Homework is defined as written or nonwritten tasks assigned by a teacher to be completed outside the classroom. These assignments should complement class work and be relevant to the curriculum.
Homework is a natural extension of the school day and an important part of a child’s educational experience. It encourages self-discipline, pride in one’s work, positive self-esteem, and an interest in learning. Homework reinforces the Brockton School/home connection.
Well-implemented homework activities will improve the learning process, aid in the mastery of skills, stimulate interest, and assist students to become life long learners.
Homework assignments should range from having students work independently to fostering group projects. Assignments should increase in complexity with the maturity of the students. The time to be devoted to homework each day should be consistent for each school at each grade, with the time requirement increasing by grade level. Homework should begin with a few minutes in grade one to a maximum of ninety minutes a day, four days a week, in grade six. At the secondary level the complexity of assignments and time required to accomplish them will increase.
Assignments should take into consideration the variables among students such as differences in health, ability, and educational resources at home. Outside resources needed to complete homework assignments should, for the most part, be limited to those available in most homes, school libraries, and should be required only after students have had instruction in the use of such materials. Homework will not be used as a form of punishment under any circumstances in the Brockton Public Schools. Pleasure reading is a strong component of academic success and should be encouraged above and beyond regular homework assignments.
Students learn through many activities outside the school day. Extracurricular activities, family activities, and students’ personal hobbies and pursuits also contribute to learning. Teachers should take these activities into account as they plan for homework, and families should also recognize the need to balance all of these outside elements against the schools’ requirements as they plan their children’s time after school hours.