Academics

Homework Policy

Introduction

Bluffs Middle School recognizes that homework is an important part of academic growth in middle school. It has the potential to affirm the learning partnership among students, teachers, and parents/guardians. We believe that family and leisure activities are important and the amount and type of homework assigned should reflect this belief. We acknowledge individual student differences in ability, achievement levels, and needs, and that some students may take more or less than the recommended time to complete assignments. The purpose of this homework policy is to guide teachers, parents/guardians, and students in ensuring that homework is meaningful and supports the learning experience for all students.

Students should have homework on a consistent basis. Timely, successful completion of this work is a part of each student's evaluation process. Homework is often begun in class. Assignments may be overnight or long term. It is important that students complete the work independently so teachers can obtain an accurate assessment of understanding. Parents/guardians with questions regarding homework should contact individual teachers. It is the student's responsibility to complete and turn in homework as assigned.

Definition

Homework is any activity or assignment directed by the teacher to be performed outside the classroom that may include practicing skills learned in class, reading, studying, projects, or completion of assignments.

Purpose

The primary purposes associated with homework are as follows:

  • To give students a chance to review and practice what they have learned.
  • To prepare students for the next day's lesson.
  • To reinforce and extend concepts introduced in class.
  • To activate prior knowledge and assess student understanding.
  • To establish study habits and self-reliance.
  • To allow parents/guardians and teachers to monitor student progress.
  • To allow for more in-depth exploration of topics than is possible during class time.
  • To help students develop time management, study, and organizational skills.
  • To provide parents/guardians with insights into what is being taught in the classroom and the progress of their child.

Guidelines for Time

Homework will be designed so that the typical student can complete all homework, including time for studying and preparing for tests and quizzes in the average minutes shown below:

  • Grade 6 - 60 minutes daily
  • Grade 7 - 70 minutes daily
  • Grade 8 - 80 minutes daily

As a general guideline, Bluffs Middle School students are expected to read 20-30 minutes per night for their Reading class. The time spent reading is included in the above daily minutes. Actual time required to complete assignments will vary with each student's study habits, academic skills, and selected course load. If your child is spending an inordinate amount of time on homework, the parent/guardian should contact their child's teachers. Students' total daily homework should not exceed the guidelines stated previously, assuming students have completed daily in-class assignments and make-up work.

Assistance for Homework

It is recommended that students seeking assistance with homework speak and work directly with their teachers as they will be able to recommend strategies to improve success on homework. Students should speak directly with teachers regarding tutoring hours or to arrange additional assistance outside of class time.

Responsibilities

As with all schoolwork, but especially with homework, the interaction among the teacher-student-parent/guardian is essential. The final responsibility for homework rests with the student.

The student should…

  • Know each course's homework.
  • Be aware of the importance of homework.
  • Ensure homework is completed to the best of his/her ability.
  • Complete homework in the given time frame.
  • Manage time on projects and studying in order to maintain the guideline of 60-80 total minutes of homework.
  • Ask for assistance from teachers, classmates, and parents/guardians as needed.

The teacher should…

  • Assign relevant, challenging, and meaningful homework.
  • Give clear instructions and ensure that students understand expectations including how homework will be assessed.
  • Offer assistance when needed.
  • Provide verbal or written feedback promptly to students.
  • Maintain homework records and communicate with parents/guardians if homework issues begin to negatively impact the grade.
  • Discuss in Student Success Team meetings to ensure the amount of homework assigned is reasonable, taking into account competing home obligations, extracurricular activities, and homework assigned by other teachers.

The parent/guardian should…

  • Understand that 60-80 total minutes of homework is only a guideline and that there may be occasions when homework takes additional time. Some students routinely require more time.
  • Take an active interest in homework.
  • Set a regular, uninterrupted study/homework time each day in a designated place.
  • Communicate regularly with teachers to monitor and encourage student progress.
  • Update phone numbers and email addresses with the BMS Office as needed.
  • Stay well informed via Infinite Campus Parent/Student Portal and teachers' websites.

Suggested Websites for Assistance with Homework

Infinite Campus Parent/Student Portal

The Infinite Campus Parent/Student Portal is an on-line grade program that allows parents to keep track of grades, attendance, and discipline referrals. Through the portal, you may access pertinent information about your child's attendance, grades, homework assignments, and discipline. For more information on the Infinite Campus Parent/Student Portal, please contact the BMS Office at 635-6270.

Make-Up Work

It is the responsibility of the student to make up any work that has been missed because of absence. In the event of an extended illness or injury, parents may request homework assignments from the school office (635-6283, 635-6270, 635-6274), beginning on the second consecutive day of the absence. Please call for homework by 9:00 AM and assignments will be available between 3:07-3:45 PM.

Grade Level Daily Work Assignment Guidelines

6th Grade:

  1. Daily work assignments are considered late if submitted after the teacher's established due date.

  2. The highest grade a student may earn on a late daily work assignment is a 70%.

  3. Daily work received two weeks after the teacher's established due date will not be accepted.

7th Grade:

  1. Daily work assignments are considered late if submitted after the teacher's established due date.

  2. The highest grade a student may earn on a late daily work assignment is a 60%.

  3. Daily work received two weeks after the teacher's established due date will not be accepted.

8th Grade:

  1. Daily work assignments submitted after the teacher's established due date will receive a 0.

  2. The highest grade a student may earn on a grade level common assessment submitted after the teacher's established due date will be a 70%.