Homework Policies

Homework is considered an integral component of our academic program and the expectation is that students will complete a reasonable amount of homework to extend their learning beyond the classroom.

Some recent attention to this topic has been found in the national media. Reports indicate there has been a national trend toward increased homework loads, despite the educational research community’s position that lots of homework does not measurably improve overall academic achievement. In fact, it can be argued that excessive homework is counterproductive. Kids become too tired, parents are frustrated, after-school enrichment opportunities are sacrificed, and motivation is eroded – all for no substantial academic gains. For parents who have seen a child working until late at night, struggling to finish homework that seems repetitious or pointless, the case for reducing homework is compelling.

We should take a moment to consider the many variables which play into these situations. For example:

Some children are such perfectionists that it takes them much longer to complete assignments than their classmates, while others simply work more slowly so it will take them longer to complete any assignment.
Students may procrastinate on long-term or multi-part assignments, saving all the work for the night before it is due. In those cases, the long-term assignment, in addition to the regular homework for that day, will make for a very late-night work session.
Certain courses and subject areas require more homework than others. All students need to read good literature as part of a strong liberal arts curriculum – at least several novels, plus poetry and short stories each year which must be read outside of class. Also, honors-level or Advanced Placement courses certainly require many hours of homework per week.

Our teachers are asked to adhere to the following guidelines for homework assignments:

Homework should gradually be increased as the students move up the grade levels. The rule of thumb is 10 minutes per grade level. Thus, a seventh-grader should have, on average, about 70 minutes of homework per evening. A tenth-grader should have about an hour and 40 minutes assigned, etc.
Vacations should be free from major assignments. Specifically, we ask teachers to refrain from giving tests or having major projects due on the day after holidays.
The number of tests should be limited to no more than two per day. Difficulties with this rule include drawing the distinction between a test and a simple quiz, for example.

What should parents or students do when it seems that the guidelines are not working? Rather than remaining frustrated, parents should send an email to the teacher(s) when it seems like too much homework has been assigned. It is often difficult for teachers to properly judge the amount of time it takes students to complete assignments. Giving them feedback about this important issue will help them fine-tune their assignments. Open communication such as this will make for a more positive experience for everyone involved in the challenging and essential work of preparing our students for college.


		HOME ABOUT Welcome Mission & Philosophy History Administration Faculty Board of Trustees Honor System Honor Code Honor Court Directions Spiritual Life Accreditation and Memberships PROGRAM Academics Curriculum Academic Schedules Homework Policies SC DISCUS Virtual Library Summer Reading Athletics Permission Slip Athletic Calendar Fall Sports Girls Tennis Volleyball Cross Country Football Swimming Cheer Leading Winter Sports Boys Basketball Girls Basketball Spring Sports Track and Field Boys Soccer Girls Soccer Baseball Softball Mens Tennis Golf Booster Club Directions To Other Schools Community Service College Counseling College Counseling Philosophy College Application Timeline and Process Responsibilities of Counselor, Student, Parent College Entrance Testing College Acceptances, Class of 2010 Transcript Release Form Student Services Lunch Menu Parent/Student Handbook ADMISSIONS Welcome Admissions Process Tuition & Fee Schedule Financial Aid Admission Forms VOLUNTEERS/STEWARDSHIP Philosophy of Giving Ways To Give Alumni Alumni News Alumni Events Parent Guild Greetings from the President Programs and Leadership Volunteer Opportunities Volunteer Choice Form United Scrip Box Tops School Store NEWS & EVENTS Yearly Calendar Monthly Calendar Honor Roll Press Releases Upcoming Events
Homework Forms Facebook TCS Today Job Opportunities CONTACT US Athletics Admissions Headmaster Business Office		Homework Policies Homework is considered an integral component of our academic program and the expectation is that students will complete a reasonable amount of homework to extend their learning beyond the classroom. Some recent attention to this topic has been found in the national media. Reports indicate there has been a national trend toward increased homework loads, despite the educational research community’s position that lots of homework does not measurably improve overall academic achievement. In fact, it can be argued that excessive homework is counterproductive. Kids become too tired, parents are frustrated, after-school enrichment opportunities are sacrificed, and motivation is eroded – all for no substantial academic gains. For parents who have seen a child working until late at night, struggling to finish homework that seems repetitious or pointless, the case for reducing homework is compelling. We should take a moment to consider the many variables which play into these situations. For example: Some children are such perfectionists that it takes them much longer to complete assignments than their classmates, while others simply work more slowly so it will take them longer to complete any assignment. Students may procrastinate on long-term or multi-part assignments, saving all the work for the night before it is due. In those cases, the long-term assignment, in addition to the regular homework for that day, will make for a very late-night work session. Certain courses and subject areas require more homework than others. All students need to read good literature as part of a strong liberal arts curriculum – at least several novels, plus poetry and short stories each year which must be read outside of class. Also, honors-level or Advanced Placement courses certainly require many hours of homework per week. Our teachers are asked to adhere to the following guidelines for homework assignments: Homework should gradually be increased as the students move up the grade levels. The rule of thumb is 10 minutes per grade level. Thus, a seventh-grader should have, on average, about 70 minutes of homework per evening. A tenth-grader should have about an hour and 40 minutes assigned, etc. Vacations should be free from major assignments. Specifically, we ask teachers to refrain from giving tests or having major projects due on the day after holidays. The number of tests should be limited to no more than two per day. Difficulties with this rule include drawing the distinction between a test and a simple quiz, for example. What should parents or students do when it seems that the guidelines are not working? Rather than remaining frustrated, parents should send an email to the teacher(s) when it seems like too much homework has been assigned. It is often difficult for teachers to properly judge the amount of time it takes students to complete assignments. Giving them feedback about this important issue will help them fine-tune their assignments. Open communication such as this will make for a more positive experience for everyone involved in the challenging and essential work of preparing our students for college.