Homework

For students in K-6, learning beyond the school day serves as an extension of classroom learning rather than a required completion of academic tasks outside of school hours.

Teachers may provide optional learning extensions that encourage students to deepen their understanding, apply new learning, and engage with their families and communities. These experiences are intended to foster curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning while recognizing the developmental needs of elementary-aged children.

Extended Learning may include:

• Independent reading or being read to each evening
• Practicing foundational literacy or mathematics skills through games or authentic experiences
• Sharing classroom learning with family members or caregivers
• Making connections between classroom learning and everyday life
• Investigating questions or topics of personal interest
• Observation, exploration, inquiry, or project-based experiences
• Optional review or practice activities that reinforce classroom instruction

In grades 7-12, teachers may assign homework that is directly connected to the intended learning outcomes of the course. Homework should reinforce classroom instruction, encourage application of knowledge, promote critical thinking, and develop students’ organizational and time-management skills.

Homework assignments should:

• Have a clearly defined instructional purpose.
• Be aligned to course standards and classroom learning.
• Be reasonable in length and complexity.
• Be communicated clearly.
• Provide opportunities for students to practice, extend, or apply learning.