Traditional testing doesn't reward kids for being "smart" - it rewards students for having good memories. Being able to regurgitate the answers you've learned on cue has limited real-world application. What is much more valuable are critical thinking skills and hard work.
For that reason, I want to structure my class in such a way that students can work to their strengths. I want to avoid busywork at all costs - my grading system will be based around major essays, essay tests over reading material, and class participation. But the flaw with this system is that kids who are already good at these things will be able to breeze through them unless I grade to a very exacting standard. But what about the kids who aren't already good at these things?
This is why I want to offer extensive extra credit opportunities. My students will have many ways to raise their grades - in fact, if they put in the work, there's no reason that every student shouldn't get an A. This will enable me to still hold high standards in my essay grading, without punishing students who need practice at writing. Those students will have the chance to make up for lower essay scores with extra credit - extra credit which will, of course, be made up entirely of writing. If they complete it, they can get the grade they want, and they'll get practice writing.
It's a win-win, and students will be able to play to their own intelligences.
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