No Extra Credit Will Be Given

Just as with the "Late Work Is Not Accepted" blog, the message is direct.

Teachers should not give extra credit assignments at the end of a marking period to help students improve their grade.

Students should complete the original work on time instead of trying to complete extra work. Giving extra credit assignments at the end of a marking period is an indication of a poor decision-making on the part of the student or the teacher or both.

Yes, I have given extra credit assignments at the end of a marking period. I did so when my planning and work during the marking period was weak. The behavior changed when I eliminated extra credit work. I was forced to do a better job throughout the course. Student behavior changed when they realized I was being honest with them and would not give them extra credit work.

Tips for Success In School

1. Complete all of your work on time.
2. Get eight to nine hours of sleep each night.
3. Eat a healthy breakfast.
4. Eat a healthy lunch.
5. Exercise 45 minutes three times a week.


These tips are for students and teachers.

Teacher Health

Teaching is hard. Being an effective teacher is even harder. You manage students, plan and deliver lessons, confront paperwork, and participate in meetings. At the end of the day, you go home, do more school work, then fall into bed only to wake-up to do it all over again the next day. Sound familiar?

In order to be an effective teacher, you need to recharge YOU everyday. Your home needs to be a place for you not another version of school. When you get home focus on your family, exercise, read a book, drink water, and eat healthy. Laugh, argue, cry, reflect on or about anything but school. Go to bed early, those tests can wait. Sleep deeply. 

In order for you to have the energy to give in your classroom each day, you must yourself be healthy. What have you done for you lately? 

Share the simple things which help recharge YOU.

E-Learning: Crayons and Computers

E-learning, or electronic learning, refers to learning through the use of an interactive, electronic device. Frequently, this learning occurs through a process of completing tasks while using the Internet. Just as with a physical classroom, respect and commitment are critical to student participation and success. 

Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum with regards to belief in  the effectiveness of e-learning, it's here. Learn how to use e-learning effectively with your students now. Teach your students to be respectful and safe online. Understand it is another tool, just like a crayon.

As with the great painters in history, a crayon became a paintbrush which lead to the creation of the masterpieces. The same will be true for our students, computer usage will become e-learning which will then lead to the creation of the masterpieces of tomorrow.