Developing a Homework Policy

If your school does not already have a homework policy in place, you might discuss this with other teachers and administrators. Homework policies, which function to define a standard set of expectations for and beliefs about homework, can be shared and reviewed with students, parents, and teachers at the beginning of each school year. At minimum, homework policies should define the role of homework in learning at each grade level, and the specific responsibilities of teachers, parents, and students (see Butler, 1987).

While some educators caution that school and districtwide policies for homework can become restrictive (Black, 1996), there are advantages to having a shared understanding of how homework is being used to support learning. Homework policies not only help define parents' role in homework, but also ensure that students and parents are informed about teachers' expectations. Another benefit of homework policies is that they allow teachers to develop a consistent, schoolwide set of expectations for students, which is particularly helpful for students who have several different teachers throughout the day. Developing a homework policy is also a good way for educators to get together, review the research, and explore how homework can best be used to promote achievement and engagement in school.