Definition and Purpose

Homework is defined as work and/or studying related to the classroom learning experience that is done outside the regular classroom. This might be accomplished in a school tutoring situation, study hall, small group learning opportunity, learning lab or at home.

The purpose of homework evolves in complexity as the student matures. In the early years, homework is a tool to teach beginning study habits and to encourage learning in all environments.

For the older student, homework takes on more specific roles:
• To encourage independent study skills
• To reinforce and build upon concepts and skills learned in the classroom
• To encourage in-depth exploration beyond the classroom curriculum
• To provide opportunities for the student to gain experience in the utilization of community resources
• To foster a link between home and school
• To prepare for more thorough and sophisticated class discussion

Overarching Philosophy

Homework is considered an integral component of the overall educational experience in the Cape Elizabeth school district, to one degree or another, depending on grade level and age. Homework should be designed to enrich the learning process, to aid in the mastery of skills and to inspire and stimulate further learning for students.

It should not be expected that homework is mandatory in each subject each night; rather, appropriate and purposeful assignments should allow for and encourage an extension of classroom learning. Teachers will use their discretion to determine the need for homework and shall make an effort to offer only meaningful assignments. Teachers have a responsibility to provide an adequate understanding of assignments and also to providing timely feedback, corrections or grades on work given.

Parents are expected to view homework as an important extension of their child’s learning experience, offer assistance in grades 1-4 and assistance and support in grades 5-6. Communication between students, teachers and parents is encouraged to ensure problems are addressed early and the best interests of the student are a top priority.

Finally, homework should never be used as a punishment. It should be viewed as one of many outside learning experiences along with other enrichment opportunities that are highly valued in our community. It is important to help students find a balance of academics, home life and extracurricular activities.

Specific Expectations and Guidelines

The Cape Elizabeth School Board acknowledges the varying application of homework amongst grade levels. A literature review of 20 studies highlights the striking influence of grade level on homework’s effectiveness: high school students, in a class doing homework, outperform 69% of students in a non-homework class. For middle school students, the average homework effect was half this, or around 35% higher performance rates. In elementary school, homework had no effect on achievement, but gains in attitude.

Based on these findings and the above overarching philosophy, the following guidelines are suggested:

Grades 1- 4
Grades 1– 3 Up to 30 minutes per weekday evening, including reading;
Grade 4 Up to 45 minutes per weekday evening, including reading
• At this level, homework should be a short follow-up to classroom learning, teach beginning study skills, begin to introduce the concept of outside classroom learning and inspire a love for learning.
• Parent assistance should be recognized as a valuable asset.
• Homework should not be used as a punishment.
• If students spend beyond the 30 minutes and parents feel it is in their child’s best interest to not spend further time, the parent may sign off on the assignment.
Grades 5-8
Grade 5 Up to one hour
Grade 6 Up to 90 minutes
Grades 7 & 8 Up to 2 hours
• Assignments should encourage higher level thinking, skill practice and independent reading with time frame being less in the lower grades.
• Parents should offer support and encouragement, but limit assistance so that students become independent learners.
• Students have a responsibility to ask for assistance from teachers when necessary or problems arise.
• Assignments should be limited to weekdays with the exception of long-range projects, and not given over vacations, with the exception of summer reading.
Grades 9-12 Up to 1-3 hours on average, depending on course of study

• At this level, students should be independent in their assignments.
• Students have a responsibility to ask for assistance from teachers when necessary or problems arise.
• Major projects or assignments should not be assigned to be performed entirely during school vacations. This does not apply to summer reading and writing assignments.

ADOPTED: December 13, 2005
Replaces original IKB