BY Christopher Lang, Correspondent, @topherlang2 | MonroeNow | Aug 28, 2018
MONROE – District teachers will have a new policy for issuing homework when the academic season begins in September.
At the Aug. 22 Board of Education meeting, trustees approved an expanded homework policy that also provides guidance when assigning work over long breaks.
Read: Monroe Township School District’s new homework policy
“Homework and projects should not be assigned with an expectation for completion immediately following winter or spring breaks,” states the new policy. “There is no expectation for work to be done during the break.”
It also allows parents or legal guardians to request additional work for their child “provided the teacher believes this would benefit the students.”
The new policy, according to the district administration of trustees was crafted with input from the teachers before it was adopted.
“I think it does give some of the teachers’ flexibility,” acting Superintendent Robert Goodall said. “This is being considerate of giving kids some academic rest and a chance to refresh with their families.”
The policy now includes an outline for teachers to evaluate homework assigned.
“All homework must be evaluated by the teacher and feedback must be communicated to the pupil. Homework is not a learning activity if the pupil does not receive feedback in a timely manner, such that it is meaningful and actionable for the student,” the policy states. “Teachers concerned about a student not submitting homework, or poor quality of homework should reach out [to] the student’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s).”
The homework policy had been in works for months. The new guidelines come in time for the start of the new school year.
“I think it is good,” said Goodall about the new policy. “Especially when stressing the value of homework or supplemental assignments. [Teachers] aren’t going to give work for the sake of giving work.”
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