New homework policy awaits kids as school returns
Posted Sep 3, 2015 06:15:27 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
HALIFAX – Kids in Nova Scotia are back in school this week with a new policy when it comes to homework.
The Department of Education is hoping the new policy, which includes lifting a previous homework ban on younger students, will mean better long term outcomes for students as well as less stress.
The ban on homework for Primary to Grade 3 students has been lifted in favour of one policy for all grades, which will be up to teachers, schools or boards to decide what homework will be given.
The new policy says administrators will establish a school-wide approach for homework that includes communication with home.
Teachers will be evaluating homework and give feed back to students, who are expected to complete assignments to the best of their ability.
Education Minister Karen Casey tells Global News the province wanted to see a uniform approach, “so that all students in all schools, in all parts of our province are following the same homework policy.”
The policy also says, “families should provide encouragement and appropriate support to help students develop study skills at home.”
Teachers got their first look at the new policy on Wednesday and Michael MacDonald, Vice Principal at Burton Ettinger School in Halifax said he believes this is a good way to help kids learn.
“I think teachers are happy that students are going to have a chance to practice,” MacDonald said.
“We know that when students practice, when they come back to school that builds on their learning experience.”
Casey said school boards will be monitoring the implementation of the new homework guidelines in all schools.
