by Lauren Tsai | Co-Editor-In-Chief
At the start of the new semester, several changes will be introduced to the current homework policy. Reviewed and approved by Johnson’s Campus Improvement Committee, beliefs are centered on the idea that quality, relevancy, and feedback are essential for the academic success of students. The purposes of homework are clearly defined: to enhance the skills of students, to prepare them for classroom learning, and to reinforce concepts taught.
The policy allows teachers to assign and collect homework at their discretion, replacing calendar-based due dates, although the testing calendar will remain in place. Assignments should be relevant and not based on quantity.
“The reason is to continue to provide students with quality homework, something that reinforces what they learned in the classroom, to better emphasize concepts they are taught,” AP Tracy Anderson said.
Teachers should also give specific comments or grades to students turning in assignments.
“Another benefit is it should increase communication between teachers, parents, and students as far as homework and grading goes,” AP Steve Zimmerman said.
Homework should be specific to a student’s needs. Differentiation will ensure that students are challenged according to their skills and abilities.
“If a student has really grasped the concepts, [he or she] may be given different types of problems to further [his or her] understanding. A student who has difficulty will be given a different type of problem to help [him or her] understand,” Anderson said. “Quality goes back to the differentiated instruction: to more closely identify needs of students and work with them to build strengths from there.”
Some students may be reluctant to accept the terms of the new policy.
“[The current policy] releases stress from the kids and is more like the AB block schedule,” junior Connor Fleming said. “I have concerns for other people because their teachers [can now] assign homework everyday and that is why they had to institute the policy in the first place. I do have an issue with it during marching band season.”
Freshman Daniel Lujan is also worried about the potential of more homework.
“I can get homework from any class on any day, and that’s 7 more classes that I have to have homework for,” he said.
Yet, he appreciates one element of the policy.
“[I like] that teachers are responsible for the assignments they give you,” he said.
Although homework may be more frequently issued, students may be relieved to know that teachers cannot require students to complete projects and assignments during holiday periods greater than three days unless they give prior notice and time after the break for students to finish their work.
“One benefit is when they have long breaks, it will actually be a break from homework,” Zimmerman said.
The policy was revised with student concerns and teacher input in mind.
“The district is concerned about how homework is addressed on campus. Because we have a CIC, we make sure to go by district guidelines but also by campus beliefs,” Anderson said.
