WATCH ABOVE: Nova Scotia is implementing a new homework policy for all schools in the province. Global’s Dave Squires has the details of how it will be rolled out.
HALIFAX – With the start of the new school year comes the return of homework and a new province-wide homework policy.
More than 7,000 students, parents, guardians and teachers provided input on the new homework standards through an online survey last spring.
Department of Education Minister Karen Casey said until now, it’s been up to individual teachers, schools or boards to decide what homework is and how much is enough. She said the new policy will change that.
“It’s all about consistency so that all students in all school in all parts of our province are following the same homework policy, there is no interpretation,” said Casey
The policy states that:
- school administrators will establish a school-wide approach to designing and assigning homework that includes home-school communications;
- teachers will evaluate homework and provide timely feedback to students;
- students are responsible for completing homework assignments on time and to the best of their ability, and families should provide encouragement and appropriate support to help students develop study skills at home.
There had been a ban on homework for students in Primary to Grade 3, but that has now been lifted. The policy now applies to all school children.
Madonna Ryan’s son is about to start primary. She said she is pleased with the new policy.
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“I think they should have homework that’s something they should be doing everyday,” said Ryan.
Michael MacDonald, Vice Principal of Burton Ettinger Elementary said teachers are encouraged by the changes.
“I think teachers are happy students will have a chance to practice, and we know when students practice and come back to school that builds on their learning experience”
Students will also no longer be graded on their homework. Casey said the new policy is based on individual student need.
“It’s unfair, as you know there are circumstances where getting work done at home is a challenge for some kids or some parents.”
The school boards will monitor implementation of the policy in all schools.
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