"Optional Challenge" Homework - What is this?

[Anonymous]

This week my 3rd grader brought home homework which has an extra Math "Optional Challenge" for each day. The "optional challenge" portion is a full sheet of problems (just like the "regular" Math homework). According to my child, if she completes the regular and optional challenge portions correctly, this is a way to earn an "ES." My child says that the optional challenge is not required for a "P".

I feel like there was enough homework before doubling the amount of math homework. DD doesn't want to do the challenge portion, of course. Not because she doesn't like math, but because she simply doesn't want to do more homework than is required.

Anyone else facing this?

[Anonymous]

I have a second grader and our homework always has an optional challenge part. It is not a way to earn an ES. My child always wants to do the challenge part but so can't help you there.

[Anonymous]

3rd grader's homework always has optional challenge. Teacher has told child it is not optional for himand a few others in class. I believe it is what is considered extensions in 2.0.

It does not affect grade, at least for my child.

[Anonymous]

My son's 1st grade homework packet always includes a couple of sheets marked as extra challenge that they can do if they wish for additional challenge. I thought it was a way to send the same homework packet home for everyone but encourage more challenging work for the kids able and interested in it. It has never been discussed as a way of earning a grade in his class.

[Anonymous]

AT my child's elementary school, the HW does not count at all towards the grade.

On the math quizzes the kids take during school, there is an optional/challenge section, which is the only way the kids can earn an ES.

[Anonymous]

I don't think that a teacher has ever looked at my children's homework.