Support Structures (Tool #2: Secondary Homework Contract)

A Student Homework Contract is an agreement between a student, family/caregiver, and/or educator that outlines what each will do to ensure that out-of-school assignments are completed accurately and on time. Contracts should celebrate successes and identify growth opportunities if the selected strategies are not achieving the desired outcome.

Helpful Tips

  • This template is intended for use with secondary students. Feel free to modify/change to meet your needs and those of your students and families/caregivers. 
  • Students, families/caregivers, and educators are encouraged to identify additional homework challenges and strategies they would like to try.
  • This template can be shared at any time during the school year, and be used with a subset of students, or all with all students.
  • Consider how progress information will be collectively shared between the educator, the student, and the family/caregiver.  You may want to establish a progress check-in schedule for a gradual information release.
  • You can choose to provide students, families/caregivers with electronic or paper versions of the template. 
  • Engage all stakeholders in the process of completing the template.
  • Once completed, students, families/caregivers and educators should bookmark or print the document to post it and make it easily accessible.

Adapted from Understood.org “Homework Contract for Your Child”   

Sample Homework Contract

Secondary Homework Contract Template (Google Docs) – to edit and share

This contract is between [student’s name] and [caregiver/educator’s name], and begins [date]. We will look at it [frequency] and see how it’s going. 

Student Section

I agree to do my homework every day and turn it in on time, and try the following for the period of this contract:

  • Minimize distractions
    • Turn off phone, TV, and other distracting devices.
    • Do my homework in [agreed-on location].
  • Manage time
    • Follow-up with the teacher about missing assignments within two days.
    • Use homework time for studying or reviewing notes even when there isn’t anything due.
    • Stick to this homework schedule (fill in the times):
      • Monday from [time] to [time]
      • [Other days of the week]
  • Stay organized
    • Store all homework materials in one place.
    • Use a calendar/planner to keep track of all homework assignments.
    • Check the learning management system to confirm homework.
  • Ask for help as needed.
    • Talk to my teacher(s) about assignments I don’t understand.

Family/Caregiver Section

I agree to help make sure my child has what is needed to complete and return homework. I will assist my child with the following:

    • Check my child’s calendar/planner or the learning management system to confirm homework.
    • Provide a homework space free of distractions.
    • Be available to help as asked or needed.
    • Provide homework advice only when asked.
    • Ask to see completed homework.
    • Speak with teachers or support team to problem-solve ongoing issues.

Educator Section

I agree to provide information and support to assist the student with successful completion and timely submission of homework. I agree to assist with the following:  

  • Provide timely feedback about the child’s progress.
  • Respond to student and family inquiries.
  • Post homework information in the learning management system.

Glows and Grows

Please identify next steps for celebrating successes (glows) and growth opportunities (grows).

  • If homework is completed as agreed for this period, we agree to the following next steps:
    • Daily: [specify steps]
    • Weekly: [specify steps]
    • Quarterly: [specify steps]
  • If homework is not completed as agreed for this period, we agree to the following next steps:
    • Daily: [specify steps]
    • Weekly: [specify steps]
    • Quarterly: [specify steps]