Homework Guidelines
1. Definition: Homework is defined as any assigned work to be done at home (this
includes on-going projects and work not completed in class).
Assignments should allow for practice and repetition of essential skills learned in class.
At the same time, such assignments should encourage the student’s desire to
independently expand their knowledge, as well as teach personal responsibility, which
will prepare them for higher academic learning.
2. Assignments shall take age and ability levels into account, challenging and inviting
students to individualize their final product. The amount of homework assigned at each
grade level must be determined by the skills, abilities, and developmental capabilities of
the students involved.
3. The maximum amount of time for homework each day is:
K-2
3 -4
5 -6
7 -8
10-20 minutes
20-30 minutes
30-50 minutes
45-80 minutes
4. Homework will be given Monday through Thursdays only. If homework is given on a
weekly basis, the amount of time the student is expected to work will not exceed the
maximum time for a four day week (i.e. 6th grade = 50 minutes x 4 = 200 minutes per
week.)
5. No homework will be given on days the school is sponsoring an evening event.
6. If a student is struggling or taking more time than the guidelines suggest, the parent
should contact the teacher to remedy this unintended consequence. If a contact has been
made with the teacher and no resolution has been reached, the parent should contact the
Director to set up a meeting. The Director may convene a meeting with the parent,
teacher, student and Director present to devise a plan for handling homework
assignments for this student.
7. A parent and/or student may contact the teacher if they would like additional
homework beyond the amount assigned.
8. Homework will not be used to introduce new concepts or ideas.
9. Homework should be given to enhance applications to lessons already introduced and
to encourage the students to expand their knowledge independently. Lighthouse endorses
this practice. For example, if students are working on division in class, an assignment
might involve a practical demonstration of this skill involving something in the home
environment.
10. Parents should be informed by the student’s teacher about the classroom context for
homework so the parent will understand how any homework relates to what is being done
in class. Parents are encouraged to contact the teacher if they are unclear about how the
homework is to be done, its purpose, or its context. Reference material, if available, will
be made accessible to the parent.
11. If students get frustrated or resist doing homework it is best not to force them at that
time, give them a snack and come back to homework later. Research suggests that
providing a snack generally helps students focus on homework.
12. Research generally indicates that by the fifth or sixth grade most students can be
responsible for scheduling, remembering and turning in their homework.
13. If students have an excused absence from school, they are entitled to one day for
every day missed to make up their work. Homework given as makeup work should be
reviewed with the student and concepts should be taught prior to sending work home.
14. Teachers are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 - 8:10 a.m. and from 2:45 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday (3:00 p.m. on Friday). Teachers can be reached at
the school at 751-1649.
15. Spanish homework will not exceed 20 minutes per week.