Challenge Assignments
What are they?
· They are independent work assignments above and beyond the daily classwork and homework.
· Challenges are a way of meeting the needs of all students. Students who are ready for a challenge will have one while those who need to focus more on the regular curriculum will be able to do so.
· They are based in the units we will be studying but extend the work beyond where we can fairly go as an entire class – mostly because of time constraints.
· Challenge assignments will focus on literacy skills and the use of technology (although not exclusively).
How are they different from a regular assignment?
· They will not be accepted late unless you are not in school on the day they are due.
· While I will be glad to answer questions and clarify anything about the assignments, we will not work on them regularly in class.
· Individual assignments are optional. If you don’t do one, I will not be calling home or reminding you that you owe something (as I will with an essay or other regular assignment).
How much will they count?
· Each assignment will be worth fifteen points. Students will be given a grade of:
15 - completed fully according to the directions
12 - completed with substantial effort but also failure to follow directions closely
9 - not completed or unacceptable effort
· Completing three challenges (fully and correctly) = 45/45 or an A+
· Completing two challenges = 39 /45 or a B
· Completing one challenge = 33/45 or a C
· Completing zero challenges = 27/45 or a D-/E
When will I do them?
· There will be three per term. Due dates for all three and an overview will be passed out at the beginning of the term.
· You will work on them when you have time: nights you finished my homework in class or have little homework for other classes, etc.
· If you are too busy (with this class, other classes or life) when one challenge is available, skip it. Just don’t skip all three unless you are willing to take a low grade on the equivalent of a small test.