DEFINITION OF HOMEWORK
Assignments that are initiated or prompted in the classroom and worked on and/or completed during out-of-class time.

REASONS FOR HOMEWORK
Homework can:

• provide parents with insights into the school's curriculum and expectations for students.

• be an effective means for increasing student responsibility, self-discipline and accountability.

• extend the academic program and increase the amount of time that students are actively engaged in learning.

• contribute to higher levels of student achievement.

TYPES OF HOMEWORK

Homework assignments should be meaningful, directly related to the Illinois State Learning Standards and increase students' knowledge or improve their skills:

• Preparation - Assignments that are given prior to the classroom lesson. The purpose is to provide students with background information before class-time or prepare students for an activity.

Examples: reading, considering a question, gathering information, studying for a test, etc.

• Daily Practice - Assignments that are given following a classroom lesson. The purpose is to reinforce newly acquired concepts and/or skills.

Examples: answering questions from the textbook, doing math problems, writing spelling words, etc.

• Extension - Assignments that are long-term in nature and usually result in student products. The purpose is to promote the transfer of learning and encourage student initiative and creativity.

Examples: research paper, science fair project, multi-media presentation, etc.

AMOUNT OF HOMEWORK

The following guidelines represent the average amount of time a student might spend on homework for all subjects. The actual amount may vary among students, especially for those who are enrolled in Challenge (TEC) classes:

• 5th grade = 2 to 5 hours weekly

• 6th grade = 2 to 5 hours weekly

• 7th grade = 3 to 5 hours weekly

• 8th grade = 5 to 8 hours weekly

MAKE-UP HOMEWORK

Students will be given the opportunity to make-up assignments missed due to absence. They will have two days for each day absent to hand in their homework for full credit.

LATE HOMEWORK

Homework that is completed and handed in on time will receive full credit. Late homework will receive only partial credit (as determined by each grade level) and may be handed in no more than one day late. Following are the minimum guidelines that will be followed at each grade level; teachers may use their professional judgement in establishing maximum levels for their classroom:

• 5th grade = late assignments (one day late only) will be accepted all year.

• 6th grade = five late assignments (one day late only) per class 1st semester;
  five late assignments (one day late only) per class 2nd semester.

• 7th grade = one late daily practice assignment (one day late only) per class each quarter;
  extended / long-term late assignments (one day late only) will be accepted all year.

• 8th grade = two late daily practice assignments (one day late only) per class 1st semester;
  no late daily practice assignments will be accepted 2nd semester;

• extended / long-term late assignments (one day late only) will be accepted all year.

PARENTS AS PARTNERS

Parents can assist their students by:

•  Supporting the Glenview Middle School Homework Guidelines.

•  Providing a time and place for the student to complete his/her homework.

•  Taking an active part in supervising the student doing his/her homework.

•  Contacting the classroom teacher if there are questions about homework.