In mathematics, for example, students might research the real world applications of the course content, work with various number bases, or investigate the lives of famous mathematicians. In writing or English classes, students might work on more complex or open-ended writing assignments, or investigate the writing style of several authors. When eligible students work on alternative activities, the goal should be to provide them with opportunities to master challenging tasks. They would earn the same credit as if they had completed the regular tasks as long as they adhere to the agreed-upon working conditions. The following guidelines are useful for subjects that may not be pretestable because material is unfamiliar to students.
Alternative work extends the regular curriculum.
Therefore, extension projects should earn at least a grade of B or the equivalent because the students are going beyond what is required. All criteria for evaluation should be presented and understood before students begin an extended activity. Teacher expectations should be clearly stated. Students earn a grade of B if the completed work represents typical research that merely reports secondary sources and if the presentation is properly made to an appropriate audience. Students earn a grade of A if the completed work represents unique or creative research, provides evidence of primary sources, represents an interesting or unusual synthesis of available data, or the material is presented in an original manner.