Many people view extra credit as a last resort to bring their grade up, whether it be through extra class work or bringing in supplies for a school competition. However, teachers and students have different views on extra credit and how it’s earned, but with opinion, comes controversy.

Some teachers on campus will offer extra credit, pizza parties, or movie days for students who bring in supplies for school competitions – such as canned food drives, toy drives, and money donations – but not all people believe that is a justified option to raise your grade.

“Teachers should not be giving extra credit for competitions because students should know that the competitions that we do are for good causes and they should be donating money or time or experience just out of the goodness of their own heart,” honors geometry teacher Ms. Palomaa said.

Another person who strongly disagrees with extra credit for donations is Mr. Serrano.  He says it is not related to the class curriculum. When asked if it was allowed, he stated, “No, it is not.” He argued that the amount of extra credit given, if at all, should be reasonable, meaningful, and consistent.

On the other hand, the small number of teachers that actually do offer extra credit reward very few points to students. Extra credit for participation during Spirit Days makes up a large part of extra credit points given out each quarter, as well as bringing in supplies for the classroom and going to school events. These topics are arguable in the sense of whether giving extra credit for non-school related activities is justified.

According to Mr. Serrano, administration just recently had a meeting this week with teachers about what is allowed and what falls into the category of ‘unnecessary extra credit.’

In the end, it is what the teacher feels is okay to consider extra credit worthy. Teachers have their own rules and ways of teaching which must be respected in every way, but they must tread lightly on the subject of extra credit.