Teaching and Learning
Banks County School System is committed to implementing educational strategies to enhance student learning and achievement. As part of this ongoing commitment, we have proudly adopted the Teacher Clarity and Visible Learning initiatives across all our schools.
Teacher Clarity involves identifying students' learning intentions and criteria for success and ensuring that the learning objectives are clear and understood. This approach is fundamental in guiding students toward achieving their educational goals efficiently and effectively.
Visible Learning focuses on making student learning visible to teachers and learners. It emphasizes the importance of teachers seeing learning through students' eyes. This initiative encourages the use of evidence-based strategies and the active engagement of students in their learning process.
Join us as we take you inside our classrooms to see firsthand how our teachers are making a difference.
Homework Provision
Banks County School System has a No Homework Provision. This provision was implemented for many reasons:
Research indicates that the majority of homework assignments are at a low level of rigor and tend to be busy work allowing for minimal to no high-quality, specific teacher feedback. This type of feedback from the teacher is crucial in helping students to improve and achieve.
Many students do not have a support system in the home to assist with traditional homework assignments.
Repetition does not equate to rigor. We work to ensure the rigor of instruction in the classroom is at a high level and is in an environment where students have the support needed with opportunities for teachers to provide the specific feedback that facilitates student growth and achievement. Research dictates that this practice in the classroom has a much greater positive impact on student achievement than homework.
Studies show that burdening students and families with homework often leads to an increase in stress, anxiety and depression. Maximizing classroom instruction and eliminating the need for homework enables learners to have quality time with families, friends, and to be involved in extracurriculars. Participating in these activities is crucial in the overall well-being and development of children.
Students are often unable to complete homework assignments due to unreliable/no Internet capacity in our area.
If you feel your child needs additional practice, resources, remediation, or enrichment opportunities/assignments, please contact your child’s teacher to ask for these specifically.