Dr. Marie-Claire Moreau

Educator, Coach, Life Strategist

High School Math: Learning and earning credit with greater ease

algebra

In a previous post, you read how success in high school math plays into the process of college admissions.  The facts were pretty clear: high schoolers need math to get into college, and high school math includes algebra and beyond.   Most high schoolers, that is, meaning those following a traditional curriculum path, who are seeking traditional college admissions.  Case closed.

But, wait a minute.  Do kids without math ever get into college?  Aren’t there colleges that don’t care about math? And what about unschoolers — don’t they attend college, too?

In this post, you’ll hear about exceptions.  You’ll learn 2 different ways to receive credit for math experience — not the number of math courses completed — practices which may appeal to readers taking a different path toward achieving math understanding.  Links are also included at the end of this post; these may be of particular interest to unschooled students and others looking for a non-traditional way to learn math in high school.

Demonstrating competency using examinations

While it is true that most colleges require 3 or 4 credits of high school math, students may attempt to demonstrate competency without having credits on the transcript.  Subject examinations offered through The College Board are one way to demonstrate math competency in college with or without ever taking a formal math class in high school.  Students should begin by inquiring  at the college of their choice as to whether subject exams can be used to document math proficiency.   Sometimes, taking one or both math exams provides all the evidence a college needs to insure the student understands algebra through precalculus or trigonometry and the student may be considered on that basis alone.  Note that not every college accepts subject exams, and even those that do may not consent to using results in this way.  It is up to students to find out, or find other colleges that will.

Students without traditional math preparation may also inquire as to whether the colleges of their choice accept  CLEP examinations through The College Board.  Though not all colleges accept the CLEP either, those that do may allow credit for tests passed in one or both of the math exams presently available through CLEP.  In some cases, these tests provide a way for self-taught math students to demonstrate what they already know.  Even better, students who pass CLEP exams earn college credits, too, and never have to take the class in college, either.

Find a college that de-emphasizes math

Choosing a college is hard enough.  Finding a college willing to accept a student with little or no math experience can be even harder.  But colleges like these do exist, assuming students find one they like.  A thorough college search may uncover colleges that do not require the SAT and schools that admit anyone who applies.  There are tuition-free colleges and colleges that aren’t really colleges at all.    Students may also search for colleges that emphasize math scores less than others, admitting students who score in the lowest percentile on math exams.  These searches can be performed using college guides available in most bookstores and using free online search engines, too.  The best insurance, however, comes from speaking directly to college admissions officers and staff  who are familiar with non-traditional and/or homeschool applicants to see if the student stands any chance of gaining entrance.

Demonstrating competency using portfolios

What if a graduate “gets” math, but just demonstrates it differently than other high school graduates?  That is where a student portfolio comes in.  Just like a resume or a biography, a student portfolio reflects the unique experiences and characteristics of the student it represents.  If a student can demonstrate an understanding of mathematical ideas, whether practically or conceptually, colleges may be persuaded to  take a look.  Careful portfolio preparation could make the difference between a student who lands a personal interview  at a college and one who does not.  Portfolios may include anything that paints a complete picture of the student and his or her understanding of the mathematical world, up to and including the level expected by college admissions departments.  With alternatives to traditional classroom schooling growing in number every year, many colleges are becoming more able and willing to discern information and evaluate students based on mastery and not just coursework alone.

Just learn the math!

With all that said, there is still so much to be said for just learning the math.  Today’s high schoolers have so many options for learning math with ease that it seems silly to deny a student the chance at success if they want it.

Courses on computer, video and DVD are plentiful and may be just the ticket for students who are unable to learn from books alone.  Courses like Math U See and Teaching Textbooks are just two examples of products that many families have found extraordinarily helpful for teaching math at home.

Math tutors are found in every community and the good ones have no difficulty teaching high school math and preparing students for college admissions exams.  Parents who feel they lack the ability to teach math themselves or help with student homework may hire a tutor for sessions once or twice each week until the student feels comfortable completing the work alone.

Test centers and online seminars all over the country offer math practice and test preparatory courses.  Study materials are available online and at bookstores all across the country, too.  Many students successfully study for the SAT and other exams simply by taking practice exams from previous years.  Others use test materials to key in on the kinds of questions they need to study, or hone in on subjects they need to study a little bit more.

Adult education programs are well-known for offering remedial math courses and math for those who have been out of school for a while.  These courses may sometimes be used for high school credit and often provide transcript documentation, too.

Don’t forget the many private schools and curriculum suppliers who offer free homework help and online tools, either.  Homeschoolers may join these programs in 9th grade and stick with them, or can jump in during 11th or 12th when studying for math exams becomes more of a focus.

Not every student may be a math whiz or enjoy math, either.  But no student needs to fail with the number of resources available today.  Changing ones attitude about math and finding just the right combination of tools can prepare a student just enough to gain admission and pursue a dream.  Leave no stone unturned when it comes to finding what works best.

Internet articles for continued reading:

Math (a collection of articles compiled by HEM Magazine)

Zen & the art of unschooling math (Life Learning Magazine)

Unschooling and math (Sandra Dodd)

Unschooling Math (from Growing Without Schooling)

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Standardized tests for homeschoolers

The matter of testing homeschoolers annually is met with disagreement.  Some parents utilize annual testing to compare their students to other children the same age or grade.  Other parents feels that testing is only as good as the level of preparation students receive, and only test children who have followed a curriculum and practiced the material required on the test.  Still other parents research testing options and locate tests that measure exactly what they’re interested in knowing about their child.  Due to the variety of different testing options, deciding to test, and then finding the proper test to purchase is not always an easy task.

Fueling a debate over evaluating homeschoolers the same ways as students in traditional schools, some states have adopted mandatory testing requirements for homeschoolers every year.  Homeschooled students in these states have no choice but to test annually using the tests that have been pre-approved by the state in which they live.  Other states have made testing optional, recognizing there are many other meaningful ways to measure homeschool progress instead.  (Find out if your state requires testing HERE.)

Ultimately, the decision to test homeschoolers is a personal one that must be made within the family with a specific child in mind and all information available at hand.  In my work, I always recommend doing some research and talking to other parents prior to making the choice to administer a standardized tests to a homeschooler.  Then, if testing is to occur, I suggest selecting a testing method or service that provides results directly to parents –not a school or other testing agency.

Additional pros and cons of testing homeschoolers will appear in future articles here at Quick Start Homeschool.  In the meanwhile, take a look at just a few of the testing options available to homeschool families.  Then, follow the links I have provided at the bottom of the page to learn more on your own:

Stanford Achievement Test (SAT):

The Stanford 10 Achievement includes a Lexile measure on score reports. The test is untimed and is purported to have special formatting which keeps students focused and interested during test taking. The Stanford is nationally standardized test which and meets many state  requirements. It is available year-round, and parents may choose either a complete battery or omit the optional sections of the test. Note: the Stanford Achievement Test (SAT) is not the same test as the SAT college entrance test offered by The College Board.  There are 2 different tests with the same name.

Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS):

The IOWA evaluates  language skills, mathematics, science, social studies and study skills.  Report includes IOWA  norm-referenced scores: scaled, grade equivalent, stanine, and percentile rank and graphed achievement percentiles.  Approximate completion times for grades is several hours per day, over a period of 2-3 days.

California Achievement Test (CAT) and CAT/5:

The California Achievement Test, grades K-12, is a nationally normed standardized test that measures achievement in the areas of Reading, Language Arts and Math. It meets the requirements of many states for an annual assessment for homeschool and private school use.  It is available in more than one form, and the survey edition takes approximately 2½ hours to administer.  Note: the survey edition is still available, however some families are now choosing its modern replacement, the Terra Nova, below.

Terra Nova Achievement Test (CTBS):

Terra Nova is offered in a complete battery version which includes reading, language arts, math, art, science, social studies, vocabulary, language mechanics, spelling, and mathematics computation. The test requires little parental involvement beyond general directions and time-keeping, except in grades 1 through 3 which have sections that are read to the child by the parent . A nice feature of this test is that children at different grade levels may take the test together.

Other “tests” to consider (some may have requirements for who may administer):

Some web sites of interest when researching testing options:

Educational Diagnostic Prescriptive Services

Kid Test

Thurber’s Educational Assessments

Bayside Testing Services

Seton Testing Services

Family Learning Organization

BJU Press

Home Education and Family Services

 

 

 

Grading student papers– PROs and CONs

Many homeschool parents grade student work.   But you may be surprised to know that some homeschoolers do not grade papers at all.

Why do some families find it important to grade papers when others find it a waste of time — even detrimental to student success?  Turns out, grading is a matter of perspective that aligns with the homeschooling approach and philosophy of learning.

Check this list of pros and cons to decide how you feel about the grading debate:

Why award grades (PROs)?

  1. Students get a sense for how they’re doing.  Older and mature students are able to utilize this information in different ways to change study habits or maximize performance differently.
  2. Many children like receiving grades on papers, particularly those withdrawn from school who are used to getting grades for work completed.  Some kids prefer numbers, others like letter grades.  Some enjoy receiving stickers and encouraging comments, too.
  3. “Good” grades — for some – are like rewards.  Some children need and/or enjoy the sense of satisfaction that good grades bring.
  4. “Bad” grades may work as incentives for some students.  They may stimulate increased work, leading to better performance the next time.
  5. Other children receive grades in school, why not homeschoolers?  Homeschooled kids needing a feeling of “sameness” can feel just like everyone else.  They are never left out of the conversation when their friends discuss grades in school.
  6. Parents may feel the urge to make comparisons with siblings, other children, or children in school settings.  Grades provide a means of measurement and comparison with children in the same age category in the same subject areas.
  7. Assuming grading methods are standardized and used consistently, they provide a measure of progress (up or down) as grades fluctuate throughout the semester or entire school year.  They may show patterns or provide clues helpful to making changes throughout the school year.
  8. In  many states, grades are required, or they may be used as a form of student evaluation to satisfy state homeschool requirements.

Why NOT award grades (CONs)?

  1. In reality, grades are never really accurate, as they tend to reflect other factors having nothing to do with course performance (mood, illness, time of day, course material, methods or products used, etc.).  Why bother measuring something if the results aren’t truly useful?
  2. Low grades can upset and severely disappoint, causing feelings of failure or of being less-than what was expected.  Feelings like these are experienced by students, and also by their parents.
  3. Higher grades may cause undue pressure as students seek to live up to these same levels for the remainer of the course, the year, or even their whole lives.
  4. Long-term effects of grades include a false impression that students are “good at” or “bad at” concepts and skills which in fact may not be true.  Labeling students early on has lasting effects on self-image and worth, in some cases lasting a lifetime.
  5. Some parents do not use grades correctly or consistently.  Without strict controls, grades cannot possibly yield accurate results.
  6. Measurement and classification using grades is not the only way to observe learning.  Support, encouragement and nurturing a love of learning can be achieved in many other ways.

Related posts you might like:

Use the method that best represents the child

Uncovering hidden clues in what children say

Awarding Credit 3 Different Ways

How do you know it’s working?

Boredom and what it tells you

Please share your thoughts by leaving a COMMENT:

 

 

 

Homeschool: How do you know it’s working?

So, you’re thinking about homeschooling, and have heard lots of great things about it.  Everyone says it really works.  Plus, you’ve read the research, and it confirms that, too.

But, you’re still not convinced.  Just because it works for other people, how will it really work for you?   After all, your life is so busy/crazy/hectic.  Your children are so <fill-in-the-blank>.  Your spouse/relatives/friends aren’t all that supportive.  Your home is too messy/noisy/small.  Your budget is well…non-existent.  And though you understand there is no crystal ball, you’d at least like to know that you stand a pretty good chance at success.

Okay.

First of all, rest assured, these concerns are not uncommon.  Most parents, homeschooling and not, admit worrying about how well they’re doing every once in a while.  It’s only natural to worry if you’re doing the right thing.  It just shows how much you care.  So that is that.

Next, remember that homeschooling doesn’t have to last forever.  If you happen to still be on the fence, leaning more toward taking the plunge, but still not 100% sure, it may help you to understand that you can always put the children back in school if you someday change your mind.  Boom.

So, with those concerns out of the way, let’s get to the real question, which is:

How will you know that homeschooling is successful?

…or, stated another way:

How do you know you children are learning?

There are lots of ways to measure homeschool success.  It all depends on who you are and your definition of success.  Some define success as ‘good grades’, while others look more at physical/emotional/mental gains.  I’ll tackle every single one of these measures of success in future posts, if I haven’t already.  But in the meanwhile, here they are.

Some measure homeschooling success by…

  • Final grades
  • Test results
  • Textbook/course completion
  • Logging enough hours, however many that may be
  • Personal testimony from teachers/tutors/parents/others who know your student
  • Readiness for the next course/level/book
  • Direct observation — seeing for yourself
  • Discussion (a/k/a talking to your child)
  • Demonstrated ability to do something new/better
  • Completion of a project
  • Comparison with a peer group

Others measure homeschool success by…

  • looking at a student’s level of satisfaction
  • plain old happiness
  • eagerness to learn
  • ability to conduct research or discover new things
  • and on and on and on…

No matter your definition and which measure(s) you use, the nice thing is that it doesn’t take long to gauge homeschooling success or failure.  Because homeschooling is a lifestyle that you live 24/7, successes quickly make themselves apparent and problems tend to rise to the surface rather quickly.  And — the great thing is that the process is so flexible and dynamic, that a couple of simple tweaks can easily improve success; thus, even so-called failures take very little time to turn around.

So, how do you know homeschool is working?  You’ll know.  Have confidence that you have made good parenting decisions in the past, and will have the same ability to make good homeschooling decisions in the future.    You’ll know.

[Photo: Credit]

 

 

Think about it: Make your own flashcards

Flashcards aren’t new, that’s for sure.  For many, a humble deck of ordinary flashcards is regarded as so boring and antiquated that they are avoided altogether.

But having children make their own has many more benefits over those purchased in any store.  Plus, they don’t have to be only about math facts, either.  Flashcards can be about anything you want them to be.  How about cooking measurements?  Plot details from a book?  Plants or insects?  Commonly misspelled words? Caring for a pet?  How about cards with music notes or how to fold laundry?  Literally anything at all a child has learned — or a parent would like that child to learn – can appear on a card.  Sets can be topic-specific or mixed, too.

Think about it.  Taking something learned in homeschool, or anything in life, and putting it down on a flashcard requires many skills.  To name a few, kids are asked to:

  • recall what they learned or look it up again
  • synthesize, shorten, paraphrase or whatever it takes to fit it on a card
  • use writing skills to tell about it, adding quiz questions or riddles as desired
  • draw something about it, if the cards will be illustrated
  • cut, measure, decorate, laminate or whatever else it takes to make the cards themselves

And those are just a few of the benefits.  Even greater benefits come when the cards are shared with others.  The creator gets to review everything all over again. The recipient, with any luck a sibling, gets to learn everything, too.

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This post is part of a little series called, “Think about it”, and each post contains a single idea to try this year.  Posts are short, so that you can move on to the next quickly.  These ideas may inspire you to try something new…or help you realize that something you’re already doing is okay.  There will be no particular posting schedule, but you can look for Tags & Titles that begin with the words, “Think about it”.