Locke School Homework Policy


This document describes homework policies at The Locke School.  In short, Locke School students read every night and practice math skills and strategies through games and activities rather than worksheets.  Once the ‘core’ homework assignments are established, families can ‘opt in’ for further assignments based on student and family needs. Please read on for more details.


At The Locke School of Arts and Engineering, homework assignments are aligned to our philosophy about how children learn.  We have reviewed arguments for or against homework assignments for elementary-age students in professional journals and on the internet and found compelling evidence for more harm than good related to they way American elementary schools typically assign homework.  


At the Locke School, we know that children learn through active engagement- by manipulating objects and by talking and writing to develop their ideas.  We know that worksheets and other rote-style learning assignments have little or no positive impact on children's learning. More importantly, worksheets assigned to ‘practice’ skills can add to a child’s sense that learning is boring and doesn’t require full attention or active curiosity.  While some children enjoy completing worksheets, for many, coercion and threats are required from adults. For these reasons and others, we have established the following homework policy for all Locke School Students, K-5.



 Daily homework assignments include maintaining the reading logs with daily entries and bringing the log back to school each morning.  The logs allow us to collect and review reading data to support reading progress. They also encourage the development of ‘homework routines’.  


Your feedback on this and all our school policies is valued and appreciated.  Please share comments, questions and concerns with me or Parent Coordinator Monika Vargas in person, by email, or by filling out a Parent Concern Form in the main office.  



Andrea Woodhouse-Spence, Principal:  aspence32@schools.nyc.gov

Monika Vargas, Parent Coordinator:  monika.vargas@lockearts.org