that contains references to “sex” or “sexual conduct.”

As seen in this most recent advisory meeting, committee members have to consider what sexual references are appropriate for the age group in which the books are intended. The committee saw no specific references to sex or gender in “Julian is a Mermaid” and voted for it to remain. “Empire of Storms” was deemed appropriate for the middle-to-high school age range.

The library advisory committee meetings are open to the public, but there is no public comment. Petitioner Haley was not at Thursday's meeting.

Current state law and board of education policy also has no way for someone to object to having a book removed. According to Duval, the only voices being heard about book removals from school libraries are those who want the books removed.

Duval has spent most of her time in the past year managing the reviews of the 41 book petitions Alachua County has received in the past year. She said before the challenges she used to do more work with school-level media specialists in creating curricula and planning tools.

School Board Member Dr. Sarah Rockwell proposed at the Tuesday night meeting to add to current policy a way to trigger a revision of removed books each time the Florida Department of Education passes a new rule or change in guidance to all school districts.

“This is relatively new legislation that was not written with a great deal of specificity. It’s been very confusing,” Rockwell said.

She added, “I want to make sure that that's just automatically triggered by our policy so that we don’t have books removed from our shelves in error.”

Hernando school board members sit at school board dais

Supreme Court Turns Down Case Challenging School District’s Transgender Policies

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to take up a case about a Maryland school district’s policies to support transgender students and when parents may challenge them.

The court’s action in Parents 1 v. Montgomery County Board of Education was not a decision on the merits, but the case is emblematic of a widespread national debate over gender identity policies in public schools and parental rights.

“Schools across the country over the past few years have adopted policies similar to that involved here that require school personnel to hide from parents—lying if need be—that the school is assisting their child to transition gender at school,” said the appeal filed by three unidentified parents in their case against the 160,000-student Montgomery County district outside the nation’s capital.

The parents contend that what they call a “parental preclusion policy” calls for school personnel to support gender-transitioning students to change their names, pronouns, and how they “exhibit” their gender without officials consulting or even notifying parents. They argued that the policy violates their 14th Amendment due process right to direct the upbringing of their children.

The school district said in its Supreme Court brief that its “Guidelines for Gender Identity,” adopted in advance of the 2020-21 school year, call for collaboration with parents in developing a gender support plan for a transitioning student.

But when the student’s parents are deemed non-supportive, the guidelines “acknowledge the reality that, ‘in some cases, transgender and gender-nonconforming students may not openly express their gender identity at home because of safety concerns or lack of acceptance,’ and, in light of that reality, indicate that student support and safety is an overarching goal,” the district said, quoting from the guidelines.

The parents’ lawsuit was dismissed in 2022 by a federal district court. Last year, a panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit, in Richmond, Va., ruled 2-1 that the parents lacked standing to sue over the guidelines because none of their children had gender-support plans or had any discussions with school officials about gender transitioning or gender identity issues.

Writing for the majority, Judge A. Marvin Quattlebaum Jr. said the guidelines are “staggering from a policy standpoint” and may be “an overreach into areas that parents should handle.”

But the parents “have not alleged facts that the Montgomery County public schools have any information about their children that is currently being withheld or that there is a substantial risk information will be withheld in the future,” he said.

In dissent, Judge Paul V. Niemeyer said the majority’s view of parental standing was “unfairly narrow” in this case and subjected parents “to a mandatory policy that pulls the discussion of gender issues from the family circle to the public schools without any avenue of redress by the parents.”

Niemeyer also cast doubt on the legality of the district’s guidelines, saying they usurp “the constitutionally protected role” of parents.

School districts’ policies on transgender students facing legal challenges

The parents, backed by the National Legal Foundation of Chesapeake, Va., also had support from several conservative groups and Republican-led states in the Supreme Court. A friend-of-the-court brief filed by West Virginia and 16 other red states said, “Parents must have the right to ask for the courts’ help in securing the fundamental right to know what schools are doing with their kids.”

The parents and the states both cite statistics from the grassroots group Parents Defending Education that more than 1,000 districts nationwide have policies for transgender and gender non-conforming students that “openly state that district personnel can or should keep a student’s transgender status hidden from parents.”

The Montgomery County school district told the court in its brief that the 4th Circuit was correct in ruling that the parent challengers lacked standing. It said there are several cases across the country alleging that school districts denied information about a child’s gender transition to that child’s parents.

If the parents and their supporters “are correct that similar cases are percolating through the lower courts, then the [Supreme] Court should address these issues, if at all, in litigation that presents an actual case or controversy,” the district said.

This is not the only LGBTQ+ controversy in the Montgomery County district. Last week, a separate 4th Circuit panel issued a decision that refused to block the district’s policy preventing parents from opting their children out of LGBTQ+ inclusive “storybooks” used in its elementary schools.

Sign Up for EdWeek Update

Edweek top school jobs.

People mill around the third floor of the Kansas Statehouse in front of a Brown v. Board of Education mural before hearing from speakers recognizing the 70th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court case on April 29, 2024 in Topeka, Kan.

Sign Up & Sign In

IMAGES

10+ Homework Policy Templates in PDF
PPT
Homework Policy
Homework Policy
Try a Different Homework Policy
FREE 10+ School Policy Samples in MS Word

COMMENTS

Creating a Homework Policy With Meaning and Purpose
A school's homework policy should reflect this philosophy; ultimately guiding teachers to give their students reasonable, meaningful, purposeful homework assignments. Sample School Homework Policy . Homework is defined as the time students spend outside the classroom in assigned learning activities. Anywhere Schools believes the purpose of ...
Advice on Creating Homework Policies
Creating homework policies is part of educational leadership in the classroom. Although homework must focus on helping students achieve, it also needs to clearly state the expectations and give details about the benefits and consequences of different actions. By giving a clear policy from the first day of school, the students will know what to ...
The four planks of an effective homework policy
A good homework policy therefore needs to be able to easily pick up students who have not completed the work. It then needs to feed into the general classroom culture of accountability and school-wide policies. ... Students tend not to understand the value of the homework they do, and assume it is just a part of day-to-day school life. Teachers ...
Homework policy: examples
Primary school. Shadwell Primary School in Leeds has a homework policy that covers: When pupils take books home for reading. How long they should spend reading at home. English and maths homework. Spelling and times tables expectations. Additional half-termly homework tasks, such as a learning log and key instant recall facts.
How to Write the Perfect Homework Policy
3‭. ‬The purpose of homework‭ ‬. The school regards the purpose of homework as being to‭:‬. As a school‭, ‬we encourage children to pursue out-of-school activities‭. ‬Homework should be used to effectively reinforce and/or extend what is learned in school‭. ‬We hope that children will feel a sense of personal ...
What does the research say about homework policies and practices?
August 2017. Following an established REL Northeast & Islands research protocol, we conducted a search for recent research on homework policies and practices. We focused on identifying resources that specifically addressed research on policies and practices for homework for various grade levels based on its impact on student achievement.
The power of a good homework policy
A good homework policy creates transparency for parents. It helps them to understand the value the school places on homework and what the learning objectives are. If parents understand this, it will help set a foundation for them to be engaged in their child's education. #4 Gives students a routine and creates good habits.
What's the Right Amount of Homework?
He suggests that teachers work together to develop a school-wide homework policy and make it a key topic of back-to-school night and the first parent-teacher conferences of the school year. Parents Play a Key Role. Homework can be a powerful tool to help parents become more involved in their child's learning (Walker et al., 2004). It can ...
Key Lessons: What Research Says About the Value of Homework
Too much homework may diminish its effectiveness. While research on the optimum amount of time students should spend on homework is limited, there are indications that for high school students, 1½ to 2½ hours per night is optimum. Middle school students appear to benefit from smaller amounts (less than 1 hour per night).
Homework Policy
This policy was developed by the Genesee Hill Instructional Leadership Team and approved by a vote of the full staff on May 10, 2017. It is intended for full implementation with the 17-18 school year. Thank you to Sandburg Elementary School in Madison, Wisconsin, for the thoughtful template on which our policy is based.
Homework Policy
A maximum of 40 minutes of homework per night allocated as follows: A minimum of 20 minutes spent reading from self-selected and/or teacher assigned texts either independently or with an adult is a nightly homework requirement. A maximum of 15-20 minutes total spent working on learning math facts and/or sight words in addition to assignments ...
Homework Policy Still Going Strong
Homework Policy Still Going Strong. Posted January 15, 2014. By Lory Hough. It's become one of those stories that has legs. Two years after we ran a feature story on whether schools should assign homework, we're still receiving letters to the editor and new tweets. On the Ed. site, the story has consistently been one of the most shared.
Homework and Higher Standards
For as long as homework has been a part of school life in the United States, so too has the debate over its value. In 1900, a prominent magazine published an article on the evils of homework ...
NAIS
Go Deeper In "The Homework Debate: What It Means for Lower Schools," a July 22, 2019 Independent Ideas blog post, author Kelly King asks, "Does homework prepare students for middle school and beyond?" and shares how her school sought to answer that question. "To create a better policy that centers on student needs, faculty members and I decided to investigate the value of homework.
How To Create An Effective Homework Policy In School?
Homework Policies for Each Phase of School Education Homework Policy for Kindergarten: 1. Purposeful Play and Exploration: Homework in kindergarten should emphasize purposeful play and exploration. Activities may involve simple art projects, interactive games, or reading together with parents to foster a love for learning. 2. Limited Duration:
PDF Homework Policy Guidelines
The school's Homework Policy should be made available to the school community, particularly at the time of enrolment. Parents/caregivers of students experiencing difficulties completing homework need to be confident that these concerns can be discussed with the teacher, and that guidance and assistance will be provided. ...
Should Kids Get Homework?
Too much, however, is harmful. And homework has a greater positive effect on students in secondary school (grades 7-12) than those in elementary. "Every child should be doing homework, but the ...
PDF Homework policy review: A case study of a public school in the ...
homework tasks, and ought to be motivated and supported by their parents (Singh, Mbokodi & Msila, 2004). The Department does suggest that a school-wide homework policy developed on the basis of effective school management ought to be implemented, and they do recommend that schools develop a homework policy
Homework Policy
Homework Policy. Homework Policy 2022-23. Rationale. At St Winifred's Primary School we believe that homework is an essential part of pupils' learning. In line with National Curriculum requirements, homework is set and children are encouraged to, and expected to establish good homework habits from the beginning of their school life.
Education Secretary: I trust head teachers to decide their homework
Good homework policies avoid excessive time requirements - focusing on quality rather than quantity and making sure that there is a clear purpose to any homework set. ... but we also want them to develop values. Homework set at primary school is likely to be of relatively shorter duration. But if a child is asked to do it and they don't ...
Homework Policy
Step 4: Add the Homework Policy to the Student and Teacher Handbook. To make the homework policy an official school policy, integrate it into the teacher and student handbook. In doing so, both faculty and students will be more aware of it. That way, the homework policy will slowly but surely become a norm in your school.
Homework Policy
The homework diary is the ideal communication from home to school and visa versa. As with all school activities, parents are invited to discuss any queries with their child's teacher. The Homework Policy is designed to: Ensure consistency of approach throughout the school. Ensure progression towards independence and individual responsibility.
Homework Policy (2023)
Homework Policy (2023) Click here to download this policy. Aims of the policy. Through implementation of this policy, we aim to: Give pupils the opportunity to extend their learning in areas of personal interest. Ensure a consistent approach throughout the school. To encourage children to develop the confidence, independence, self-discipline ...
IPS changes homework, discipline policies in bid for equity
Here are equity-focused policies that the board approved in April: The district's revised homework policy acknowledges that students come from "diverse backgrounds with different resources and ...
Sample School Board Policies for Student Success
Use this resource of sample school board resolutions and policies based on best practices identified throughout the country to ensure opportunities for all students. Now more than ever, we must work collectively to ensure that our students have the freedom to learn in happy, safe, inclusive schools that celebrate every part of who they are ...
I help kids who refuse to go to school. This is what I've learnt
It assists students aged between 11 and 14 (and their families) who have been refusing school and have a diagnosis of anxiety and/or mood disorders. Rebecca was closely involved in the project ...
Does School Choice 'Work'? (Opinion)
Choice enables more parents to find options that are right for their child, creates more room for the emergence of promising new options, and offers educators more say as to where they'll work ...
There's a strong push for more school psychologists
In Mississippi, according to the best available data, there is one school psychologist for every 9,292 students. In New Mexico, the ratio is 19,811 to one. In rural Colorado, it's 2,128 to one, compared with 942 to one in the state overall. Only a few states and territories meet or come close to the recommended ratio, including Utah and ...
Book challenge policies keep consuming Alachua school employees' focus
Two meetings this week put the focus on the amount of time and resources Alachua County Public Schools employees are spending on book challenges. The Alachua County School Board on Tuesday postponed the removal of two books from public school libraries. The board intends to revisit the issue in a public hearing on June 18.
Supreme Court Turns Down Case Challenging School District's Transgender
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to take up a case about a Maryland school district's policies to support transgender students and when parents may challenge them. The court's action ...