Homework Policy
HOMEWORK POLICY
Dear Parents and Guardians,
In an effort to reduce student stress and respond to the evolving instructional practices, SRVUSD convened a committee of teachers, students, parents and school administrators to recommend updates to SRVUSD homework policy and regulation. The committee considered and made changes related to:
- Limiting the overall volume of homework;
- Eliminating homework over breaks;
- Developing a more effective system for communicating and implementing the policy; and
- Aligning with the Common Core State Standards and other legal requirements.
On June 23, 2015, the SRVUSD Board of Education adopted a new Homework/Make-Up Work Board Policy and Administrative Regulation. The following summarizes the policy and regulations for homework our school’s grade level:
All Grade Levels
- Homework can include:
- Practicing a skill or process that students can do independently but not fluently,
- Elaborating on information that has been addressed in class to deepen students’ knowledge,
- Providing opportunities for students to explore topics of their own interest.
- Reading
- Must reflect IEP and 504 accommodations & modifications
- No homework assigned during school recesses. (Thanksgiving Break, Winter Break and Spring Break).
- Projects assigned before recesses must not require any work to be completed over the break.
Elementary School
- K-3 homework
- Reading
- Limited number of independent exercises to reinforce previously taught basic skills.
- 4-5 homework
- Reading
- Completing, practicing, preparing, or extending core academic skills
- Build independent study habits.
- Except for reading, homework shall not be assigned over weekends, or holidays.
- Below are the time limits:
- K-1 no more than 30 minutes of homework per night (reading included)
- 2-3 no more than 45 minutes of homework per night (reading included)
- 4-5 no more than 60 minutes of homework per night (reading included)
- Below are the time limits:
- Elementary projects and long-term assignments
- Primarily undertaken and completed in the classroom.
- Limited in number and duration.
- Should not require significant assistance from parents or the purchase of materials
- Shall include clear checkpoints
- Shall not require meeting in person.
In addition to the homework guidance above, the new policy and regulations encourage students, staff and parents to take an active role in homework. This includes students communicating with teachers and staff when homework becomes overwhelming; parents contacting teachers if their child consistently cannot keep up with the homework; teachers referencing the policy in their syllabi and in back to school communications; and principals communicating with parents and staff about the new policy.
To view the Board Policy and Administrative Regulation in their entirety click on the links below:
Board Policy 6154
Administrative Regulation 6154
If you have questions or concerns about your child’s homework, please contact your child’s teacher or me. If you have questions about the Homework Policy and Administrative Regulation, please contact Director of Instruction Dr. Jason Reimann at jreimann@srvusd.net.
