Here’s a multiple choice pop quiz for you.
1. What is the typical excuse or thinking that goes along with, “Teacher, can I do extra credit” once they realize their grade is in the tank?
- My mom is going to ground me forever!
- My dad is going to ground me forever!
- My coach is going to kick me off the team!
- I didn’t know it was due today!
- OMG! I forgot to take my book home, to study, to...
The list goes on.
Answer (if you needed it): One or two or all of the above, and probably more.
2. What is the typical excuse or thinking that results in a note or phone call from the parent when the poor grade actually hits home? (And yes, I have heard all of these excuses.)
Finish the sentence. It’s not my child’s fault because…
- I couldn’t help him/her with the assignment.
- We had a lot of errands to run last night and didn’t get home until very late. I thought it was more important that s/he got a good night’s sleep.
- S/he had a sleepover at her friend’s house last night and couldn’t get it finished. (Really? A sleepover on a school night?!?)
- I didn’t know about the assignment until last night.
- Can s/he do extra credit to bring that grade back up?
Answer: One or two or all of the above, and probably more.
Suggestions for the Extra Credit Dilemma
A long time ago, I arrived at a solution that worked for me, and probably to a lesser degree, everyone else.
First, a returned phone call or note back to the parents.
I want the parents on my side, which is really their child's side. I remind them of our homework policy and the many ways assignments, projects and test deadlines are communicated.
We agree we all want their child to succeed and, in this case, taking responsibility for their work is the first step.
I encourage parents to have an open dialogue with their child about that child's full-time job, being a student. I suggest the possibility of likening it to their jobs and what if they never accomplished the tasks required of them.
But I don't leave parents high and dry. I offer ideas to help ensure their child's success. Click here for tips on how I handle math homework angst in kids and their parents.
Of course, not all calls are the same, but my underlying message is: Please stop rescuing your child. Here's what you can do instead.
Next, a one-on-one with the student, after school.
I begin with a teacher sigh, followed by a teacher look. (I love teacher looks. Even though I’m retired, I still give them to kids misbehaving in public and their parents don’t seem to notice. I’ve still got it! But I digress.)
I calmly tell them they can:
1. Show me you understand the homework.
2. Make corrections on the test, including an explanation of why their first answer was incorrect.
3. Fix the major assignment/project to meet the standards outlined for them at the beginning.
(Underlying message: Do it right the first time and there will be no need for extra credit!)
All regrading happens after school in the form of a conference between the two of us. If I have to impact my time by grading a paper again, it needs to impact them as well.
Oh, and by the way, the best they can get is a B or meets the standard, whatever the grading system is at the time. Students who meet the standard, get the B, are set.
And for those that want to do extra credit to get an A...
“What do I need to do to get an A (or exceed standard)?”
Another teacher look. “Hmmm, what do you think you need to do to get an A?”
Amazingly, they always know what it would have taken to get the A the first time! Sixth graders are so smart.
I don’t like grades, but we’re stuck with that reality. There are also good reasons to let someone opt out of homework- another discussion, another blog post. If they learn nothing else, I hope it’s that deadlines are important and their work is a snapshot of who they are, and who they will become. It’s a much easier lesson to learn at twelve than later on, because in life, there is no extra credit!
How do you handle the pleas for extra credit? Let me know in the comments.
"Energy and persistence conquer all things." Benjamin Franklin
