Is there Extra Credit so I Can Raise My Grade?

What is Broken With Grades: Extra Credit

Grades are broken as a communication tool if we weave in extra credit and bonus points.  The basic problem is that these points often reflect something other than the expected  learning or are just about "more points" rather than communicating higher levels of proficiency.  More is not better.

The Fix

The fix for this is to have enough quality evidence to accurately determine each student's achievement.  Students should, of course, be able to provide additional evidence of their understanding, knowledge, and/or skill.  However, this additional evidence must reveal new or deeper learning--and should be considered along with the previous evidence.

Ken O’Connor: Researcher, Author, and Bellingham School District Guest Speaker Guides Our Thinking

"Over the years I have heard of an amazing array of extra credit activities including cleaning blackboards, bringing in classroom supplies, supplying food for the food drive, completing extra worksheets for points, etc.  If students are less than proficient in a particular standard, or lower than they (or parents) are willing to accept, teachers can offer students opportunities to provide additional evidence.  It must be clear that this will not result merely in points being added to a total.  If students are able to show that they now know, understand, or can perform at a higher level, their grade must reflect this.  Students should be partners in identifying appropriate evidence of additional learning, making suggestions about what they will do to show a higher level of achievement.  For some it may be a traditional test, for others it will be a product that they can speak to, for still others it will be a performance or a personal communication such as an interview or oral exam.  If they have participated appropriately in student-involved assessment they will make the right choice(s)."