3.3 — Homework and Classwork

3.3 — Homework and Classwork: Academic Policies

Homework is a fundamental part of our general academic program.  It prepares students for high school and college, and for entry into the working world upon graduation.  It also helps develop a strong work ethic and personal organizational skills.  Homework’s immediate educational purpose is:

• To reinforce skills and concepts learned in class,
• To develop study skills and habits,
• To practice skills and knowledge in ways that are not readily accomplished in the classroom, and
• To inform parents of what is being taught in the classroom.

Homework assignments should be expected Monday through Thursday of each week and on some weekends.  The amount of time required to complete homework assignments is generally 10 minutes per grade level per night, e.g. 30 minutes for 3rd grade students, 60 minutes for 6th grade students, etc. 

In addition to regular homework assignments discussed above, we expect each child to read, or be read to every day.  The amount of reading homework varies for each grade. Teachers will inform students what is expected for their grade level.  As cited in A Nation at Risk, “the single most important factor for determining whether children will go to college is being read to as a child.”  Going to college is not necessarily a destination point for all, but becoming a life-long reader probably should be, if one hopes to remain competitive throughout one’s lifetime.  We believe becoming a competent reader is critical to being a good student, and the first step to being able to explore the world.  By making sure your child is reading at home, you are directly contributing to his/her education.  By reading to your child and participating in this process as a parent, you encourage your child’s growth and strengthen family ties.  By reading in front of your children, you model good habits and reinforce your expectations.

Liberty Common School is proud to have a challenging, rigorous curriculum.  This is one of the many things that make Liberty a great school.  With such a rich and rigorous curriculum, the students need time to work at home.  We are aware that the students may be involved with other interests and activities outside of school.  The staff and administration will attempt to coordinate their schedules and calendars, so the students are not inundated with work on the same day.  It is understood that homework will be given and will vary depending on the work assigned on a given day, the students’ organizational skills and study habits, and the nature of the assignments.  Students are expected to learn how to use their free time effectively to complete the required work at each grade level.  Parents are expected to support their children in this endeavor. 

In grades 2-6, the following consequences, with teacher discretion, have been established regarding homework and quality of work:

• No name on assignments or homework, assignments will be thrown away and the student will receive a zero.
• No name on a test will deduct 10% off the test.
• Partial name or date, teacher will deduct 5% off the assignment or test grade. In primary grades, completed work (quality work done with clear effort) in math, reading, or writing (skills areas) receiving a grade of 75% or lower may be redone with teacher discretion, and within a week for ½ of the point value of the grade were the work done on time.