The following guidelines for homework were developed in accordance with Policy #8110 of the Chautauqua Lake Central School District and are intended to provide consistency in implementation of homework within grade levels and departments. Specifically, the guidelines address the following:

• Grade weighting
• Amount of work assigned in a night/week
• Group projects versus individual work
• Parent and/or student appeals of homework issues

Procedure for Addressing Homework Concerns: 

Students (or parents at the elementary level) who wish to address concerns regarding homework as related to classroom grades must first address their concerns via a parent conference with the specific teacher from whom they received the grade. If appropriate, another teacher and/or guidance counselor may be present during the meeting. If the concern is not resolved through this meeting, a written request will be submitted to address the concern with the principal. This written request should identify the concerns that will be discussed at a meeting to include the student, parent, guidance counselor and the appropriate teacher(s). Following this meeting, the principal will issue a written response to the parent indicating the resolution to the concern. 

Special Education / 504 Plans:

When modifications of homework are indicated on an IEP or 504 plan, they shall be based on need and determined by the Individual Education Plan / 504 Plan only. 

Use of Study Hall, Directed Learning Lab and Other School Day Time:

While homework is typically additional practice or previously learned material to be completed at home or another location outside the school day, students may use school time not otherwise assigned for specific instruction, such as study halls, directed learning lab and after school help, to complete assigned work. 

Elementary Information

At Chautauqua Lake Elementary School, we believe that educating a child involves a cooperative effort of home and school. Homework serves as tasks assigned as a reinforcement, to strengthen, and/or enrich the curriculum. 

Homework could also include long-term assignments, projects and research.

Grade Weighting:

Homework may be counted as a portion of a student's quarterly grade. Each teacher is responsible for informing the student and his/her parents of the weighting system before the start of the course. The weighting of homework should not exceed 35% of the overall grade. 

Amount of Time: 

Time spent on homework each night will increase by grade levels at 10 minute intervals total. Kindergarten and first grade students will have 10 minutes, whereas sixth grade will have sixty minutes total. 

The guidelines for late work are to be established and followed by each teacher. This will be done within the following framework:

1. Homework turned in late will not receive full credit
2. If student completion of homework becomes problematic, parents will be notified

Group Projects vs. Individual Projects:

Group projects are extremely important for social networking and collaborative development. Group projects develop required skills essential for Secondary School success. Teachers should give class time or ensure there is collaborative time, involving all parties (such as study hall). Supervised time should be provided during the school day or after school hours.

Secondary Information

Grade Weighting:

Homework may be counted as a portion of a student's quarterly grade. Each teacher is responsible for informing the student of his or her weighting system before the start of the course. Weighting should not be more than 35% of the overall grade. 

Amount of Time:

On average, approximately 1-2 hours of work will be assigned per student with the exception of college credit, Advanced Placement courses and long-term projects/assignments.

Group Projects vs. Individual Projects:

Group projects are extremely important for social networking and collaborative development. Group projects develop skills required for graduation. Teachers should give class time or ensure there is collaborative time, involving all parties (i.e. common DLL, SH or after school help). Supervised time should be provided during the school day or after school hours. 

Additional Secondary Information: 

• Students should understand that homework is a necessary extension of class work and that it is assigned to help students learn, as such, it becomes a course requirement
  • It is the student's responsibility to have homework completed on time
  • Any work that merits being designated as homework deserves evaluation
  • Assignment books will be available from the Secondary School Office, and all students are encouraged to use them
• Assignments are to be completed and submitted on time
• Homework that is turned in late will not receive full credit
• Homework that is only partially completed or below teacher-defined standards will not be acceptable
  • Students who do not understand an assignment should answer the question to the best of their ability rather than leaving out the question
• Students who fail to complete an assignment are expected, upon teacher request, to stay after school to complete the assignment
  • Students who fail to report as requested will have their names sent to the office, and the appropriate additional time after school will be assigned
• Homework is to be counted as part of a student's quarterly grade
• Whenever possible, homework is to be completed in a reasonable time and may only be extended by permission of the classroom teacher
  • It is understood that this extension of time will be based on extenuating circumstances that are beyond the control of the student