NO EXCUSE POLICY Murray Middle School DEFINITION Homework will be used to increase students’ opportunities to learn. It is completed at the end of the classroom period or outside the classroom and is intended to provide added opportunity to practice skills, engage information, and explore topics using varied learning styles and interests. Homework assignments will include not only written assignments but also opportunities to take part in cultural and creative activities and real­world applications of learning. PURPOSE This policy is intended to guide all faculty, parents, and students and to establish responsibilities and guidelines for standards for the assignment, evaluation, and monitoring of homework assignments. The policy does not apply to students receiving homebound instruction or whose Individualized Education Plans require that homework be addressed in a different way. PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES The principal will ensure that: All teachers, parents, and students receive a copy of this policy at the beginning of each year. STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES Students are responsible for completing and turning in their homework and, with support from their parents. Students will complete all assignments to teacher satisfaction. Grade levels will submit in writing to the Instructional Leader of the school an explanation of their implementation of this policy including disciplinary consequences for student’s failure to complete assignments. Students will complete corrections on designated assignments/assessments to teacher satisfaction. Students will rewrite designated open response questions to teacher satisfaction. Possible interventions for No Excuse Policy: o Work in another teacher’s classroom o Parent Contact (early in the process) o Academic Lunch o Team ISS (placement in teacher’s classroom) o Instruction in organizational strategies o Office referral
o Others as deemed appropriate by grade level/department A minimum of 3 specific actions must be completed before students are given the following: § Early Morning/After School Detention § In School Suspension (ISS) § Saturday School POLICY EVALUATION We will evaluate the effectiveness of this policy through our School Improvement Planning Process. Date Adopted: _____ Date Reviewed or Revised: 1­13­09 Council Chairperson’s Initials lsc Date Reviewed or Revised: _____ Council Chairperson’s Initials _____