Dear Families,
We want to explain and clarify our homework expectations for the year.
There isn’t a set policy at Alameda regarding homework, but homework has been a topic of discussion for teachers for a long time. Do we give too much? Too little? Is it busy work? Is is worthwhile?
Below is a link to an article that administration shared with us prior to the start of school. This article spurred a team discussion, so we sat down to discuss what we envision for homework this year.
Our team agrees with the research and made a decision to focus on increased attention to differentiation and instructional strategies within the school day. Our team also feels that our students have very busy schedules outside of the school day, with activities (organized sports, music lessons, after school enrichment) that are in fact, more beneficial to a child's overall health.
Regular homework will focus on reading for pleasure each night, practicing multiplication facts and improving keyboarding skills. If students are unable to finish in-class assignments, those assignments may be sent home as homework. Additionally, there may be one or two project-based assignments that will support our in-class units of study that students will be asked to finish at home.
We appreciate your support and partnership in making this a successful year.
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So great that PPS is finally participating in evidence-based curriculum and teaching strategies while supporting the enrichment and life skills that come from supplemental experiences outside the walls of our academic institutions. Teachers and parents have been reading about the research to back up these changes, and I know I speak for many when I say say well done PPS!
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