603.01

INSTRUCTION

Class Size--Elementary

The Board believes in the importance of smaller class sizes at the elementary level. The size of each class shall depend upon the type of instruction needed to assist each student in the development of academic and occupational skills. Effective staff utilization shall also be  considered in organizing and scheduling classroom instruction. Class size for Special Education students shall adhere to the Code of Iowa.

The Deputy Superintendent and the Directors, with the approval of the Superintendent, shall determine the class size for each school unit. They shall have the responsibility to approve any modifications or exceptions to the class size guidelines.

Based upon implementation strategies for balancing enrollment, the recommended class sizes for elementary grades shall be as follows:

1. Kindergarten--First Grade: 20 students

2. Second Grade: 21 students

3. Third Grade: 22 students

4. Fourth--Fifth Grade: 26 students

• Cross Reference: Administrative Regulation 603.01A; Board Policy 604.12 Balanced Enrollment

• By action of the Board 11/8/76; Revised 6/13/83, 8/9/93, 11/8/93; Revised 5/8/00; Revised 2/11/02

• Edited 2/02

603.02

INSTRUCTION

Field Trips

The Board of Directors of the Davenport Community School District does encourage field trips as a supplement to classroom instruction. Field trips should be educational in nature and directly related to the curriculum for the subject area and grade level of students involved in the trip.

Guidelines for the planning of the field trips in order to gain maximum educational benefits shall be prepared by the administration. The administration shall also establish procedures for the use of school buses for field trips. Parent/Guardian permission is required for these field trips.

• Cross Reference: Administrative Regulation 603.02A

• By action of the Board 8/9/71; Revised 8/14/72, 11/8/76, 11/8/82, 12/13/82; Reviewed 8/9/93; Reviewed 2/7/94; Revised 11/11/96

• Edited 7/97

603.03

INSTRUCTION

Homework

Definition

The District defines homework as those assignments and outside-of-class activities which are appropriate extensions and enrichments of the regular classroom instructional program. Research clearly demonstrates that time spent on quality homework is positively related to achievement. Through homework, classroom instruction is reinforced, independent practice is provided, high expectations are supported, students are motivated toward self-direction, self-esteem is enhanced, and the relationship of school and home in the learning process is strengthened.

Purposes

In planning homework, emphasis is to be placed on the value of the assignment. Homework may be assigned in order to:

1. strengthen basic skills

2. reinforce study habits

3. extend classroom learning

4. develop initiative, responsibility, and self-direction

5. stimulate independent thinking

6. increase range and scope of interests

7. foster worthwhile use of leisure time

Basic Principles

To be effective in meeting these purposes, homework must be carefully planned in accordance with the following principles:

1. The purpose of the assignment and its relation to what has been learned in the classroom shall be clearly defined by the teacher and understood by the students.
   

2. The teacher shall ensure that students understand the assignment and how to do it.
   

3. The assignment shall grow out of classroom activities and projects.
   

4. The teacher shall consider the students' total daily homework load when deciding upon the length of any assignment. This guideline may require consultation among teachers.
   

5. The teacher shall be encouraged to give the week's homework assignments at the beginning of the week.
   

6. Study skills shall be taught at each grade level, as they relate to subject areas.
   

7. The teacher shall give meaningful feedback on all homework.
   

8. Completed homework shall be reflected in the student's grade.

 

HOMEWORK GUIDELINES

So that parents, students, and teachers have some awareness of appropriate amounts of homework, the following guidelines have been established. Because homework is a highly individualized matter, the amount, length, and type of homework will vary according to the student's grade level, abilities and needs, and the class or course.

ELEMENTARY

	Kindergarten	1 day/week	Up to 15 min/day
	First Grade	2 days/week	Up to 15 min/day
	Second & Third Grade	2 days/week	15 to 30 min/day
	Fourth Grade	2 days/week	20 to 60 min/day
	Fifth Grade	2 days/week	30 to 90 min/day

INTERMEDIATE

	Sixth Grade	2 days/week	30 to 90 min/day
	Seventh Grade		4-5 hours/week
	Eighth Grade		6-7 hours/week

SENIOR HIGH

	Ninth Grade	8-9 hours/week
	Tenth-Twelfth Grade	10-12 hours/week

1. Parents are encouraged to call the school to arrange for make-up work if a student is absent.
   

2. Make-up work and work not finished in class are not to take the place of homework.
   

3. The amount of homework given to secondary students shall vary depending on the course work taken.

• Cross Reference: Board Policy 501.5 Attendance Policy

• By action of the Board 11/8/76; Revised 6/13/83; 3/14/88; Reviewed 8/9/93; Revised 2/7/94; Revised 2/14/00

• Edited 2/00

603.04

INSTRUCTION

Outside Resource People

The Board  recognizes that one of the greatest resources of the school system is to be found within the people of the community who have special knowledge and particular talents that contribute to the school program. The Board, therefore, encourages the use of community resources and citizens to assist in supplementing the educational program. Use of outside personnel and resources shall be under regulations as approved by the Superintendent or superintendent's designee.

• By action of the Board 11/8/76, 6/13/83; Reviewed 8/9/93; Revised 2/14/00

• Edited 2/00

603.05

INSTRUCTION

Religion-Based Exclusion From School

The District recognizes the existence of various religious beliefs and acknowledges the American tradition of separation of church and state. Parents who wish to have their child excluded from a school program or activity because of religious beliefs must inform the principal or other appropriate administrator. The principal shall determine an alternative activity or study for the students.

• Legal References: U.S. Constitution (Amended); Lemon v. Kurtzman, 403 U.S. 602 (1971); Graham v. Central Community School Dist. of Decatur County, 608 F. Supp. 531 (Iowa 1985); Iowa Code § 256.11 (7); 281 Iowa Admin. Code 12.5(6)

• By action of the Board 9/17/90; Revised 2/14/00

• Edited 2/00