Definitions

BONUS is an opportunity for students to show they know more than what's expected. Not knowing doesn't hurt; it can only help. The teacher determines when bonus is a part of an assignment.

EXTRA CREDIT is not allowed in this class. It's when students ask for more work because they can't meet the expectations. If students do their best on what is required, extra credit won't be needed.

What This Means

• Do best on all assignments.

• Do not ask for extra credit. This is when students ask for a low score to be thrown out for some reason. I do not practice that in my classroom, so don’t ask about it or suggest it.

• Take the opportunity to do ALL bonus items. That is something I do practice because they are open to everyone, not just those on the edge. Bonus items show-up on reading check quizzes, study guides, regular quizzes,  and re-do assignments.

• Do not ask if there is something a student can do to replace a bad score because apparently what is assigned is hard enough to handle. And why would such a student want more work?

• Teacher discretion is used in determining if the student has a lack of understanding and needs one-on-one assistance and a re-try or a do-over is applicable.

My Philosophy

My philosophy on this is simple: I am maintaining the integrity of the work the first time an assignment is completed. To do otherwise means the first time was unimportant or didn’t matter. Wasted work and busy work is not usually a part of this classroom. When students do their best the first time, this won’t even be an issue. The coursework provides many opportunities to improve throughout the school term.