tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67914961941309523382024-02-20T11:49:33.390-08:00Homeschooling EducationInformation about The Importance of Education to Support Homeschooling Learning FailureAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11590561938983295861noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791496194130952338.post-23720787997087195902012-05-20T06:24:00.000-07:002012-08-06T06:46:18.334-07:0018 Tips for Maximizing Homeschool Conventions<div style="text-align: justify;">
Spring and summer generally offer more opportunities to go to a home educator's conference or <a href="http://aturar-se.blogspot.com/2012/05/18-tips-for-maximizing-homeschool.html" style="color: blue;">convention</a>. You can spend a good bit of time and money at these events. When you prepare ahead of time you can minimize wasted time and money. Here are my top 18 tips for maximizing these opportunities:<br />
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1. As early as January, research the events that are within reach - time, money and geography wise.<br />
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2. Once you have your list of possible events, determine if you want to plan on going to one or more of these events.<br />
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3. Make a list of your goals for going - Sample goals:</div>
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a. To hear a specific speaker.<br />
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b. To hear someone speak on a specific topic.<br />
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c. To review a specific curriculum.<br />
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d. To see what curriculum is available for a specific subject.<br />
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e. To receive some encouragement.<br />
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f. To learn how to use a specific curriculum or method of teaching.<br />
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g. To involve your children during the conference.<br />
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h. To have a date with your spouse so you can plan together.<br />
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i. To find a class or other resource in your area for your children during the year.<br />
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4. Research those web sites of those organizations hosting your list of possible events.<br />
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5. Make a chart of your goals along the side and the events along the top, you can mark an X in each of the corresponding boxes when you find a goal that would be potentially met.<br />
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6. If you have time, you can wait a week or so before you go back and look at the information with fresh eyes.<br />
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7. Make a choice and check to see if pre-registration or lodging or child care or other preparation is required ahead of time.<br />
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8. Before the date, look on the web site to see all that is being offered at your conference and what exhibitors who will be present.<br />
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9. Make a budget with items that you know you need to purchase and how much you have to purchase. Going to web sites can give you an idea if an item is in your price range. There may be some conference specials that will help.<br />
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10. Make a plan of which workshops or general sessions you will attend and when you will visit the vendor's hall.<br />
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11. Make a schedule that will be easy to read. If the brochure is available online, you may want to download, print and highlight.<br />
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12. Make a list of vendors whose booths you want to visit.<br />
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13. If you are going to be there two days, you could go through the whole hall fairly rapidly the first day to see what is interesting.<br />
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14. On the first day, you can collect materials that you can study that evening.<br />
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15. On the second day, you can plan on visiting some select booths so that you can ask questions.<br />
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16. If others man the booth while the speaker is speaking, you may want to plan a time other than right after you listen to the speaker or while he is speaking.<br />
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17. Allow a little time in your schedule to relax and enjoy doing what you enjoy doing at a conference.<br />
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18. If these tips micromanage your life too much, take the ones that you need to help you maximize your time at the convention.<br />
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Homeschool conventions can provide the support you need to enjoy the journey of learning with your family.<br />
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Maggie Dail operates the Center for Neuro Development in Lakewood, Washington along with her husband, Ronnie. The Center is affiliated with Academy Northwest and Family Academy. They home schooled two foster sons and have worked with home schooling families for nearly 20 years. Maggie earned her M.A. in Special Education in 1989 and has taught for nearly 40 years.<br />
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Article Source: Maggie Dail<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11590561938983295861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791496194130952338.post-68879532296432282322012-05-19T06:22:00.000-07:002012-08-06T06:48:37.850-07:00Homeschoolers and College: Private or Public University?<div style="text-align: justify;">
Your student may be interested in both the local <a href="http://aturar-se.blogspot.com/2012/05/homeschoolers-and-college-private-or.html" style="color: blue;">public university</a> and the expensive private one across the country -- which one is actually cheaper?! When it comes to comparing colleges, it's important to remember that the financial differences between attending a private school and a public school are negligible. Most public schools are tied to their state's money, and because of the current economic crisis, the cost of public university is going up while the number of scholarships is going down. Meanwhile, many private schools are doing fairly well and tend to have huge scholarships. Even though their sticker price may be overwhelmingly large, the amount that students actually pay to attend is significantly smaller.<br />
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When comparing colleges, use reference books like the US News and World Report College Guide to determine real costs. After you've decided which colleges you think you might want to visit, get out the college guide and look at each college. Start by looking up the average SAT score for each college.</div>
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Usually it will say something like "25% have test scores of this, and the average score is between here and here." Look for colleges where your student's test score is on the high-end of average, so that they are one of the smartest students the colleges see and the colleges will want to offer them scholarships.<br />
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The "college cost as affected by the average number of scholarships awarded" is another piece of information you can find in these books. Some colleges will state that the average student gets a scholarship award of a certain amount. Others will state the average student will graduate with a certain amount of college debt. This information will help you determine how much an average student has to pay for that school. In addition, make sure to check the graduation rate, because that will have a huge impact on the long-term cost of college. For example, at a local university it takes six years on average to graduate. But at the school my sons attended, almost everybody graduates in four years on average. If you had to pay six years of school, it would be much more expensive than just paying for four years.<br />
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Lastly, evaluate what percent of students at each school are employed immediately after they graduate. If your child takes on college debt, they want to have a very good chance of getting a job so that they can pay off that debt. The employment rate is a good indication of their likelihood to get a job immediately after graduation.<br />
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Of course, selecting a college won't make any difference if your student isn't prepared for college. Failing to prepare for college is one of "The 5 Biggest Mistakes Parents Make When Homeschooling High School." Learn how to avoid all 5 mistakes in my free e-mail mini-course.<br />
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Article Source: Lee Binz<br />
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11590561938983295861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791496194130952338.post-45045962108821772622012-05-18T06:21:00.000-07:002012-08-06T06:54:00.334-07:00How to Write Really Great College Application Ess`ys for Homeschool Success<div style="text-align: justify;">
One of the keys to winning big scholarships is to write really great application essays. The problem with application essays is that they have to be technically perfect, self-reflective essays. I know that can be a problem! I've had teenagers, and I know that "technically perfect" is a very difficult thing to get your children to do in an essay. I also had boys, and I know that self-reflection for boys is extremely difficult. Technically perfect, self-reflective essays are a difficult thing that can take a lot of time. Therefore, make sure that you have lots of time to get these essays done.<br />
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One way to do this is to have your child begin practicing their <a href="http://aturar-se.blogspot.com/2012/05/how-to-write-really-great-college.html" style="color: blue;">application essays</a> when they are a junior, even as the basis for their junior year English program. When they apply to college, they will have a variety of essays to draw from. If you have a senior, I encourage you to hit the ground running the first day of senior year. Make sure their first writing assignment is a college application essay. Even if they haven't decided what colleges they want to apply to, grab a college essay topic and have your child write on it.</div>
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Often colleges will ask for more than one essay, and each one should be a completely different picture of who your student is as a person. Make sure that they never repeat anything from one essay to the other. To understand this, imagine yourself standing in a field surrounded by three friends who are taking a picture of you. Each picture is a completely different photo, a completely different side of you with a completely different background. That's how you want each of your application essays to be. For example, one of my sons played chess all the time, but he was only allowed to use the word 'chess' in one of his essays. It was difficult for him, and we had to brainstorm ideas for other things that he could write about for the other essays.<br />
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Using your notes from your college visits can help shorten your essay-writing time. If you're applying to four different colleges and you're trying to convince each one that you love them, you can use much of the same information in each essay and just change some of the details. For example, for one school your student might say, "I really enjoyed Dr. Smith's class because he talked about French literature." Then you can rewrite that same essay for a different college and say "I really enjoyed meeting with Dr. Reed and seeing how he explained micro-economics in a way that I understood." This will make your essays personal without taking a lot of additional time.<br />
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Great essays, however, won't make up for a mediocre education. You need to also make sure your student is prepared for university level work. Failing to prepare for college is one of "The 5 Biggest Mistakes Parents Make When Homeschooling High School." Learn how to avoid all 5 mistakes in my free e-mail mini-course.<br />
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Article Source: Lee Binz<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11590561938983295861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791496194130952338.post-71261509230613296842012-05-17T06:19:00.000-07:002012-08-06T06:19:54.680-07:00A Better Way to Homeschool: Using Notebooking To Add Creativity and Depth To Your Lessons<div style="text-align: justify;">
As a homeschooler, you have total freedom to express yourself and what you are learning in a way that suits your learning style and personality. With many, many, many curriculums to choose from, it is understandable to see why many homeschoolers are falling into the worksheet mentality.<br />
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Worksheets are easy to assign. Worksheets are either done or incomplete. Many parents enjoy the boundaries offered by a worksheet; but is that the best for your child?<br />
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Ask yourself these questions:<br />
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Is the assignment my child is working on destined for the trash can?<br />
Will my child understand the topic better by completing this assignment?<br />
Is my child excited to finish the task at hand?<br />
Does my child look for ways to share this assignment with others? Are they proud of their work?</div>
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There is a better way. Let me introduce you to the art of notebooking. Don't tune out yet. You do not need to be creative! Phew! All you need is a rich collection of books, articles, or textbooks and a healthy supply of enticing supplies, and your child will basically do the rest.<br />
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Well, it may not be that easy, but almost. Your child knows when something is simply a time filler. I have been guilty of this type of teaching. If you have been homeschooling any length of time you will recognize this to be true. When I hand my children a piece of notebook paper and tell them to write something, they are more than likely going to stare at the blank page for some time before doodling all over the edges.<br />
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Notebooking templates create a very different response. There is something magical about a neat and creatively organized sheet of paper containing very manageable spaces for varying pieces of information. There are thousands of notebooking templates available today. I was hand making my templates for my kids until recently. Even a simple box for an illustration and a few lines for explanation changes the way my own kids attacked an assignment. Now when they read a story, or learned about an event in history, or completed a science experiment is was manageable for them to illustrate the point that struck them as most interesting and then writing a few good sentences to describe what they drew.<br />
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The first thing I noticed was that the manageable template yielded a better product most of the time. The second thing I noticed was that the kids could not wait to show their assignments off. I began experimenting with template styles and presentations. I started putting their pages into plastic page protectors and notebooks. A Funny thing happened. The more time I took to showcase their work, the more the kids applied themselves the next time. If the assignment was for their "book" they attacked it head on. If it was a simple worksheet, they hardly gave it a second glance once completed.<br />
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Article Source: Bekki Sayler<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11590561938983295861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791496194130952338.post-69067588866552719282012-05-16T06:17:00.000-07:002012-08-06T06:17:56.811-07:00Physical Changes That Occur in the Brain Through Learning<div style="text-align: justify;">
There has been a lot of research into the brain and we home schoolers have learned many fascinating and amazing things from neuroscientists. Probably the most amazing fact about our brain is that it is constantly changing and growing. Scientists call this neuroplasticity.<br /><br />Neuroplasticity - a big word but one that is important as we think about teaching kids and actively engaging their brains. According to Judy Willis, a neurologist and educator, neuroplasticity is defined as the selective organizing of connections between neurons in our brains. Basically, what scientists have discovered is that as we learn new things, our brains actually change and physically grow. Throughout our lives, our brains are growing and changing and making new connections as we learn new things and experience new situations.</div>
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />Neural Connections<br /><br />As we learn, neural connections are made. The more we use those connections, the stronger the connections become. "Cells that fire together, wire together" has been a saying among neuroscientists since the late 1990s. When we perform tasks or recall some information that causes different neurons to fire together, the connections between these cells become stronger. As we continue to do the task and associate the information, those connections become strong links between various parts of the brain.<br /><br />Not only do our brains make neural connections, but depending on the activity, parts of our brains can even grow. Think about how when you exercise your arm muscles, they tend to grow - become stronger and get bigger. Our brains work the same way. If we are doing an activity or learning concepts that use specific parts of our brains, that part will physically change and grow.<br /><br />This works throughout our lives. Consider how important it is, then, to begin to build useful connections even in young children. As they gain information, connections are made that become strong. When new information is presented, it is added to these connections and becomes a permanent part of their thought processes.<br /><br />Things to Think About When Home School Teaching<br /><br />We can start by telling our children that intelligence is not static. It is something that is malleable and they can work to change. When they know they can grow and change, children are more likely to actually do so.<br /><br />Practice makes perfect. As children practice with a concept by repeating activities, retrieving memories, and reviewing material, strong neural pathways are built.<br /><br />Remember to teach in context. Learning is the making of new or stronger neural connections so we need to tap into what children already know. Teach so that your children see the connection between the new information and what they already know.<br /><br />Help children to understand that this is how the brain works. As they realize that they have control over their learning, they are able to change their brains through study and review.<br /><br />Homeschool Application<br /><br />As we teach our homeschool kids a subject like science, for example, we need to constantly be thinking about how to make these neural connections stronger and real. By not being afraid to teach the principles of science, even to young children, we are building pathways that will connect them to even deeper information as they get into high school and college. Apply what they are learning not just to science but also to the other content areas. Learning the history of how a concept has developed, taking the language and understanding it, and finding out how people have thought about the concept helps children to build connections that become stronger and easily accessible the next time they come across new information.<br /><br />Most importantly, remember that our brains are not done growing. There is more to do and to learn. The job of a homeschool parent is never done.<br /><br /><br />Article Source: Dr Rebecca Keller<br /><br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11590561938983295861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791496194130952338.post-59306635243620778632012-05-15T06:15:00.000-07:002012-08-06T06:15:52.131-07:00Private Tuition - Pain or Gain?<div style="text-align: justify;">
In a tough economy, why does personal tuition flourish?<br /><br />Typically, the natural course of reasoning is always that hiring a private English Language tutor, for a child whose mother tongue is actually English, would be surplus to demands! Incredibly, the tutors will continue to operate. This all beggars the thought,'Why?'<br /><br />In times when things are difficult and people are generally being affected by pay freezes along with rises in living costs, exactly why hire a private tutor? What is it regarding one to one training which families see as a legitimate expense, when the economic climate is technically within a downturn? Exactly why do mothers and fathers lower expenses with elements such as new clothes plus postpone annual vacations but nevertheless, ensure that their children have reached the front of the actual queue pertaining to education?</div>
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />Manual or Tutor?<br /><br />When it comes to the price of just one hour's training, it is sometimes possible to buy one or perhaps even a pair of textbooks which will guide the would-be test prospect within the boundaries of the subject-matter programme. If a teacher utilizes the exact same books, why can't mom and dad simply just choose them, rely on them, coach their children with them and additionally reduce living costs?<br /><br />If only living was that straightforward?<br /><br />Qualifications and Experience<br /><br />'One swallow doesn't a summer make' in addition to which it could be added 'a single manual doesn't an examination candidate make!' A skilled professional trainer will likely have devoted years and years scaling the educational ladder and several succeeding years improving their work experience. That will include things such as, not just an intimate an understanding of the topic but the power to condense that experience directly into handouts, lecture notes and not to mention AV demonstrations.<br /><br />Afterward, of course, there's the tiny issue of teaching it! Know-how about a subject is one thing - the power to provide that expertise is often a distinctive ability. Many of us were required to put up with bad academics, understanding that they generally do, in actual fact, know their particular topic area - it's just that they can't educate you on it!<br /><br />And so, a guide is something - the instructor can be another; and thus, ne'er the twain will meet.<br /><br />Small Classes Good - Big Classes Bad<br /><br />Like a chant out of George Orwell's 'Animal Farm' the mantra associated with: 'Small Classes Good - Big Classes Bad', is generally heard echoing all through the corridors connected with power internationally.<br /><br />If, typically, the 'top' jobs within society will be people in politics, medical practitioners, lawyers and additionally business leaders, there is undeniable data which proves that those educated within small groups go on to be successful in some of the best positions. Numerous studies have shown this in the UK, examining the make-up belonging to the top 5% together with their academic backgrounds. The data must not be refuted. Some of those studying at fee paying colleges are actually educated in classes with fewer students compared to those enrolled in state operated academic institutions. Some of those 'lucky' students achieve better grades, participate in the 'best' universities and ultimately, enter the prime vocations as listed above. You will always find exceptions to this particular principle but, normally, 'Small Classes Good - Big Classes Bad'.<br /><br />One To One Lessons<br /><br />If you are willing to acknowledge the above, then simply, could it not be revealed that in due course the 'best' scenario is actually that regarding tutor and student, i.e. face to face?<br /><br />There are those who might make a complaint that it is quite a poor situation because of the deficit of individual conversation which group contact brings. This certainly is a valid issue. Pure one to one tuition, over the academic life of a student, definitely cannot be healthy for that person. 'People need people' and colleges are great providers for this mix.<br /><br />I personally believe that small classes in addition to one to one lessons, would be the most suitable combination to provide a well-balanced education.<br /><br />20 working hours Private Tuition is superior to twelve months with a large class<br /><br />I have found this particular affirmation banded about on line, however, I am not certain.<br /><br />The argument has been produced, presumably from a private tutor plugging for the purpose of business! However, I observe zero statistics that will backup up the actual statement. I have given a large number of students 20 plus working hours teaching and so I know, without a question, that the students more or less, almost always make substantial progress. In addition, they will have a more advantageous opportunity of passing their English exam, in comparison with, if they hadn't experienced the lessons.<br /><br />Trainers Progress within the Student's speed<br /><br />In general, in a class, the very 'brightest' are required to wait around while other individuals get up to date; whilst the very 'slowest' will likely be found floundering. The result is that those who are in the 'middle' possibly profit most due to the fact the teacher will need to choose a happy medium to fulfill the greatest number of requirements for scholars as is practical.<br /><br />By way of private tutoring in a one to one circumstance, often the student will likely be stretched to accomplish his/her 100 % potential. It will be out of the question to be able to fall behind as there is no person to come second to!<br /><br />Experienced tutors advance within the student's momentum - absolutely no quicker and no slower.<br /><br />And so - Private Instruction - Pain or Gain?<br /><br />Definitely the answer will be 'gain through pain'!<br /><br />If the finance is available, strengths are generally worked on and the grade 'A' may very well be improved into the dizzy heights of an 'A*', and the ones about the borderline pass/fail 'C' or 'D' are often coaxed into the 'C' group.<br /><br />Whether it be private English tuition, one to one Sociology lessons, private tutoring in Theatre Studies or a home Child Development tutor, everything ends with a similar verdict - all of them are educationally valuable and private tutoring is here to stay. Economic Recession or no Economic Recession!<br /><br />'Economic recession - What economic recession?' Chant the private tutors.<br /><br /><br />Article Source: Dean Nixon<br /><br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11590561938983295861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791496194130952338.post-53388846368434460282012-05-14T06:13:00.000-07:002012-08-06T06:13:47.674-07:00Homeschool Dads - Simple Steps on Becoming a Successful Christian Parent<div style="text-align: justify;">
Homeschool Dads - Simple Steps on Becoming a Successful Christian Parent<br /><br />There are millions of homeschool dads worldwide. While many of these males consider themselves to be secular as far as their religious beliefs are concerned, a large majority are Christian. While both a mother and a father are considered to be parents, it is a known fact that fathers experience a different, unique means of bonding with their children. If you are a Christian father, it is absolutely essential that you know and understand how to be a father that leads, inspires and educates your children according to God's Word. In Deuteronomy 6:5, the Bible instructs to: "And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might". In the same Book of the Bible (6:2) you are informed: "That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son's son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged". If you want to be one of the many productive homeschool dads in the world, this is the first step to your success.</div>
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />Basic Instruction<br /><br />Homeschool dads often find themselves teaching their children arithmetic, grammar and social studies. However, if you want to be a role model for your children and a good father in general, it should be your goal to ensure that you instruct your kids on the words of God and the ways of God. This is the most important lesson that you may provide as it will assist in your child's spiritual development and their general well-being. In the Book of Proverbs 22:6, we are instructed to: "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it". Training, in this sense, means that a father rhould ensure that he makes it clear to his child the differences between right and wrong, just and unjust. They should also understand what it takes to prepare them for the life that is now their own. By starting your child off with these essential life lessons, you are well on your way to being a wonderful dad.<br /><br />The Ideal Father<br /><br />Homeschool dads that practice Christianity are always interested in learning what it would take to ensure that they are an ideal father. First and foremost, you should know and understand that Jesus is a wonderful example of a role model in our lives. Jesus understood that His Father created all children differently for unique purposes. Jesus was involved in the lives of those that He loved, as you should be involved with your child. He was very forgiving and did not carry any hate towards anyone whatsoever. He had an even-temper and did not experience unhealthy anger or emotions that were negative. Jesus was also productive in offering attention, praise and love to those that followed Him. Your children follow you. You are their role model like Jesus is our role model. If you are one of the many Christian homeschool dads out there, it is important that you exhibit the same qualities that Jesus did while He was on Earth. By doing so, you will be an absolutely wonderful dad.<br /><br />Every Day Living<br /><br />Christian homeschool dads should ensure that they depend heavily upon God in their everyday life. The Bible should be used as an instruction manual or for guidance in every aspect of your life. It is important for your children to see you as a servant for the Lord. You should use the Bible for direction on appropriate discipline and upbringing. It is important to set clear guidelines on what you expect from your child, as well as solid consequences that they will experience should they stray away from your instruction. Homeschool dads are attentive and faithful to their children and their spouse. If they make mistakes, they ask for forgiveness. If they succeed, they give credit to the Lord. They instruct their children to view all living things - plants, animals and people - as examples of God's wonderful creation. If you are one of the many homeschool dads that walk according to the Bible, the simple steps outlined in this guide are sure to assist you in becoming a magnificent father to your children.<br /><br />"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." - 2 Timothy 3:16-17<br /><br /><br />Article Source: Carol A Henderson<br /><br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11590561938983295861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791496194130952338.post-49024743266905879422012-05-13T06:11:00.000-07:002012-08-06T06:11:49.248-07:00Dissecting A Famous Speech Can Stimulate The Home School Student And Parent Alike<div style="text-align: justify;">
Some of the best field trips for home school students do not require leaving the home. To analyze or dissect famous speeches from our country's sublime past including those of Patrick Henry or Webster or Lincoln, or those of Churchill's "Finest Hour" Empire, or of Cicero's gasping Roman Republic, or of the pure Athenian democracy of Demosthenes and Pericles, can open up the majestic, astonishing course of history like nothing else can. Nor should one overlook the gaudy speeches of captains of industry, such as Iacocca of Chrysler, who successfully overcame very long odds. And even more than an important excursion into history, speech dissection can also stir young men or women to rise up, one day, as political or business leaders themselves!<br /><br />A speech, properly examined, is like a portal on a deep sea diving vessel that can allow us to explore incredible treasures otherwise buried from view and lost forever.</div>
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A speech, fleshed out by an experienced home school parent or instructor, can bring a crucial moment in history alive. Indeed oratory dissection can lay bare, if you will, the very soul of the speaker and the nature of the audience and that of an entire nation or civilization, at the moment of its delivery. What is more, many and rich are the secrets of statecraft entombed within a famous speech of bygone years.<br /><br />The trail begins with an exploration of the actual "Argument" of the speech. What was the "Proposition" (central asserted truth) and "Purpose" (free act the audience was to take). What was the speaker attempting to prove and what accomplish? What reason or other did he marshal, and what emotional appeal or other did he excite? Then the deeper dissection-and the deeper discoveries-may emerge. Did he argue fairly? What arguments did he leave out? Was he hiding something? Did he show true courage or true leadership? Was he representing hidden interests or special interests? Was he a friend of the people or of the king or the modern version of a king? Was he caught in the middle of contradictory forces? Was he ahead of his time? Or riding the wave of good fortune? What might have been a different way of making his or her case?<br /><br />Speech dissection is the first building block at one and the same time of public speaking and of leadership. Before we can learn how to craft a persuasive speech of our own, we need to be able to discern the methods of someone else. Because our government and our companies are based upon persuasion, not force, to decipher how a leader argues is to take the first step toward becoming a leader ourself.<br /><br /><br />Article Source: Dr Joe Arminio<br /><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11590561938983295861noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791496194130952338.post-69374723357832675212012-05-12T06:08:00.000-07:002012-08-06T06:09:34.576-07:00A Better Way To Homeschool: Teaching With Toddlers Under Your Feet<div style="text-align: justify;">
When I began homeschooling I had a 5th grader, a kindergartener (who was scheduled for major surgery), an 18 month old, and I was expecting baby #4. I was on bed rest, I couldn't walk, and my older son needed to catch up in a few areas (math in particular).<br /><br />So how did I survive?<br /><br />The key to my homeschooling survival was three fold.<br /><br /> I had the heart and attitude that no one was going to be more invested in my children's success than I was.<br /> I took the time to create a plan.<br /> I found successful homeschool moms and asked a lot of questions and implemented their methods that were successful.</div>
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />It's all Attitude<br /><br />When you school around toddlers and infants you have to be dedicated. There is no other way to describe it. It is exhausting to chase little ones and teach algebra simultaneously. The first question to ask yourself is whether or not you are committed to "Stick and Stay". Our kids desperately need to see us model a never quit attitude. The great news is that, with a few adjustments, it is absolutely possible to do a great job!<br /><br />Your Plan<br /><br />If a plan is going to succeed, there must first be a plan; a goal. It was here in my life's story that my husband and I focused and formed our foundational goals; our Mission Statement if you will. I would encourage you to do the same. Our goals were simple.<br /><br /> Pass on our faith<br /> Teach our kids basic math facts<br /> Foster a love of reading while exposing our kids to great literature<br /> Begin the lifelong journey of becoming an excellent writer and communicator.<br /><br />Asking for Help from Experts<br /><br />I would never have survived that first year of homeschooling had I not taken the time to seek advice and ask for help. Some people have a really hard time asking for guidance, not me. I knew I was a good teacher, but I also knew my house was a mess and I had no idea how to teach with little ones around.<br /><br />Here's what I gleaned from experts.<br /><br /> Organization: I actually had a new friend come and help me organize my home. She taught me how to clear and organize clutter. She taught me how to store things into clear bins. She taught me that taking the time to organize my home, even above the time I took to teach would save me countless hours. Fast forward to today. This was the smartest thing I ever did. It took me about 3 weeks to completely clean. purge, and organize my home yet I have been able to maintain it for over a decade.<br /><br /> Toddlers Crave routines. (Actually we all do, but toddlers thrive when they can anticipate the next thing). Nne of the moms I "interviewed" encouraged me to schedule my toddlers into manageable time-chunks. It can best be compared to kindergarten "stations". I established a cycle of activities that followed this order: eat, quiet activity, busy activity.<br /><br /> If I could give any advice it would be to glean this "quiet-time"/controlled environment mentality. I used a high chair, a car seat, a booster seat, a playpen, a crib and a gated area for quiet time activity centers. I chose activities that were age appropriate and safe and gave the toddler their own space. I honestly did not let them "roam"- that's when they would get into trouble. Sometimes they were in the same room and even at or near the same table; other times I had them "play" in the next room or in their room. This was something I trained into their day. I began with 5 minute intervals and slowly worked up to 30-45 minutes. It worked beautifully with all my little ones.<br /><br />There are many, many, many kinds of activities to entertain and educate your toddler available online. Keep it simple. I always kept my school activity time toys out of reach so they were fresh and new when needed.<br /><br /><br />Article Source: Bekki Sayler<br /><br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11590561938983295861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791496194130952338.post-82217464078006551702012-05-11T06:06:00.000-07:002012-08-06T06:07:22.716-07:00Random Facts Versus Whole Science Approach to Homeschool Teaching<div style="text-align: justify;">
When it comes to learning science, most of us were taught in the public school system, which is a big proponent of the random fact teaching methodology. In other words, science was a single subject taught in a vacuum separate from other subjects. When it comes to teaching difficult or complex subjects such as science, it makes more sense to take a holistic approach. Here's why.<br /><br />The Science Random Fact Junk Drawer<br /><br />There has been much news lately about the American education crisis in regards to a lack of interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) disciplines. The United States is falling behind other developed countries when it comes to new technologies and discoveries, mainly because it is producing fewer graduates with related degrees.</div>
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />One of the reasons for this lack of interest in STEM disciplines is due to the way kids are taught. Students often learn a bit of science here and a bit of science there without being provided any logical way to connect the dots. This collection of random facts can be likened to your junk drawer at home - you know there's a screwdriver in the midst of all those rubber bands and paper clips and batteries and gadgets somewhere, you just can't find it amongst all the clutter.<br /><br />The same holds true for kids learning science. For instance, if a child learns a little something about the earth and the moon and how the shadow of our planet can cause a lunar eclipse, that's an interesting, but random, fact. You might also have taught your child some astronomy concepts and explained how the moon affects the ocean's tides. Perhaps your child has also learned something about gravity and the moon's gravitational pull. But if you are using many mainstream homeschool science curricula, those facts were never pulled together to show the student how the moon is at the core of all these facts and they are interrelated. That's why it's so difficult for many kids (and adults alike!) to make the leap between one science fact and how it impacts so many other areas of the world around us. This also makes it very hard to extract a random fact later because the child must rely on rote learning.<br /><br />The Whole Science Teaching Approach<br /><br />A better, more effective way to teach homeschool science is through an exponential approach. By helping kids make their own connection between subjects, they are much better equipped to draw broader conclusions. This is also a great way to encourage their natural curiosity and develop hands-on experimentation that offers exciting new discoveries in the child's mind.<br /><br />The whole science homeschool teaching approach is all about extrapolation. Once your student has assimilated some core concepts they are prepared to expand that knowledge and apply it to different, everyday situations.<br /><br />For instance, let's go back to that random fact about the moon's gravitational pull on earth. That's a physic concepts and that explains much about a lunar eclipse, which is a topic generally brought up in astronomy. Those same gravitational forces are at work when it comes to oceanic tide cycles, a topic that may be part of biology learning. By painting the bigger picture, a student can connect the dots between physics and astronomy and biology herself and become excited about learning more.<br /><br />This approach also compartmentalizes and organizes bits of information so they can easily be retrieved at will and on demand. And it aids the homeschool science teacher, who often doesn't understand the information herself, present complex concepts and help the student come to a conclusion that need not be foregone.<br /><br />When it comes to teaching a difficult subject such as science, the homeschool teacher would be wise to use a whole science approach rather than relying on a random fact methodology.<br /><br /><br />Article Source: Rebecca Keller<br /><br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11590561938983295861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791496194130952338.post-84125082423130899412012-05-10T06:55:00.000-07:002012-08-04T00:52:58.711-07:00Building a Career Through Online Education Courses<div style="text-align: justify;">
Education is a systematic process of acquiring knowledge and skill necessary for personal growth and development. The practical application of education in a specific field of study can jumpstart a professional career or establish a foundation for possible business ventures. Making an investment in education can be one of your most significant and wisest decisions in life because of its immediate impact to your future. Distance education plays a vital role in connecting educators and learners worldwide, breaking the barriers imposed by time constraints, distance, disabilities and socio-economic status. Distance <a href="http://aturar-se.blogspot.com/2012/05/building-career-through-online.html" style="color: blue;">education courses</a> are being offered by Open Institutions to answer the call for internationally recognised quality education and training. Whether you are a student who just started on the path of learning, a professional in your field of study and want to further your education through advanced and specialized programs, or a person who is restricted by travel or health concerns, online courses definitely have the answers for you.</div>
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Many individuals are asking on how effective distance education when delivering the methodologies of teaching. Online education classes are as effective as traditional face-to-face instruction done in colleges and universities. The keys to establishing a successful online study depend on the dedication and focus of the learner, and timely peer-support by the open institution. The people behind the curriculum and online support offered through distance education are professionals and experts in their field, so you can be sure of having the quality education and training that you are looking for. Online instruction is divided into four major classifications, namely: voice, video, data and print. Voice or use of audio as medium of communication includes the telephone, tapes, radio and audio-conferencing.<br />
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On the other hand, videos may come in the form of instructional tapes or CDs, or combined with voice and data as file attachments. Print media can be in the form of instructional books, guides, course outlines or assessments which are delivered through courier or mailing system. Data is the widely used form of instruction due to the advances in technology in computers and the internet. Information is transmitted electronically and may be in the form of Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI), Computer Managed Instruction (CMI), Computer Mediated Education (CME), or a combination of any of these. The delivery of education and training became better, faster and economical since all the instructional materials and methods of teaching are coursed through e-mail (electronic email) or e-fax (electronic facsimile), online conferencing and other World-Wide Web applications. This would include advances in communication by utilizing Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). By making use of all the available communication media, online learning study is delivered fast and efficient.<br />
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Distance learning has many advantages that individuals on different levels of learning can take advantage. It provides the flexibility of choice when you want to finish a course or where you want the training to take place. Assessments and projects are given at the end of a specified topic, submitted to education professionals and experts of their field for evaluation, and then feedback is given to determine if a learner is to advance to the next level or if further reading is required prior to advancement. You can never be too old or too young in order to start a life changing career, or build the basic foundation to start a new business. All you would need is the proper self-motivation and focus so you can look forward and fulfill your dreams in life.<br />
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Article Source: Dani Brown<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11590561938983295861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791496194130952338.post-46396993571156187262012-05-09T06:52:00.000-07:002012-08-04T00:54:55.014-07:00Homeschool Graduate: Now What?<div style="text-align: justify;">
If your <a href="http://aturar-se.blogspot.com/2012/05/homeschool-graduate-now-what.html" style="color: blue;">homeschool</a> student isn't the type who wants to immediately head straight to college out of high school, don't despair this does not mean you have failed in your job! As a parent, your work during high school includes planning for and providing the best possible education for your child so they can learn the life skills that they need, preparing them to be ready for a variety of different possibilities, and then encouraging them to pursue the work skills and things they'll need to know in order to function in their job, whether that includes college or not. In the midst of the variety of different options for high school graduates, distance learning and working are two great alternatives you might want to look into.<br />
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Although it seems very trendy today, many people will be surprised to learn that distance learning is not a new phenomenon; it has actually been around for decades.</div>
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Years ago, people did distance learning as well. They would mail in their tests and their papers instead of emailing or faxing them, but it was really the exact same thing. Resources for distance learning have been around for a long time. One of the books we used for distance learning is "Bear's Guide to Earning Degrees by Distance Learning," which was published for the first time decades ago! There are many reasons that distance learning might be a good fit for your student, including finances, work schedules, and environment concerns. For more great information, I recommend the book "Accelerated Distance Learning" by Brad Voeller.<br />
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Education is not just a matter of climbing up the ladder; it's also about what you're going to do after you've climbed up the ladder--where you're going to work. Many students will decide that they want to work after high school. I have a friend whose teen-aged son said he was going to work and not go to college. He got a job working at a local fast food restaurant and he loved it. He was getting higher and higher in management as a teenager, and finally decided that he really wanted to own a business. He quickly found out that this required a business degree, so he decided that he wanted to go to college. He easily passed the college entrance exams, because his mother had taught him everything he needed to know during high school. The message here is that you always need to be prepared remember that kids will change their minds! You just don't know what the future is going to hold; kids mature and change their minds and the next thing you know, they want to own a business of their own and they need a degree. If you've prepared them in high school, then they will be ready for whatever they ultimately choose college, distance learning, work in whatever order they need it! That's success in homeschooling!<br />
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Article Source: Roy Nicolas<br />
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When it comes to college admissions, schools all over the country seem to have their own preferences for either the SAT or the ACT. While the schools on the coasts most often prefer the SAT, those in the middle of the country seem to prefer the ACT. Interestingly, many colleges will accept both. In order to determine which test your child should take, check the colleges your child is interested in for their specific preferences. One-third of students tend to do better on the SAT, one-third do better on the ACT; and one-third show no difference in scores between tests. If you have the option of submitting either test to your college-of-choice, have your student take a sample test of each one first, and then study for and take the test that best fits your child and shows their academic skills to advantage!<br />
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The <a href="http://aturar-se.blogspot.com/2012/05/homeschoolers-and-act-college.html" style="color: blue;">ACT</a> is a standardized test that will meet any test assessment requirements by your state. It covers reading, writing, and math, as well as science.</div>
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Science is not tested on the SAT, which is why some colleges will prefer the ACT test, since they then don't need to ask you for a subject test in science. In addition, the ACT has an optional writing section, which is similar to the SAT essay scoring method, using a score of 1-6: a 1 means that a student can't put two words together, and a 6 means their writing is excellent. A perfect overall score on the ACT is 36, with the average score around 20, although that varies by state. A score over 21 is good, and over 24 is very good. There are some colleges that will give you great scholarships for scores in the range of 24-28.<br />
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The ACT is all multiple choice, and there is no penalty for guessing, so it's a little bit more straightforward than the SAT. Some statistics show that girls will score better on the ACT, which might be something to keep in mind. Currently, the cost of the ACT is $34 if you do not take the essay section, and $49.50 if you include the essay. The additional charge is because they have to pay teachers to read the essays.<br />
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Homeschoolers have an advantage in test preparation. Studying for college entrance exams is very valuable for many college-bound high school students. Research has shown that preparation can increase scores significantly. Higher scores can increase your chance for college admission and academic scholarships. It's not a waste of time! Make test preparation a regular part of your high school experience, and it will be much easier for your student to succeed.<br />
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Of course, there is more to college preparation than just studying for the ACT. You need to make sure you have prepared your student for college. Failing to aim for college is one of "The 5 Biggest Mistakes Parents Make When Homeschooling High School." Learn how to avoid all 5 mistakes in my free e-mail mini-course.<br />
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Article Source: Lee Binz<br />
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11590561938983295861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791496194130952338.post-4179031778206506662012-05-07T06:48:00.000-07:002012-07-10T06:50:03.845-07:00Home School Teaching and Functional Organization<div style="text-align: justify;">
Home school teachers must consider not only the type of information their children take in, but how they can later retrieve that information at will and apply it to new situations. It's important that home school learning include a way to teach functional organization rather than relying on rote memory for later retrieval. Let's take a look at what functional organization is, in terms of learning, and how the home school teacher can use it to their child's advantage.<br /><br />About the Role of Functional Organization In Real Learning<br /><br />Functional organization refers to a framework for learning that allows the brain to take in information and then place it somewhere logical so that it can be later retrieved on demand.</div>
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />Research has shown that functional organization is a learned, built-upon framework for learning. What a child learns in his early years has a direct bearing upon the ways he learns new things at a later age. It's also important to first teach basic aspects of complex subject as a learning foundation.<br /><br />In a study by Castro-Caldas, Petersson, Reis, Stone-Elander, and Ingvar (1998), the researchers found that illiterate people who had never learned a written language did not use the same neural structures as literate subjects to process spoken language. These results show that the skills of reading and writing learned during childhood affect the adult brain's functional organization. Without a foundational skill set, adults who must learn related material later are at a disadvantage because they do not have the same functional organization in place.<br /><br />Using Functional Organization in Home School Teaching<br /><br />The same is true for your school-age kids, particularly when it comes to learning science. Often the most difficult part of learning subjects such as chemistry and physics is that students don't know how to sort the information they are taking in.<br /><br />I like to call this the learning "junk drawer". Just as you probably have a drawer in your home that contains all manner of items from tools to tape, so does your child have a mental drawer where random facts get laid to rest. How easy is it for you to find a paper clip in the midst of all the stuff in your junk drawer? How easy is it for your child to retrieve a random science fact from her learning junk drawer?<br /><br />What makes it easier to find data upon demand is a system of organization and a framework for tying together all those random facts. It all starts with a good foundation of basic, essential information. That basic information gets properly stored in a systemized fashion. As knowledge is built upon, it has a logical place to go and it just makes sense. And when science makes sense, your kids will be much more eager and interested in learning complex concepts.<br /><br />Finally, in order to set the functionally organized information into retrievable memory banks, children must be subjected to hands-on learning such as experimentation. This really cements the learning in place while guiding your child toward discovery, which makes science interesting and exciting. This is also a great way to help her apply the information to new situations and perhaps even solve a unique problem.<br /><br />Functional organization is a vital part of real learning. When selecting home school science curriculum for your children, make sure that it features a comprehensive framework and a way to help your child organize information so it can easily be retrieved later, in distinctive situations. And that's real learning.<br /><br /><br />Article Source: Dr Rebecca Keller<br /><br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11590561938983295861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6791496194130952338.post-73926428340985421782012-05-06T06:46:00.000-07:002012-07-10T06:50:52.583-07:00College Credit for Homeschoolers With CLEP<div style="text-align: justify;">
If your homeschooled students is looking for college credit while still in high school, the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) college level test is a great resource. The CLEP is a subject test, which measures one subject at a time, and there are 33 CLEP subjects. Because it's a subject test, it will not meet your state's annual assessment requirements. Many colleges will accept these tests and give credit for them, so check with your individual colleges to see whether they do this.<br />
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CLEP test scores range from 20-80; a passing score is anything above 50 for most tests. A college itself will decide what is the acceptable score that is required for them to award college credit. Foreign languages may have a higher testing requirement, such as a 60 or 65 in order to get college credit.<br />
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One of the unusual things about the CLEP is that it is computer-based. Other subject tests are taken using paper and pencil at a local high school.</div>
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CLEP tests are usually taken in computer labs, usually at a university, vocational college, or community college. Military bases also offer CLEP tests. The College Board lists testing centers located close to you. Because these tests are administered at colleges, they are typically available year-round. Since the test is completed on a computer, your score will be immediately available after you finish the test.<br />
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CLEP tests are accumulated by the College Board and sent to whichever colleges you designate in the form of a transcript. The transcript looks identical to a community college or university transcript, so it's very official looking and it's very good outside documentation.<br />
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Many public school families have not heard about CLEP, because they're not offered at the high school, but CLEP tests have been around for a long time. Historically, they were offered to adults and college students. Colleges are very used to seeing CLEP tests, as they see their college students take them all the time. Adults can take CLEP tests to satisfy undergraduate requirements and get into college right away.<br />
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In order to prepare for the CLEP test, I suggest you use the official study guide. There is a new one available every year, but they don't really change a lot over time, so if you get something that's 3-4 years old, it probably hasn't changed. The study guide will have one assessment test for each subject that is available, which you should use to assess your student. It's important to make sure your student will do well on the test before they take it, so assessing their readiness is very important.<br />
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Article Source: Lee Binz<br />
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