Instructional committee discusses homework balance and plans for required personal-finance course
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Summary
The Instructional Technology and Curriculum Committee reviewed homework practices at middle grades and discussed implementing a half-credit personal-finance course required by new standards, with the district aiming to place the course in the 2026–27 school year.
The Instructional Technology and Curriculum Committee reported to the board that homework assignment practices are under review, particularly in middle grades.
Committee members said Dr. O'Toole explained the intentionality behind current homework expectations, referencing research guidance such as 10 minutes per grade level for elementary students and a high-school cap of about 2.5 hours. The committee described concerns about uneven homework loads across the district—especially the transition between sixth and seventh grades—and said it will continue working with teachers on aligning homework with curricular goals and smoothing the student transition from grade to grade.
The committee also discussed the district’s work to implement a new half-credit personal-finance course. Board members were told the district must offer the half-credit course beginning in the 2026–27 school year; conversation has begun on where the course would best fit in graduation requirements and the schedule.
The committee said both items are ongoing and will return for future updates prior to implementation.