In the elementary division of Lahore American School, homework is an important component of the academic curriculum and although the responsibility for completing independent practice rests primarily with the student, parents are encouraged to play an active role.

A better word for homework is independent practice. School work completed at home should be done independently with a minimum of assistance. At LAS we consider independent practice to be an essential element in a student's learning.

Research has indicated that students do their best when independent practice is done at regular times each day, in a well lit room that is free of distractions. Given these conditions, the length of time a student takes to complete a given assignment may vary greatly from one student to the next. As a rough guide, the following times may assist teachers in assigning an appropriate amount of homework to be completed from Monday through to Thursday evening.

		A maximum of 15 to 30 minutes of homework is assigned in grades 1 and 2.
		A maximum of 20 to 45 minutes of homework is assigned in grades 3 and 4.
		A maximum of 30 to 60 minutes of homework is assigned in grade 5.

Through independent practice your child is able to :

		Practice and refine skills.
		Be prepared for the next class meeting.
		Learn to plan and budget time.
		Extend assignments.
		Apply learning to different practical situations.
		Complete long range projects.
		Extend the concept of learning beyond the classroom.
		Develop responsibility, independence, self discipline, strong study skills and positive work habits.
		Use independent research skills.
		Involve the family in a learning project.

Although the primary responsibility for completing homework rests with the student, homework responsibilities should be equally shared between student, parent and teacher as follows :

Student Responsibilities
		Completing assignments on time and to the best of his or her ability.
		Assuming responsibility for completing work missed when absent.
		Scheduling school and non school activities to allow successful completion of homework.
		Making sure assignments are written down and clear before leaving school each day.
		Asking for help from a parent only when needed.
Parent Responsibilities
		Establishing with the student a specific agreement concerning a time and place to complete homework.
		Providing an appropriate physical and psychological climate to complete homework that should be quiet and well lit.
		Monitoring and assisting when asked but remembering that this is is intended to be independent practice.
		Initiating communication with the teacher when concerns arise.
Teacher Responsibilities
		Providing meaningful learning tasksthat support and supplement work introduced in class.
		Evaluting and returning all assigned hmework in a timely manner.
		Monitoring student assignments.
		Communicating with parents when concerns arise.