Homework
FSW’s homework policy is based on current research. This research has consistently shown that homework does not have a positive impact on student achievement during the elementary years. However, a clear correlation between quality homework assignments and student achievement has been shown as students enter middle school. As a result, our approach to homework varies, based on the age of the student.

Homework in the Elementary Grades: Since daily homework in the form of worksheets is common in many elementary schools, it is hard to believe that it is unnecessary. However, extensive research demonstrates that homework does not improve student achievement at the elementary level. For this reason, we carry out most important work during the school day. On the other hand, research does show that children who are read to regularly not only become better readers themselves, they also experience higher academic success throughout their school careers in all areas. Therefore, the only thing we ask across the grade levels is that all parent/guardians read with their children every night!

If you observe your student carefully, you will probably find that s/he engages in school-inspired, spontaneous “homework” as s/he “plays” at home by singing, drawing, painting, building, writing, looking at/reading books, recreating classroom experiments, etc. Spontaneous, self-directed work is a sign that a student is becoming intrinsically motivated to learn and explore the world — which is our ultimate goal! If your child is so inspired, one of the most important things you can do is to provide him/her appropriate materials, support and enthusiastic encouragement. However, do not be concerned if your child is not doing this all the time—we assure you that FSW students maximize their school day and work very hard. Also, remember to look at the FSW weekly newsletter, which will keep you apprised of classroom activities to extend and reinforce at home.

Homework in Middle School: Research is quite clear that middle school students benefit from a manageable amount of homework. Teachers are careful to assign meaningful homework, and we consider every assignment very important. Parent/guardians are expected to support their students by checking their assignment books on a regular basis (on a nightly basis, if necessary). Though the amount of homework each student will have on a given day will vary from 1-2 hours or more, the following is a guideline we normally use when assigning homework: 6th graders, 1-1.5 hours per/night; 7th graders 1-2 hours per/night; 8th graders 1-2.5 hours per night. Because some students work faster than others, these numbers will vary from student to student. Also, these guidelines do not necessarily include the time needed to prepare for quizzes, tests, or to complete long term projects (such as research papers) that may require regular periods of work over several weeks. Teachers will try to stagger the due dates of tests and long-term projects to avoid overload. However, it is critical that parent/guardians support us by helping students get started on long term projects as soon as they are assigned, in order to help students avoid homework overload just before the due date.