NSU University School Faculty, Staff and Employee Handbook

33 2. All communication with parents regarding the study - letters of introduction, questionnaires, etc. MUST BE APPROVED IN ADVANCE by the Director. 3. All communications with parents regarding the events of the study must describe it as a supplement to the curriculum of the grade, class, etc. PARENTAL PERMISSION must be granted for students to participate in a research project when: a. the activities are provided during lunch, recess, before/after school, etc. b. the implementation activities deviate in any way from adopted school curriculum as it is defined in curriculum guides and publications. HOMEWORK Homework consists of tasks and activities assigned to students by their teachers to be completed by the student during non-school hours. The question for educators is not about homework versus no homework – it is about quality, not quantity. Regular, purposeful homework is an essential component of the instructional process and the relationship between homework and student learning is known to be positive and statistically significant when the homework activity is specifically beneficial for and productive to the student. Homework should provide reinforcement and extension of class instruction, and should serve as a basis for further study and preparation for future class assignments. Regular homework provides opportunities for developmental practice, drill, the application of skills already learned, the development of independent study skills, enrichment activities, and self-discipline. Homework needs to be reviewed, not just assigned. The common types of homework include: Practice and Preparation – solidify newly learned concepts, facts, generalizations and strategies Exploratory – build new knowledge through inquiry and research Enriching and Broadening – extends based on student interest In light of the major purposes for homework, it is not to be assigned as punishment to students for disciplinary reasons. Rather, homework must be an authentic, meaningful curricular activity in which students should hold a sense of responsibility, choice and engagement. Homework should exercise the brain. TECHNOLOGY STANDARDS AND COMPETENCIES NSU University School Teachers will: