Homework and Testing

Homework allows students to practice and apply skills and knowledge learned in the classroom. Standardized testing assesses individual skills and growth in math, reading, language arts, and science depending on grade level.

Homework

Homework is an essential means of providing students with specific opportunities to practice and extend the application of skills and knowledge. The amount of time needed for each student to complete assigned homework may vary according to the ability and study habits of the student. Parents are encouraged to supervise and support the completion of homework assignments by their student. Parents should communicate with teachers if they observe a student who regularly struggles to complete homework in the time parameters indicated below (or if the material is regularly too difficult for student to complete).

Guideline for homework completion times by grade level:

  • Kindergarten - 10 to 15 minutes

  • 1st Grade - 10 to 20 minutes

  • 2nd Grade - 20 to 25 minutes

  • 3rd Grade - 20 to 25 minutes

  • 4th Grade - 20 to 30 minutes

  • 5th Grade - 30 to 40 minutes

  • 6th Grade - 30 to 50 minutes

  • 7th Grade - 30 to 60 minutes

  • 8th Grade - 30 to 60 minutes

In addition to the homework minutes, each student is encouraged to spend a minimum of 15 minutes reading each night.

Standardized Testing

Textbook publisher and teacher created tests are used to assess student performance throughout the year. The tests, classroom performance (i.e., classwork, participation), and evidence of home study, comprise the basis for progress reports and report cards.

St. Jude Catholic School uses Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) tests which are given three times a year to students in Kindergarten-8th grade, to assess individual skills and growth in math and English and language arts.  Middle school students are also assessed in science. These tests give teachers an understanding of each student's academic level, allowing them to differentiate their instruction appropriately.  The MAP assessments are the tools that provide teachers with the detailed information they need to build curriculum and meet their students' needs.

DIBELS, Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills, is an assessment given to students in Kindergarten-2nd grade three times a year to determine their acquisition of literacy and early reading skills. Additionally, all schools in the Diocese of Peoria administer the NCEA ACRE assessment of religious knowledge, attitude, and practices each January to students enrolled in Grades 5 and 8. SJCS graduates who attend Peoria Notre Dame will be given the ACRE test again in the 11th grade.