• Lincoln Middle School Homework Policies

    Homework is important to student learning at Lincoln Middle School. The purpose of this homework plan is to guide teachers, parents and students in ensuring that homework is meaningful and supports the learning experience for all students.

    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.

    Rules for Homework

    • Activities or assignments that students can complete independently. Carefully constructed as to be completed within a reasonable time allotment, with minimal adult help.
    • Connected to grade level or subject matter curriculum.
    • Connected to class instruction.
    • Engaging, purposeful and relevant.
    • Engaging, purposeful and relevant.

    Teacher Guidelines

    • Review, discuss and return, if collected, homework in a timely manner.
    • Whenever possible, communicate and coordinate assignments so that students do not receive an overload of homework.
    • Explain homework assignments to the students prior to the assignment. Teachers shall communicate homework assignments in at least one of the following ways: send a packet home, write assignment on the board, require students to record it, and/or make available through emails, websites or hotlines. The use of a variety of strategies is encouraged.
    • The teacher will (also) consider a student’s Individualized Education Plan or 504 Plan in regards to homework.
    • Teach techniques that can help students allocate their time wisely, meet their deadlines, and develop good personal study habits.
    • Identify the access that students will have to materials for projects and other homework assignments – taking into account affordability, resource materials from the library media center, assistance and tutoring opportunities, and technology resources.
    • Communicate with parents to inform them about homework expectations, policies, and procedures.
    • Communicate the extent to which homework influences the student’s overall grades.
    • Communicate ways in which parents can best assist their children in doing homework independently.
    • Communicate with parents at the earliest possible opportunity once the student has demonstrated consistent inability to complete homework.

    Parent Guidelines

    • Provide a quiet space and basic materials for homework completion.
    • Teach techniques that can help children allocate their time wisely, meet their deadlines, and develop good personal study habits.
    • Monitor time management and productivity.
    • Review school provided materials (for example Binder Reminder, class handouts, and/or online resources).
    • Communicate with teachers at the earliest possible opportunity once the child has demonstrated consistent inability to complete homework. If necessary, parents shall attempt to reach accommodation with their child’s teachers regarding homework.
    • Contact the grade level counselor, assistant principal and then the principal if a solution cannot be reached with a teacher regarding homework.

    Student Guidelines

    • Complete homework as assigned.
    • Record homework when assigned in class by the teacher.
    • Seek clarification from teachers when unclear about homework.
    • Use class time provided for completing classwork and/or starting homework.
    • Seek assistance from teachers when demonstrating an inability to complete homework.

    Scheduling Time and Parameters
    Middle School

    Middle school homework may be given Monday through Thursday. Weekends and holidays are primarily reserved for family time. Students may elect to use the weekends to review materials, make up work, complete projects, and enjoy recreational reading. Assignments shall be designed so that the typical student can complete all homework, including time for studying and preparing for exams, in the average minutes shown.

      Grade 6 – 70 minutes daily
      Grade 7 – 80 minutes daily
      Grade 8 – 90 minutes daily


    Students taking an extra class should expect to exceed the daily minutes in a proportional manner.

    For an accelerated course designed to be equivalent to a course at a more advanced grade level, students should expect homework for that class to be consistent with a time expectation for the higher grade level.

    In addition, students shall be encouraged to allot time to read for pleasure. Reading for pleasure and music practice times are not included in the time parameters shown.