Homework in the Memphis City Schools

Information for Students, Parents, Teachers, and Administrators

Homework Policy and Regulations (#6133)

The Memphis City Schools Board of Education understands and recognizes that homework plays a key role in education. Homework that is assigned should be meaningful and it should promote students' abilities to master the skills and concepts taught in the classroom.

It is important for teachers to review and evaluate homework soon after it is assigned and completed. This allows students to better understand the subject matter before moving on to another chapter or area of study. Homework fosters student achievement, independence, responsibility, and serves as a vital link between school and home. Therefore, it is the policy of Memphis City Schools that meaningful and quality homework be required at all grade levels in all schools.

Meaningful and quality homework should:

• reinforce principles, skills, concepts, and information taught in the classroom

• be well explained, clearly understood, and appropriate to the ability and maturity level of students

• stimulate creative, logical, and critical thought

• provide an opportunity for the creative application of material mastered in the classroom

• teach the student self-discipline and self-motivation regarding the responsibility and effort required to complete assignments

• promote independent in-depth study of the chosen topics

• provide opportunities for broad enrichment activities

• promote wise and orderly use of time

• NEVER be given as punishment

It is the policy of Memphis City Schools that homework standards and procedures shall be established by each local school based on the guidelines outlined in the district's administrative rules and regulations governing homework.

Homework Philosophy

We believe that the purpose of homework is to promote academic achievement. Homework should not be an extension of a student's school day. Instead, it should complement the student's academic experience. Memphis City Schools defines homework as meaningful and quality work assigned to students that is intended to be completed during non-instructional hours. The standards and procedures will be reviewed annually and explained to students and parents at the beginning of each school year.

SCHOOL: Homework Responsibilities

Schools shall:

• inform students and parents of homework guidelines at the beginning of the year or course

• develop a plan for coordinating homework assignments to ensure that they are reasonable and due within realistic time frames

• review and update, if appropriate, the homework guidelines

Teachers shall:

• create an effective system for communicating homework guidelines to parents

• allow for different learning styles by including choices in types of assignments

• assign homework only in those areas that have been taught and sufficiently understood so that students can complete the assignment(s) satisfactorily

• coordinate homework assignments with other teachers so that no student receives excessive assignments on a single night

• provide students with a reasonable estimate of the amount of time necessary to complete each homework assignment

• collect homework when due, assess, and provide timely and appropriate feedback

HOME: Homework Responsibilities

Students should:

• understand that homework is part of the course requirements

• make certain that homework assignments are understood before leaving class

• complete and submit homework assignments by the due date

Parents should:

• support the school and teachers by providing a suitable environment for homework

• remind students that homework is their responsibility

• guide or assist in homework when unusual difficulties arise but never do the homework for the child

• monitor television, radio, and any other activities so that homework does not suffer

• communicate with the teacher as needed

Homework Standards and Procedures

• The total amount of homework assigned should depend upon the grade level of the student and the number and type of courses the student is enrolled in.

• The amount of homework normally increases as students progress through school.

• Homework assignments should be coordinated among teachers.

• Daily assignments should not be too long. Research shows that teachers usually underestimate the amount of time necessary for students to complete homework.

• During a typical week, the total time for completion of homework assignments should not exceed:
  • Kindergarten - an average of 5-10 minutes per day
    
  • Grades 1-3 - an average of 5-30 minutes per day
    
  • Grades 4-5 - an average of 30-50 minutes per day
    
  • Grades 6-8 - an average of 1 to 2 hours per day
    
  • Grades 9-12 - an average of 2 to 3 hours per day

Study Tips for Students

• Attend class regularly.

• Listen and observe carefully. Pay attention.

• Take notes during classroom instruction.

• Participate in class discussions; ask questions; ask the teacher for assistance.

• Write assignments in a note pad or special section of your notebook.

• If you have questions about the homework assignment, be sure to clarify the assignment with your teacher before leaving the class.

• Keep a notebook for each class. Put all handouts, notes, tests, etc., in this notebook.

• Have a "study buddy" you can call when you are absent or if you need to exchange ideas or compare notes.

Preparing to study...

• Have materials ready before beginning to study (paper, pens, pencils, erasers, paper clips, ruler, etc.).

• Have a study area that is comfortable, well lighted, well ventilated, and with minimal distractions.

• Use a table or desk for studying. Keep it neat, clean, and uncluttered. Be sure there is enough space for writing or spreading out your work.

• Organize your thoughts, materials, and yourself before beginning.

• Start assignments with a positive attitude.

• Review and/or rewrite your notes before beginning to work.

• Secure reference materials from the library as needed.

• Have the Action News 5 Homework Hotline and the First Tennessee Bank Lesson Line phone numbers available and call if you have questions or need assistance.

Making the time...

• Write down the dates projects are due and spread the work out. Buy or make a calendar and schedule in time to work on your project.

• Learn how to organize and set priorities for homework assignments. For example, do the mathematics homework that is due tomorrow, rather than work on the art project that is due next week.

• Establish a set study time.

• Determine when the best time for you to study is: before or after dinner, right after school, or later after you've rested.

• Reserve weekends for working on long-range projects. Plan ahead, don't cram one huge project into your weekend.

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