Chapter G - Academics

Part 2.0 Academic Programs

Section 2.2 Homework Policy

Policy Statement:

It is the hope of American Prep that our students will come to love learning and desire to spend free time studying and reading.  To assist our families in developing life-long learners, American Prep has adopted the following policies based upon these principles:

• Homework is an integral part of the education program at American Prep. It is an extension of the classroom lessons and should directly relate to class work. It reinforces skills and concepts that are taught and helps develop good study skills and habits. It also informs parents of what is being taught in the classroom. Some guidelines for the assignment of homework follow:
• Homework is assigned with coordination between teachers and consideration of the importance of child participation in family activities and responsibilities.
• An American Prep student should spend time each day studying, whether or not homework is assigned. If no homework is assigned, students are encouraged to review math facts, work on MathScore, read, practice writing, study spelling words, or read a book with their parents.

Homework Policy - Elementary

1. Homework is assigned with coordination between teachers and consideration of the importance of child participation in family activities and responsibilities.  Students will be given homework most weekday evenings.  It is our intention that homework given will be appropriate, relevant, interesting and at times, challenging.  Homework assigned should not be new material for students, but should be a review, extra practice, or an extension of material already taught in school.
2. Students should be able to complete their homework within the time frames below, with the exception of special projects or in cases where the student fails to complete classwork in a timely manner, or if a student falls behind due to tardy arrivals, absences or failure to attend to learning or use time effectively during the school day.  These times do not include music practice or free reading time.  Students in grades 1-4 should read an additional period of time each evening (at least 15 minutes).  In grades 5-6 this time may, but will not always, include free reading time.  Students in advanced math and reading courses may need additional time for homework completion each evening.

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    • Kindergarten - 10 minutes
    • First grade - 20 minutes
    • Second grade - 30 minutes
    • Third grade - 40 minutes
    • Fourth grade - 50 minutes
    • Fifth grade - 60 minutes
    • Sixth grade - 60 minutes

3. An American Prep student should spend time each day studying, whether or not homework is assigned.  If no homework is assigned, students are encouraged to review math facts, work on MathScore, read, practice writing, study spelling words, or read a book with their parents.  We believe it is in the best interest of our students to spend their free time reading, studying, and playing games that are mentally stimulating

4. If a parent believes the homework assigned is excessive or if their child is not receiving regular homework, they may fill out a "Homework Response Form" (available at the school office) and return it to the teacher.  Administration will review all response forms.

Home Learning Environment

1. Parents need to provide an environment in the home that will make it possible for students to engage in scholarly pursuits at home on a daily basis.  A successful learning environment contains the following elements:
   1. a quiet place to study and complete assignments;
   2. access to necessary tools (pencils, paper, adequate lighting, resources such as a reference books); and
   3. freedom from distractions (TV, video and computer games, distracting music or conversations).
2. American Prep recommends that families adopt a "no TV, no Video games" policy Monday through Thursday.  Ample research has demonstrated that it is not beneficial for students to watch TV and play video games on a daily basis.  Lack of physical exercise is resulting in obesity in epidemic proportions in our country.  We encourage our families to provide opportunities for their students to exercise and study during the weekday evenings.
3. American Prep recommends that families, where possible, establish study time in the early evenings, allowing their students time after school to engage in physical activities.  We encourage families to engage in study time together, possibly at a central location such as the kitchen table.  Parents may sit and study or complete work of their own while students complete their work.  Family study time works well as parents are close by to act as a resource should the student need it, and also to help keep the student focused on studying.  Parents can easily sign the learning plan as assignments are completed.
4. American Prep recommends that parents review the academic scope and sequence received from their student's teacher, then utilize the public library to have educational resources on hand at home that will serve to extend and expand the student's learning on the subjects they are studying at school.

Homework Policy - Secondary 

1. Homework is assigned with coordination between teachers and consideration of the importance of child participation in family activities and responsibilities.  Students will be given homework most weekday evenings.  It is our intention that homework given will be appropriate, relevant, interesting and at times, challenging.  Homework assigned should not be new material for students, but should be a review, extra practice, or an extension of material already taught in school.
2. Secondary students should be able to complete their homework within 90-120 minutes each evening, with the exception of special projects or in cases where the student fails to complete classwork in a timely manner, or if a student falls behind due to tardy arrivals, absences or failure to attend to learning or use time effectively during the school day.  These times do not include music practice or free reading time.    Students in advanced math and reading courses may need additional time for homework completion each evening.
3. An American Prep student should spend time each day studying, whether or not homework is assigned.  If no homework is assigned, students are encouraged to review core subjects lessons, study for tests, and read independently. We believe it is in the best interest of our students to spend their free time reading, studying, and playing games that are mentally stimulating.
4. If a parent believes the homework assigned is excessive or if their child is not receiving regular homework, they may fill out a "Homework Response Form" (available at the school office) and return it to the teacher.  Administration will review all response forms.

Home Learning Environment

1. Parents need to provide an environment in the home that will make it possible for students to engage in scholarly pursuits at home on a daily basis.  A successful learning environment contains the following elements:a quiet place to study and complete assignments; access to necessary tools (pencils, paper, adequate lighting, resources such as reference books); and freedom from distractions (TV, video and computer games, distracting music or conversations).
2. American Prep recommends that families adopt a "no TV, no Video games" policy Monday through Thursday.  Ample research has demonstrated that it is not beneficial for students to watch TV and play video games on a daily basis.  Lack of physical exercise is resulting in obesity in epidemic proportions in our country.  We encourage our families to provide opportunities for their students to exercise and study during the weekday evenings.
3. American Prep recommends that families, where possible, establish study time in the early evenings, allowing their students time after school to engage in physical activities.  We encourage families to engage in study time together, possibly at a central location such as the kitchen table.  Parents may sit and study or complete work of their own while students complete their work.  Family study time works well as parents are close by to act as a resource should the student need it, and also to help keep the student focused on studying.  Parents can easily sign the learning plan as assignments are completed.
4. American Prep recommends that parents review the academic scope and sequence received from their student's teacher, then utilize the public library to have educational resources on hand at home that will serve to extend and expand the student's learning on the subjects they are studying at school.