FUSD Homework Board Policy

Homework -  FUSD Board Policy 6154 and 6154 AR                                                                                             (updated 1/30/2019)                                                 

The Board of Education believes that homework is any activity assigned which is primarily accomplished outside of regular classroom time to advance student learning of the standards in each curricular area and that has a definite relationship to the student’s instructional program, and that supports and enriches class work. Homework is an integral part of the educational program of the students in the Fremont Unified School District and may be assigned on a regular basis. Homework should help students become self-directed self-disciplined and independent learners, thus improving their immediate learning as well as their long-term academic achievement. The Board believes in the development of the whole child and the importance of extra-curricular activities, play, and socialization.

Homework is defined as the time students spend outside the classroom in assigned learning activities. The Board of Education believes the purpose of homework is to practice and to extend knowledge and skill. The Board also believes, as research supports, that student learning is positively affected when homework assignments are purposeful and engaging, and are appropriate in quality and quantity. Homework prepares students for new material, reinforces academic learning, provides feedback on learning effectiveness to the teachers and parents, and expands upon classroom instruction. It creates new understanding, building a sense of responsibility in students for their own education, and seeks to inform/involve parents and guardians.

Homework assignments should be appropriate to the developmental levels of students and relevant to classroom instruction as enrichment, reinforcement, and extension of learning opportunities, not a displacement of or substitute for classroom instruction. Homework given in Honors classes should conform with the time estimates for other non-Honors classes. The intent is to have Honors students do differentiated, not more, homework.

Homework will be reviewed by the teacher for correctness. The teacher will use the student data from homework assignments to inform their instruction.

The Board recognizes that cooperation between parents and the school is necessary for effective home study. Parents are encouraged to take an interest in the homework activities of their children and provide conditions which are conducive to good study habits.

Each school will ensure that this policy is fully and properly implemented. Prior to the start of school, site administrators will disseminate, review, and discuss BP and AR 6154 with their staff. It will be the responsibility of each teacher to understand the policy. The homework policy will be posted online at every school site and made available for parents.

The Guidelines below are for daily assignments of homework. The total number of minutes stated below include all subjects and classes.

All assignments, studying for exams, working on projects, and assigned reading should be included in the required nightly minutes for homework. Students with excused absences are allotted the same number of days of the absence to complete work. Homework should not be assigned on Fridays, during breaks and vacations as a regular practice. The Board’s intent is to reserve weekends and vacations for family time.

7th and 8th grade homework will be approximately 60-90 minutes per evening or 240-360 minutes per week.

9th through 12th grade homework is based on the rigor of the student’s course schedule. Average homework time is between 70 to 120 minutes per evening, or 280-480 minutes per week.

These minutes are based on time estimated for an average student working at an average pace. Considerations are made for students with special needs. AP classes may require additional minutes of homework.

The Board supports the development of life-long readers and encourages independent reading.

Policy Adopted:  February 22, 1984

Policy Revised:   June 12, 2002

Policy Revised:   April 14, 2010

Policy Revised:   May 23, 2012

Policy Revised:   January 30, 2019