A classical model of education calls for students to participate in serious work at home. Homework, including reading assignments and test preparation that Xavier requires of students, is not busywork. It is ‘work with a purpose’ that prepares them for the following day’s discussion and learning in class.
We understand that in our techno-reliant world, we compete daily for our students’ attention. Distractions compromise real learning and the maturation process. Children are bombarded with diversions of all kinds via television, cell phone usage, computer games, etc. It is essential that students have a place to work at home that is free from distractions.
Xavier cannot police students’ behavior away from school; however, we offer these suggestions as a way to help parents ensure their child’s success in learning in a classical environment:
- Limit Screen Time
Studies validate that screen time significantly inhibits attention and learning. It is best that screens are not present during homework to allow for thoughtful attention to schoolwork and routine.
- Parent Encouragement
Have an established planfor listening to and encouraging your students when they are working hard. Homework is challenging and it is important as a parent that you model follow through and completion for your child. Help them accomplish hard tasks and do them well.
- Communicate Frequently with Teachers
Communication with teachers as a first step is imperative at Xavier Charter Schools. This allows parents and guardians to develop an understanding of Xavier Charter School’s expectations of how classical, liberal arts studies form habits of learning. This is also how we can share vital information on the student, homework, or parent/teacher concerns inside and outside the classroom.
- Maintaining Educational Partnerships
The teachers at our school are honored by the great trust parents place in them. This trust between parents and the school must be maintained by ongoing communication and a mutual understanding of the big picture: what an Xavier education will offer people in the long run.
- Trust the Process
In challenging times, children look to the adults around them for confirmation of how to react and move forward. It is important that our families help their children recognize the positive impact of the challenges that school brings and encourage them to keep progressing through hard tasks. When homework or a responsibility at school is difficult, it is a parent’s job to help support the educational process by listening to and encouraging their student to persevere through the challenge.
Parental Role and Involvement
Parent involvement is vital to a child’s success in a classical education environment. We understand that families come to Xavier because they want the best for their children. It is our intent to provide our students a classical education that will support both intellect and virtue. We cannot do this alone. To give students the best possible opportunity of success, we ask our parents to:
- Demonstrate good character
- Help their children develop study skills and work habits
- Oversee and monitor student progress in reading, writing, and math – especially in grades K-8
- Promote Socratic discussion at home by asking questions and having active dialogue about what students have learned
- Hold high expectations of their students’ performance
- Support Xavier by having children at school on time with the necessary supplies, books, in appropriate dress code, and homework in hand
- Gain an understanding of the mission and philosophy of Xavier Charter Schools by visiting the Xavier Charter School website
The partnerships built between our families and Xavier are vital to student achievement.