PVPUSD recently announced a new extra credit rule regulating the ways students can receive extra credit. The new policy is aimed at aligning with already existing California education codes, specifically one dictating that extra credit cannot be “bought.” 

According to the state of California Education Code section 49011 subdivision 4, “A school district or school shall not offer course credit or privileges related to educational activities in exchange for money or donations of goods or services from a pupil or a pupil’s parents or guardians, and a school district or school shall not remove course credit or privileges related to educational activities, or otherwise discriminate against a pupil, because the pupil or the pupil’s parents or guardians did not or will not provide money or donations of goods or services to the school district or school.” 

This means that for extra credit assignments that require a donation or a fee, teachers must also offer an alternative extra credit assignment option that is at no cost to the students and their families. 

This change in rules will likely affect familiar and longstanding extra credit opportunities such as the Skechers  Pier to Pier Walk and the school productions such as plays, musicals, and dance performances. 

Principal Allan Tyner said, “The new rule is to align with already in place in the California education code. A lot of teachers give extra credit for things such as the play or Sketchers Walk. It’s good because it supports the school but there needs to be a free option.” 

The school is concerned with monetary exchanges for extra credit. The policy is aimed at realigning with the already in place California education code. Teachers are already creating alternative assignments.