BH-BL District Homework Policy
Since the academic program is a demanding one, and both the New York State Board of Regents and the local Board of Education have high expectations for student achievement, homework will vary by grade level and course and by individual students within the various grades. Homework will be directly related to class work and be pedagogically sound. Homework guidelines are developed by building planning councils and reviewed annually.
Stevens Homework Guidelines
The Stevens Planning Council has set up guidelines regarding the quantity and quality of homework expected of our students in grades K through 5. Below is an outline of what you and your children may generally expect if we are going to meet local and state learning standards.
Kindergarten
Children may have one homework assignment each week, as well as an occasional special project. In addition, all parents are encouraged to read every day with their children.
Grade 1
Approximately 45 to 60 minutes of homework may be expected each week. Children in the remedial reading program receive about 15 minutes a day of additional practice. Also, all parents are encouraged to read every day with their children.
Grade 2
Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes to 2 hours of homework may be expected each week. Children in the remedial reading and/or resource room programs are given further practice sessions of about 15 to 30 minutes a night. In addition, all parents are encouraged to read every day with their children.
Grade 3
Approximately 3 to 4 hours of homework may be expected each week. Children who receive remedial reading and/or resource room assistance may receive further work or practice. In addition, all parents are encouraged to read every day with their children.
Grade 4
Approximately 3.5 to 4 hours of homework may be expected each week. This does not include independent reading, nor the practice of math facts and the like. In addition, students are expected to complete work not finished in class. Children who receive remedial reading and/or resource room assistance may receive further work or practice. In addition, all children are encouraged to read each day for recreation. This may include books, magazines and/or newspapers.
Grade 5
Approximately 4 hours of homework may be expected each week. This does not include independent reading, nor the practice of math facts and the like. In addition, students are expected to complete work not finished in class. Children who receive remedial reading and/or resource room assistance may receive further work or practice. In addition, all children are encouraged to read each day for recreation. This may include books, magazines and/or newspapers.
Other considerations
- Teachers will try to be sensitive to the timing of homework in conjunction with events on the school calendar.
- Teachers are aware that parents appreciate as much notice as possible for special assignments.
- Teachers will make every effort to provide as much detail as possible about directions so that parents can guide their child through the assignment properly.
Requesting Assignments for Students Who Miss School
If your child is absent from school and you feel that he/she is capable of working on assignments during an illness, you may request work. By 9 a.m., please call the office and indicate if the work is to be sent home with another child, or if you plan to pick it up yourself by 3:30 p.m. The teachers will do their best to accommodate you. Please remind your children to bring their books back when they return to school.
Assignments for Students on Trips
Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake discourages the practice of taking children out of school for an extended period of time. We believe that children learn best in the classroom along with their peers. The school calendar allows many opportunities for families to arrange trips and activities so that normal school days need not be missed. Absences to attend a family vacation while school is in session are illegal under Education Law. Homework will not be provided in advance to students in these situations. Teachers will maintain a file of homework for students to complete when they return to school.