The purpose of this homework plan is to guide teachers, parents and students at Grant Elementary School in ensuring that homework is meaningful and supports the learning experience for all students.

Definition
Homework is any activity or assignment directed by the teacher to be performed outside the classroom that may include practicing skills learned in class, reading, studying, projects, or completion of assignments.

Rules for Homework

• Activities or assignments that students can complete independently.
• Connected to grade level or subject matter curriculum.
• Connected to class instruction.
• Engaging, purposeful and relevant.
• Consideration shall be given to quality over quantity.
• Carefully constructed as to be completed within a reasonable time allotment.
• Teachers and students should reasonably believe that every student has equal opportunity to complete homework successfully.

Teacher Guidelines

• Review, discuss and return, if collected, homework in a timely manner.
• Explain homework assignments to the students prior to the assignment.
• Teachers shall communicate homework assignments in at least one of the following ways: send a packet home, write assignment on the board, require students to record it, and/or make available through emails, websites or hotlines. The use of a variety of strategies is encouraged.
• Teach techniques that can help students allocate their time wisely, meet their deadlines, and develop good personal study habits
• Identify the access that students will have to materials for projects and other homework assignments – taking into account affordability, resource materials from the library media center, assistance and tutoring opportunities, and technology resources.
• Communicate with parents to inform them about homework expectations, policies, and procedures.
• Communicate ways in which parents can best assist their children in doing homework independently.
• Communicate with parents at the earliest possible opportunity once the student has demonstrated consistent inability to complete homework.

 
Parent Guidelines

• Provide a quiet space and basic materials for homework completion.
• Teach techniques that can help children allocate their time wisely, meet their deadlines, and develop good personal study habits.
• Monitor time management and productivity.
• Communicate with teachers at the earliest possible opportunity once the child has demonstrated consistent inability to complete homework. If necessary, parents shall attempt to reach accommodation with their child’s teachers regarding homework.

 
Student Guidelines

• Complete homework as assigned.
• Record homework when assigned in class by the teacher.
• Seek clarification from teachers when unclear about homework.
• Use class time provided for completing classwork and/or starting homework.
• Seek assistance from teachers when demonstrating an inability to complete homework.

Scheduling and Time Parameters
Elementary school homework may be given Monday through Thursday. Weekends and holidays are primarily reserved for family time. Students may elect to use the weekends to review materials, make up work, complete projects, and enjoy recreational reading. Assignments shall be designed so that the typical student can complete all homework, including time for studying and preparing for exams, in the average minutes shown.

• Kindergarten – 10 minutes daily or 40 minutes per week
• First – 20 minutes daily or 80 minutes per week
• Second – 30 minutes daily or 120 minutes per week
• Third – 40 minutes daily or 160 minutes per week
• Fourth – 50 minutes daily or 200 minutes per week
• Fifth – 60 minutes daily or 240 minutes per week

In addition to the prescribed homework minutes at each grade level, students are expected to read independently or with an adult:

• Grades K-2nd: for a minimum 20 minutes
• Grades 3rd-5th: for a minimum 30 minutes

Assistance for Homework
It is recommended that a student seeking assistance with homework speak and work directly with his / her teacher to received support and strategies for improving success on homework.

Sharing of Concerns
Teachers and parents shall communicate with each other at the earliest possible opportunity once the student has demonstrated consistent inability to complete homework.

Children who demonstrate quality effort and spend sufficient time attempting to complete homework should be stopped when a parent observes that continuing is detrimental to the child’s well-being. In such cases, parents should note the amount of time spent on the assignment and sign the paper.

If a child is consistently unable to complete assigned work, the parent should contact the teacher for support and accommodations as necessary. Teachers should also contact parents if a child consistently is unable to complete the assigned work.

Review
The Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District will conduct an annual online survey as a means of monitoring and evaluating homework. The results will be posted on the district website.