Homework Policy

The teachers and administration of McPherson Magnet School join with the OUSD Board of Education in acknowledging the role homework plays in a student’s education.  Its primary purpose is that through completing homework, students can reinforce academic skills taught in school and learn how to conduct research effectively, develop ideas creatively and become life-long learners. Regular homework activities should promote the development of skills and provide students with the opportunity to grow academically.  Students, teachers and parents each have essential roles with respect to homework.  Teachers should design assignments so that homework plays the crucial role mentioned above.  The responsibility of the student is to complete all homework, develop regular study and work habits, and do most assignments independently or in cooperation with others when directed by the teacher.  Parents may be involved to provide assistance and structure without diminishing the student’s sense of responsibility.  Parents are also a valuable resource for their child’s learning through monitoring homework completion.

Parents or guardians can do much to encourage homework success:

  • Set a regular study time each day that is not to be interrupted by family plans, extracurricular activities, computer/ipod, or television time
  • Establish a study area, away from household distractions, with good light and space
  • Have the students organize school materials: study notes, assignments, books, backpacks
  • Check student agenda, Parent/Student Portal, Blackboard and EdModo to monitor progress
  • Help the student work to find the answer rather than doing the work just to get it done
  • Be supportive when students get frustrated without doing the work for them

Homework must always be completed, even if the teacher does not grade late work

Research has shown that students who do homework are more successful than students who do not do homework.  Together, as a team, we can work together to ensure that your child succeeds to the best of his or her ability at McPherson Magnet School.  If students are managing their time, and homework is taking too long, please notify the teacher to discuss possible solutions.

 

ZERO TOLERANCE HOMEWORK POLICY

The McPherson Magnet staff believes that homework is a critical part of the learning process and do not want any of our students to lose out on that opportunity.  McPherson had instituted a Zero Tolerance Homework Policy:

  • When a student does not complete an assignment they will be given a Missing Homework Notice from their teacher.
  • The student must present the Missing Homework Notice to their parent for a signature and return the slip and the completed assignment to the office by the next day. 
  • In addition, administration will call home via our automated phone system informing parents of the missing assignment.
  • If the student does not complete the assignment by the next day (turned into the front office), they will be required to attend lunch homework supervision.

Taking responsibility and completing homework assignments on time is crucial for success in school and later in adult life.

 

MAKE UP WORK DUE TO ABSENCES

Excused Absence - According to the Calif. Ed. Code 46010 and 48205. A student absent from school under this section shall be allowed to complete all assignments and tests missed during the absence.  Upon satisfactory completion, the student shall be given full credit earned.  The tests and assignments shall be reasonably equivalent to, but not necessarily identical to, the tests and assignments that the student missed during the absence. The student has one extra day per each day absent to complete any missed assignments upon returning to school.

Unexcused Absence - Calif. Ed. Code 48913: The teacher of any class from which a student is suspended will decide whether or not the pupil will be allowed to complete any assignments and tests missed during the absence.

Absence due to school activities: If a student participates in school-sponsored activities (athletics, field trips, and others), the student should make arrangements with teachers before the student leaves for the activity.

***At times, there are emergency circumstances in life that are out of our control.  If an emergency family situation arises, please notify the teacher before the assignment is due so that arrangements can be made.

Kindergarten

Kindergarten homework assignments should stimulate students to talk often with their parents/guardians.  Parents/guardians are encouraged to read to their children.  Students should be expected to spend an average of 10 minutes on homework, plus an additional 10 minutes reading four days each week.

Grade 1

Students should be expected to spend an average of 15 minutes on homework, plus an additional 15 minutes reading four days each week.

Grade 2

Students should be expected to spend an average of 20 minutes on homework, plus an additional 20 minutes reading four days each week.

Grade 3

Students should be expected to spend an average of 30 minutes on homework, plus an additional 30 minutes reading four days each week.

Grade 4

Students should be expected to spend an average of 40 minutes on homework, plus an additional 30 minutes reading four days each week.

Grade 5

Students should be expected to spend an average of 50 minutes on homework, plus an additional 30 minutes reading four days each week.

Grade 6-8

Students should be expected to spend 8 hours each week on homework.  Although this may vary somewhat from week to week, the workload of a student should typically average 8 hours per week.  The middle school teaching staff will coordinate assignments so that students do not receive an overload of homework assignments one day and very little the next.  If a student chooses to continue to not complete homework in a timely manner, a progression of consequences will follow:

1.     Teacher-Parent contact to problem-solve and explain expectations.

2.     A team meeting will be set for the teacher and support team to problem solve.

3.     Student will need to have his/her agenda or grade report signed weekly by          parent/teacher.  (Possible SST-Student Success Team Meeting)

4.     Parent-Student-Administrator Conference to develop a plan of action to help the student.

5.     Student will be exempt from any “fun” activities (dances, field trips, assemblies, buddies, etc.) until teacher/s feel that a positive regard towards completing assignments is in place.