Homework is important to student learning at Lincoln Middle School. The purpose of this homework plan is to guide teachers, parents and students 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. Carefully constructed as to be completed within a reasonable time allotment, with minimal adult help.
Connected to grade level or subject matter curriculum.
Connected to class instruction.
Engaging, purposeful and relevant.
Consideration shall be given to quality over quantity.

Teacher Guidelines

Review, discuss and return, if collected, homework in a timely manner. Whenever possible, communicate and coordinate assignments so that students do not receive an overload of homework.
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.
The teacher will (also) consider a student’s Individualized Education Plan or 504 Plan in regards to homework.
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 the extent to which homework influences the student’s overall grades. 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.
Review school provided materials (for example Binder Reminder, class handouts, and/or online resources).
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.
Contact the grade level counselor, assistant principal and then the principal if a solution cannot be reached with a teacher 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 Time and Parameters

Middle School
Middle 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.

Grade 6 – 70 minutes daily
Grade 7 – 80 minutes daily
Grade 8 – 90 minutes daily

Students taking an extra class should expect to exceed the daily minutes in a proportional manner.
For an accelerated course designed to be equivalent to a course at a more advanced grade level, students should expect homework for that class to be consistent with a time expectation for the higher grade level.

In addition, students shall be encouraged to allot time to read for pleasure. Reading for pleasure and music practice times are not included in the time parameters shown.

Assistance for Homework

It is recommended that students seeking assistance with homework speak and work directly with their teachers as they will be able to recommend strategies improving success on homework. Students should speak directly with teachers to determine which teachers host regular tutoring hours or to arrange individual tutoring sessions. In addition, students may get assistance on homework through the programs or strategies listed.

Homework Club: Monday - Thursday 3:30 – 4:30; Library
After School Library: Monday - Thursday 3:00 – 4:30; Library
Computer Lab: Monday - Thursday 3:00 - 4:30; room 221
Before School Library: Mon-Thursday; 8:00 – 8:15; Library
Before School Library: Friday 9:30 - 10:00; Library

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 and discuss possible solutions.

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

Make-up Work

If you anticipate your child being out sick for an extended period of time, not more than 5 days, then contact your child’s teachers directly. Anything over 5 days should be directed to the Counseling Office.

Students who miss school work because of an excused absence shall be given the opportunity to complete all assignments and tests that can be reasonably provided. As determined by the teacher, the assignments and tests shall be reasonably equivalent to, but not necessarily identical to, the assignments and tests missed during the absence. Students shall receive full credit for work satisfactorily completed within a reasonable period of time.

Students who miss school work because of unexcused absences may be given the opportunity to make up missed work for full or reduced credit. Teachers shall assign such make up work as necessary to ensure academic progress, not as a punitive measure.

Students suspended from school shall be given assignments to complete. The teacher of any class from which a student is suspended may require the student to complete tests missed during the suspension.

Review

Lincoln Middle School Site Council and/ or SMMUSD will conduct periodic surveys as a means of monitoring and evaluating this homework plan. The results will be posted on our website and shared in the Report Card Reporter.