Lake Washington School District believes that homework can be an
important and valuable extension of classroom instruction. In its simplest form, homework enables the student to practice and refine skills so that mastery is achieved. In later stages, innovative projects reflect the integration of numerous skills into a final, original expression.
The amount and frequency of homework varies for several reasons. Certain subjects are characterized by frequent homework, while other require fewer outside assignments. The emphasis and amount of homework should match the developmental skills of the student. Like classroom instruction, homework should be individualized in consideration of differences between students.
Homework is capable of providing the following opportunities within a learning experience:
Practice:
This is the most common type of homework and the most simple. It is given to help students practice specific skills so that mastery is attained. Material is presented by the teacher in class and a homework assignment promotes practice by the student, either at school or home.
Preparation:
The intent of the second category is to prepare students for the next class meeting. Students may be asked to read ahead in a text, to make notes or answer questions, or to study material, etc.
Extension:
Extension assignments ask the student to go beyond simple recall of knowledge. Concepts or skills are applied instead to new situations.
Creativity:
These are usually long-range assignments requiring several days to weeks to complete. Students are required to integrate many skills in the process of completing the final product.
It is the policy of Lake Washington School District that homework
standards and procedures be established and administered within each school building. Such homework standards and procedures shall be developed or reviewed annually by a committee consisting of representatives from building administration, teachers, and parents.
Adopted:
8/7/67
Revised:
11/16/81
5/7/90
CROSS REF.:
Make-Up Opportunities (IKEA)