Tuning+in

Tuning In - Think about your own views about homework.

 * ===How have you come to hold these views?===
 * ===What helped form these views?===
 * ===What past experiences have influenced your thoughts on homework?===

Some readings and links to web pages to get started.
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[] The importance of homework in your child’s education

[] Homework, What the research says, NCTM

[] What the Research Says About the Value of Homework at a Glance.

[] Research Based Strategies Homework and Practice

Sir Ken Robinson makes an entertaining and profoundly moving case for creating an educationsystem that nurtures (rather than undermines) creativity.

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Homework current policy as outlined in the Parent Handbook
Kindergarten Recognizing the effectiveness of involving parents in their child’s learning teachers will provide Kindergarten students with activities to do at home which reflect an important aspect of the Kindergarten program. Reading every day to your Kindergarten child is an essential part of the educational experience.

Grades 1-5 Homework assignments are an important reinforcement of the learning of new concepts and skills, and help to build desirable work and study habits. They may be used to allow children to finish work not completed in class, to provide enrichment and greater understanding of the material currently being studied, and to develop research skills. All classes have the expectation that students read every night. This is included in the daily homework requirements.

The amount of time that children spend on doing homework will vary from day to day and with the ability and diligence of the individual student. Teachers do not ordinarily give homework assignments on Fridays or holidays. We ask that parents support and encourage their children in developing good work and study habits by:
 * Talking with your child about what he or she is learning and doing in school;
 * Establishing a specific nightly homework period;
 * Providing a quiet place to study;
 * Answering questions once your child has tried to figure things out;
 * Reviewing completed work;
 * Informing the teacher when problems arise; and
 * Spending time reading with your child every day.

The following indicates the minimum and maximum time children should be expected to spend on school work after school hours. It assumes that the child does all their homework when assigned and does not allow it to accumulate. The times given refer to time spent actually on task. At the beginning of the school year you should expect the duration to be closer to the minimum, increasing to the maximum as the year progresses and the students become more proficient. Homework Guidelines (in minutes) (mon- Thur)
 * ==Grade== || ==non reading== || ==reading== || ==night total== || ==week total== ||  ||   ||
 * ==1== || ==0-15== || ==5-15== || ==15-30== || ==80== ||  ||   ||
 * ==2== || ==15== || ==15== || ==30== || ==120== ||  ||   ||
 * ==3== || ==20== || ==20== || ==20== || ==160== ||  ||   ||
 * ==4== || ==20-30== || ==20-30== || ==50== || ==200== ||  ||   ||
 * ==5== || ==30== || ==30== || ==60== || ==240== ||  ||   ||