• Homework Policy

    Brier Creek Elementary is a personalized-homework school. We believe that family time, time for outside activities, and time to recharge is essential for healthy growth and development of children. We believe that homework that is not essential or beneficial for children should not be given because that's the way it was done before or because parents or caregivers want to occupy their children's time after school hours. We believe that any work done at home should be meaningful and contribute to the overall growth and wellness of a child and should not interfere with family life.

    Based on current educational research, student achievement data, and feedback from our community, the BCES Leadership Team has finalized the following expectations as our homework expectations:

    For Kindergarten-4th Grade:

    • Students will be expected to read a text of choice nightly. Based on the grade-level they are at, this may be reading silently, reading to someone, being read to, or a combination of the above. Students may also be asked to write about or talk about what they’re reading as part of a nightly conversation with their family or friends. The time expectation will vary depending on grade-level. Teachers may require documentation of nightly reading and will communicate expectations to parents.
    • With a demonstrated need and agreement between parent and teacher, other homework MAY be assigned, but it will be personalized to the individual student’s needs and WILL NOT be taken into account when determining grades, including work habits and marks. This means teachers will not give whole-class worksheets, projects, etc. Any work asked to be completed at home will be tailored to the needs of the child and only sent home after a conference between parent and teacher. Only work completed in class will be graded and in-school work habits considered in the work habits grade. Completion will not be rewarded in school nor will lack of completion be punished. Homework for the sake of homework will not be assigned.

    For 5th Grade:

    • To begin to develop skills and habits that will support students in middle and high school, weekly reading and/or math homework will be assigned. Students will be instructed how to use an agenda and will be coached on time management and study skills so that they begin to take a greater responsibility for their own learning and develop a sense of accountability.