Hi John: Extra credit always has to be treated carefully and to some it's use in the classroom is controversial. The bottom line is really "what learning has ocurred" rather than "what grade the student has received". But grades are grades and student look to them for feedback about their performance. And obviously there are many grading systems that exist. Care must be given that top performing students don't feel alienated by lower performing students receiving extra credit. To some students extra credit can be a "dismotivator". When EC is used, a fair system that the whole class is aware of and understands from the get go will help diminish later difficulties. When EC only comes up at the end of the course is when problems are likely to emerge. I think your "Honors Work" is an excellent way to both offer EC and utilize it fairly to all students. Great suggestion from your working experience!