Introducing the Susquehanna Diploma Program
I had heard good things about this diploma program from a colleague who has used them for quite a while. The phrase she used that stuck with me was, “They offer a lot of grace to the struggling student.” So in July of 2010 I met with the board and learned more about their program, […]
Math curriculum
My occupation is as a math and science teacher. When I started teaching back in 1985 I used Bob Jones and A Beka textbooks. Since I have been at EBA I have used primarily Saxon Math (the blue Algebra 1/2, orange Algebra I, red Algebra II, and green Advanced Math). Though I am a creature […]
Classics
Howard Richman’s PHAA diploma program requires that students read 25 books each year, three of which need to be “classics,” which often leads to a discussion with parents about just exactly what is a classic? Does it have to be Shakespeare? There is no master list or consensus definition of what is a classic, and […]
Help for struggling learners
Over the years of teaching and working with homeschool students, I have had an increased burden for students who struggle with academics. I didn’t always feel that way — school came easy for me as a teen and college student, so I expected all students to be able to succeed. Lack of progress must be […]
Should homeschool parents assign grades?
I get asked this question periodically and so I thought I’d share my thoughts. Feel free to post comments or questions! Why are grades given in the first place? They are a communication tool — a short-hand way of letting others know how well a student is doing at mastering the content of a given […]
Suggested Grading Scale
What percentage should be the cut-off for an A? What constitutes a failing grade? There’s no “universal definition” but the following scale is the one we have used in our school for many years. I publish here for your consideration, but am not implying that you must adopt it. A (93-100) B (85-92) C (77-84) […]