Administrative Procedure 364

HOMEWORK

Background

The Superintendent supports the assignment of homework as a necessary part of the learning process, as a legitimate demand on the non-class time of the student, as contributory to the provision of an opportunity to meet the standard of education set by the Minister, and as contributory to the achievement of the learning competencies as determined by the School.

Procedures

1. Homework assignments will have a clearly defined purpose, offer an opportunity for growth, and enhance the ability to meet the needs of the student.
2. The purpose of homework shall be to:
2.1 Reinforce school learning by providing practice and application;
2.2 Develop mature reading ability;
2.3 Offer practice in budgeting time and in using knowledge for some practical purpose;
2.4 Help students learn how to learn by reinforcing the study skills and techniques taught in the School;
2.5 Offer opportunities for enriching the School experience through related home activities;
2.6 Stimulate voluntary effort, initiative, independence, responsibility and self-direction;
2.7 Include creative work and primary research, which require more time than is available in class and which may be opportunities for purposeful use of leisure time;
2.8 Help students make up work lost through absence;
2.9 Meet a need for extra study or drill in subjects where students are having difficulty; and
2.10 Help students complete assignments not completed in class time after they have been given a reasonable length of time to complete them.
3. Adequate time shall be provided by the teacher for appraisal of completed assignments.
4. Homework assignments will be appropriate to the age, placement and ability of the student.
4.1 Homework assignments shall be clearly explained and understood by the students and be within their ability to work independently.
4.2 Homework assignments through the grades shall reflect the skill development and the maturity of  skills, organizational skills, and self-reliance. This reflects a continuum of homework expectations from Early Childhood programs where homework would take the form of skill development and background enrichment through such things as Home Reading programs where the time demand is kept to a minimum and the activity is highly motivating through to senior high school where independent study skills contribute to the mastery of course objectives. 5. Homework assignments will be given with due consideration for the time demands students may have after School
hours.
5.1 Where students meet different teachers for different subject areas, coordination of homework
assignments shall occur to avoid unreasonable study loads.
5.2 The Principal shall develop procedures that reflect appropriate practices with respect to the assignment of
homework to students.

References: Section 25, 26, 31, 32, 33, 52, 53, 196, 197, 222, 225 Education Act