How to implement Miller/Levine Biology

[kangato3]

I am trying to find out how others implement the Miller/Levine Biology. What components do you use? Do you do labs from the book or do a separate lab component? Any other supplements? Thanks for any insight.

Louise

[J-rap]

I'm wondering the same. In fact, I was going to post a similar question today! I was wondering if the DIVE CD's could work with this curriculum.

[PollyOR]

I'm still trying to figure this out myself.

 

Here are a couple of links that might be helpful.

 

http://www.phschool.com/webcodes10/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.gotoWebCode&wcprefix=cbk&wcsuffix=9999

 

http://www.millerandlevine.com/intro.html

[lizziebeth]

bump :bigear:

[OLG]

Since no one is replying, I'll take a stab. However, our experience was a bit unique as we zipped through the book and then moved to Thinkwell Bio and Campbell for AP prep! We did use the virtual labs from M/L but I wouldn't suggest them if you want serious labs. They are very light weight and don't teach much. Yet, they do fulfill a lab component....Just my opinion! The book itself is filled with enough student check-yourself types of things that a Study Guide isn't necessary. Do do all the EOC questions and review material and all will be fine! (Not an AP prep book though.) There is a ton of material on the internet to support any topic your student might struggle with and a simple Google will yield short videos etc. WE had the Kolbe course plans available to us for weekly planning which included extra notes, correlated labs and had tests and answers. These were helpful!

 

Hope others reply!

 

Mary

[Handmaiden]

(Disclaimer: We haven't used it yet but plan to this coming school year.)

 

I found a number of syllabi from high schools online using the older edition Miller/Levine book, including a prestigious science magnet school in our area. I found it interesting that none of them cover the entire textbook. The magnet school skips quite a few chapters!

 

I plan to use the 2010 edition. This book is huge--over 1000 pages, which includes 35 chapters, each with 2-5 sections. There is no possible way to cram all of it in one year. Still, I like it; there are a lot of new online features that have been developed for this text.

 

My tentative plan:

 

1. Narrow down which chapters or units to leave out. I will likely follow the magnet school's lead and leave out most of the animal/plant sections and possibly the endocrine and reproductive sections. And/or I may leave out all human anatomy chapters and use them as a separate course for the future.

 

2. Assign daily readings, including Chapter Mystery. Have ds take notes on each section and make vocabulary cards.

 

3. Watch the online Untamed Science video for each chapter.

 

4. Answer the Assessment questions at the end of each section.

 

5. Play the vocabulary games online as part of chapter review.

 

6. Solve the Chapter Mystery.

 

7. Do a lab(s) at the end of each chapter. I am leaning toward using a kit from Quality Science Labs or LabPaq.

 

8. Take a test at the end of each chapter.

 

I will also schedule a few science-related literature books to read on the side.

 

HTH!

Edited May 29, 2010 by Handmaiden

[lizziebeth]

great info - thank you! I was considering the 2010 Miller & Levine as well, but I'm having trouble tracking down the teacher's edition. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

[Handmaiden]

Another mom told me that online access to the TE as well as the test bank and a few other resources comes free if you purchase the textbook from Pearson. But first you must open a online account and submit a homeschool affidavit.

 

I just got confirmation that mine went through so I'm planning on confirming the above info and placing an order next week.

[Handmaiden]

One more thing: for those who want a Christian counterpoint to the evolutionary content in Miller & Levine's Biology, AIG sells a book titled Evolution Exposed with a page-by-page reference index to the M/L textbook as a free download. (Scroll down to bottom of the page for the download link.)

Edited May 30, 2010 by Handmaiden

[VBCaroline]

Please make sure that you will be able to register as a homeschool teacher on their website after you receive your log-in information. Prentice Hall/Pearson does not have good internal communication, and ordering this book with the online access turned out to be a real headache for me. A representative from the technical assistance department called me a few weeks ago to tell me that they are not able to give homeschool teachers access to the online teacher resources.

Caroline

[J-rap]

For those of you who have used M & L Bio and say that the grade level version is over 1,000 pages long and therefore you must pick and choose the chapters, would you recommend getting the core level version instead? Thanks!

[Handmaiden]

For those of you who have used M & L Bio and say that the grade level version is over 1,000 pages long and therefore you must pick and choose the chapters, would you recommend getting the core level version instead? Thanks!

 

I would recommend going to the website and comparing the two side-by-side to see which version you like better.

Edited May 31, 2010 by Handmaiden
fixed link

[Handmaiden]

That's odd....I just checked and the Core preview is missing. I could've sworn it was there earlier. There are only the regular and Foundations editions available for viewing right now.

[Handmaiden]

Please make sure that you will be able to register as a homeschool teacher on their website after you receive your log-in information. Prentice Hall/Pearson does not have good internal communication, and ordering this book with the online access turned out to be a real headache for me. A representative from the technical assistance department called me a few weeks ago to tell me that they are not able to give homeschool teachers access to the online teacher resources.

 

Uh oh, this is totally different than what the other homeschool mom experienced. I will call PH and see what they say...

[Vida Winter]

We had a near-disaster with Miller-Levine last year for several reasons:

 

1. The online materials that were supposed to be available were not all ready at the time we needed them.

 

2. Our internet speed, although technically high speed, was not fast enough. It made navigating their site a very frustrating effort.

 

We did receive what online materials they did have at no charge as homeschoolers. However they may have changed their policy. My interactions with PH were similar to dealing with a large government agency - no one knowing exactly what to tell you, different people telling you different things.

 

We essentially started bio over again using Oak Meadow and Holt Biology. If I were attempting Miller Levine again I would buy whatever support materials were necessary and not count on the online components.

 

I wish I were able to provide a more positive review of ML. I had high hopes for it but I should have gone with something that had been tested and was reliable.

[Handmaiden]

Hopefully others will have a different experience than what Dana had. The updated edition just came out earlier this year, and they didn't have all of the supplements ready. I think some are still in the works, but the key ones are done.

 

Update for everyone else:

 

I spoke to a product specialist at Pearson and she confirmed that I was able to get the teacher's access pack for free.

 

Here is what I had to do:

 

1. Open an Oasis account (ie, purchasing account with Pearson).

 

2. Fill out the homeschool affidavit (linked when you open the account)

 

3. Wait for the confirmation email that your account has been approved. (If you don't get a confirmation within 48 hours, email them...I kept waiting and never heard back. Turns out they never got my original affidavit and I had to resubmit it. It went through within 24 hours the second time.)

 

4. The confirmation email will have a user id, password, and discount code on shipping if you place the order within 30 days.

 

5. Place your order. Be sure to have the exact ISBN number for the version of the book you want. There are many many versions! (If you're not sure, check here and here.) I ordered the student textbook (on level) with biology.com 6-year student access. ISBN: 9780133690095

 

6. Add the teacher access pack ISBN: 0133689964

It will show up as $299.95. Do not panic. Click on the button "Special Terms." Scroll down and click the free option (I think it was option A, but please double check.) Update your cart. Verify that the teacher's pack is now at $0.

 

 

7. Check out as usual.

 

Hope this helps! If anyone goes through this process and has trouble, PM me and I can give you the name and extension number of the product specialist I spoke to.

Edited June 3, 2010 by Handmaiden
added info

[lizziebeth]

Handmaiden - thank you so much for taking the time to post that detailed information. This has helped me so much. I'm still close to hyperventilating every time I think about actually teaching biology to a high schooler, but just knowing which books I'll be using helps quite a bit!

[Lori D.]

I bought a used copy (I think c. 2001), and we used the section on the human body and created an anatomy unit from it, since Apologia Biology does not cover anatomy. How we used it: we read; I made tests from the end-of-chapter reviews; and we did some of the lab/experiments in the book, plus looked for ideas online or from other resources.

It is indeed a meaty text! And while I missed the Christian perspective from Apologia, I FAR preferred the layout, abundance of visuals and sidebars, and the to-the-point writing style of the Miller-Levine to Apologia. I also preferred that the Miller-Levine because (while it DOES have vocabulary) it did not make vocabulary terms the FOCUS the way Apologia does -- rather, the focus is on illustrating and understanding processes.

As far as scheduling, we did the 6 chapters on the human body in something like 12-15 weeks. In some ways, I wish we had just gone with the Miller-Levine for our entire Biology rather than the Apologia.... ce le guerre...

If you go with the older "Dragonfly" on the cover version, there are tons of web resources from the author to accompany it at his website (including chapter self-tests; teaching links; archived Scienc Online articles for further research; add additional resources); use the table of contents as your jumping off point to explore his web resourcs.

BEST of luck, whatever you decide! Warmest regards, Lori D.

Edited January 22, 2019 by Lori D.

[Handmaiden]

Lori, thanks for your feedback!

 

What did you call the course for the transcript? And did you assign it a 1/2 credit for science?

[Lori D.]

Yes. I called it "Anatomy" and gave 0.5 credit for lab science. So our transcript (arranged by subjects) looks like:

SCIENCE
Biology (with labs) = 1 credit
Anatomy (with labs) = 0.5 credit
Chemistry (with labs) = 1 credit
Physics (with labs) = 0.5 credit [this is the science he'll be doing next year]

Edited January 22, 2019 by Lori D.

[madrekts]

Just spent about 45 minutes crafting an eloquent reply about our experience this year, and then was told that I wasn't logged in, so everything disappeared. :glare:

 

Will try to remember everything (AND type faster!)

I did extensive research last year on Biology textbooks and ordered M&L before it was released. It is an excellent (and very beautiful) book. I ordered directly from Pearson, and while I had to verify my homeschool status once by phone, I have had access to any and all teacher materials since then.

 

A few specific thoughts on the book

1) Don't purchase the Untamed Science videos, as they are available free on the website. Most chapters are really fun to watch, and especially good for convincing a self professed "non-science" type that science can be interesting.

2) Use the supplemental website extensively. It is very well done. You won't have to use every component, because they are going for the different learning styles, but the animations are especially useful.

3) The virtual labs were not available yet when I purchased the course, so I bought the regular lab manual. I think that we were able to accomplish about half of the labs using materials from Carolina and Home Science Tools. It wasn't too much of an outlay (except for the microscope). I supplemented with some of the "Quick Labs" from the text. My goal is at least one lab per chapter. Next time through with 2nd child, I will probably buy another lab manual to add to my repetoire (and continue using this one).

4) I spent quite a bit of time last summer going through each chapter (text and on-line) to identify which activities to complete. Do NOT attempt to have your child answer every question, do every Unit Project, etc. We do almost all of the "Analyzing Data" sections and answer the Standardized Test Prep questions. I do not have my daughter try to answer the Chapter Mystery questions, but she watches the Intro video and then reads the sections. If you have time to do some of these, they are interesting research "prompts."

5) I found that the Study Guide was useful for my extremely busy daughter. She has assembled detailed notes by completing it, but did not have to handwrite every word, or draw every detailed diagram (could just fill in pertinent notes).

6) You can use "Grade Tracker" on the website to monitor which concepts are difficult for your child. You will first have to set up a "class" at the beginning of the year and have him or her log in as a student.

7) We used the "Biology & Society" sections for my humanities focused 9th grader to do some writing and thinking. We went out to find journal articles, books like "Politically Incorrect Guide to Science," etc. to get opposing viewpoints on stem cells, genetically modified food, the status of endangered animals, etc.

8) If you cannot do the entire book...

You absolutely need to cover The Nature of Life, Cells, Genetics and Evolution units. My next priority would be "From Microorganisms to Plants." If your child will be progressing to any college level life science, you need to make your best effort to get through as much of the Animals unit as you can. Although high school biology classes are moving away from the "taxonomy and classification" model that we had in high school, your child should be familiar with the evolutionary model, the new "cladograms" and vocabulary, such as "chordates." If you do not wholeheartedly agree with all aspects of the evolutionary model, then it is especially important to study these chapters while your child is in your home, and you can discuss the assumptions that are part of the model, weaknesses, etc.

 

Next, if you have time, turn to the Human Body chapters. I did not find too much here that was new, if your child has studied the Human Body and Health before. The main concept to take home is homeostasis. If your child will not be taking any more biology, have them at least read through the chapters. If they will progress to AP Bio, they will cover this stuff extensively then.

 

I would say that the lowest priority should be the Ecology chapters, simply because most of our kids know about biomes, producers & consumers, etc. If not, this would be a fun unit to do with Nature Study during the summer, either before or after the "official" course.

 

8) Sorry for the length of the post. I am an undergraduate Human Biology major, and feel this is an excellent 1st year Biology text. My favorite bit from the website was in Chapter 10 Cell Division: Chromosome Vocabulary (with shoelaces)... Have fun with science!

[madrekts]

I forgot to add that you can purchase 6 year on-line access for the textbook, so that you can use it in a couple of years with a younger sib!

[Kareni]

Just spent about 45 minutes crafting an eloquent reply about our experience this year, and then was told that I wasn't logged in, so everything disappeared. :glare:

 

 

 

When that happens to me, I try clicking on the "Go Back One Page" arrow on my screen and my post generally reappears. I then open another tab, log back on to the WTM board, and then resubmit my post. Alternatively, you can type eloquent posts into a Word document. It is frustrating to lose such a post, I know.

 

Regards,

Kareni

[Thea]

I purchased the schedule which included online access and tests and answer key for the '06 Biology book from Kolbe academy. I then used Castle Heights for the lab component, although I know someone who used this lab and felt that it correlated nicely.

[lizziebeth]

thank you, madrekts, for that detailed review - it was immensely helpful, and I just finished placing my order based on the information in this thread. i don't think i'm going to be able to afford or have access to a good microscope, so i do hope that the visual labs along with other labs that don't require a microscope will be adequate.

[Nan in Mass]

Can you do a few labs someplace that does have a microscope? We took a few to the science museum, where they were more than happy to pull out their big microscope and help us use it. Other people have used their doctor's office. Lots of work-places have microscopes. Nature centers do, too. Or you might be able to borrow one from a school or university.

-Nan

[Joan in GE]

Can you do a few labs someplace that does have a microscope? We took a few to the science museum, where they were more than happy to pull out their big microscope and help us use it. Other people have used their doctor's office. Lots of work-places have microscopes. Nature centers do, too. Or you might be able to borrow one from a school or university.

-Nan

 

Nan, what a good idea!

 

Thanks,

Joan

[Guest Memkepr]

I did extensive research last year on Biology textbooks and ordered M&L before it was released. It is an excellent (and very beautiful) book. I ordered directly from Pearson, and while I had to verify my homeschool status once by phone, I have had access to any and all teacher materials since then.

 

I am an undergraduate Human Biology major, and feel this is an excellent 1st year Biology text.

 

I'm teaching a co-op class and lab this fall, and am trying to finalize the materials so I can plan the schedule. I have the Dragonfly book, and am wondering how you think the 2010 Macaw book compares to the Dragonfly book? I believe the Macaw book covers the updated classification system. I like the material on Biology.com, and see that you can purchase access to it, but am wondering if multiple students can use the one purchase from each student's home (not at the same time). How many of the materials did you use -- the Teacher's Manual, virtual labs, etc.? What additional lab book would you use with the Miller/Levine one? I agree that it's not exceptionally meaty.

 

Thanks!

[Joan in GE]

6. Add the teacher access pack ISBN: 0133689964

It will show up as $299.95. Do not panic. Click on the button "Special Terms." Scroll down and click the free option (I think it was option A, but please double check.) Update your cart. Verify that the teacher's pack is now at $0.

 

 

Handmaiden,

 

I appreciate all this explanation. I have just tried to do it, but it seems like that teacher access pack is no longer listed? At least on this page.

 

Is that the page you ordered from?

 

Thanks,

Joan

[Handmaiden]

Handmaiden,

 

I appreciate all this explanation. I have just tried to do it, but it seems like that teacher access pack is no longer listed? At least on this page.

 

Is that the page you ordered from?

 

 

 

Joan, it was a different page. When I got the email confirmation that my Oasis account was set up, I clicked on the link in that email and was directed to the store. Once there, I typed in the ISBN and it showed up. HTH!

 

(Btw, I got your PM and tried to reply but your mailbox is full. :001_smile:)

[Joan in GE]

3) The virtual labs were not available yet when I purchased the course, so I bought the regular lab manual. I think that we were able to accomplish about half of the labs using materials from Carolina and Home Science Tools. It wasn't too much of an outlay (except for the microscope). I supplemented with some of the "Quick Labs" from the text. My goal is at least one lab per chapter. Next time through with 2nd child, I will probably buy another lab manual to add to my repetoire (and continue using this one).

...

5) I found that the Study Guide was useful for my extremely busy daughter. She has assembled detailed notes by completing it, but did not have to handwrite every word, or draw every detailed diagram (could just fill in pertinent notes).

6) You can use "Grade Tracker" on the website to monitor which concepts are difficult for your child. You will first have to set up a "class" at the beginning of the year and have him or her log in as a student.

 

 

madrekts...I'm thinking the Study Guide and Lab Manuals might be helpful for us too...But when I look at the site, there is an A and a B of each. Any idea of the difference between them? is it that the B set goes with the Foundations book - what it would lead me to believe...?

 

Here's the page

 

(ETA - I found the answer to my question B level study guide and lab manual are for students reading at a lower level (grade 6-8 reading level on this page).

 

(Handmaiden - I'm having a lot of trouble getting to use the page you said would be given since I'm overseas....)

 

Thanks,

Joan

Edited July 2, 2010 by Joan in Geneva

[bcLover]

Hi everyone, I just received my biology student text and teacher online access pass thru oasis. Thanks to everyone for the tips on how to get an account and free teacher pack.

However, when I try to register for the teacher access, it wants me to enter my school info and searches for public schools in my area. I called directly to biology.com (pearson success.net) for an independent code, and they had no idea what code I should use. A week later, I'm still waiting for them to get back to me, as they were going to come up with my own special code. hmmm.

Also, I received the on level text and paid for student access, but did not receive anything else that tells me what the access code is for students, or how to log on as a student.

Can anyone help me?

thanks,

melissa

[ouzel]

I ordered the Miller/Levine materials including the student text w/6-year access and got a call that said they can't sell the 6-year access edition to me (a homeschooler). Does anyone have a contact at Pearson that can help me get my order through.

Thanks,

Renee

[J-rap]

I ordered my Miller and Levine student text today, along with the (free) teacher's access. The order went smoothly, but I see from reading other posts that the free teacher's access did not necessarily work smoothly for you? Any advice for me? Also, are the various videos, virtual labs, chapter mystery videos, etc. included in the textbook price or teacher's access pass, or is that something I need to purchase separately?

[ouzel]

jjhat7, I got my order today. I don't have a clue as to what exactly I get, and the site for setting up your account is down until Monday. Things have changed at Pearson for homeschoolers and they'll not be selling any more texts with on-line access or so I was told. I'll post an update when I have one.

[J-rap]

Thanks! I'll watch for your update, then.

[violinmom]

Just wondering if you had an update yet? I have been putting off ordering because it seems like such a headache!! I may just try to call today and see what happens.

[ouzel]

I am able to get on to the website. Does this mean I'm one of the last homeschoolers to get a 6 year on-line access account as a homeschooler? I don't know for certain. What I do know is that according to Pearson, the homeschool deal is done. They are no longer allowed to sell the 6-year on-line edition to homeschoolers. I don't know if they'll try to work something out for the future.

 

Just wondering if you had an update yet? I have been putting off ordering because it seems like such a headache!! I may just try to call today and see what happens.

[violinmom]

How did you open your oasis account? Over the phone or online? When I call the # they gave me 800-850-9124 no one is ever there. I can't stand their websites. Just ridiculously silly and complicated.

 

Ok I found it: https://k12oasis.pearson.com/ordering/oaLogin.aspx

Edited July 21, 2010 by violinmom

[ouzel]

Please let us know how it goes. It seems to be a time of transition.

 

How did you open your oasis account? Over the phone or online? When I call the # they gave me 800-850-9124 no one is ever there. I can't stand their websites. Just ridiculously silly and complicated.

 

Ok I found it: https://k12oasis.pearson.com/ordering/oaLogin.aspx

[violinmom]

So far, I went to that link, and clicked "register now." Right away I received an email with a link to the homeschool affadavit which I filled out. Now I wait 24-48 hrs to receive my log-in information. I assume this means I will be able to order online.

 

Another question:) For those of you that have ordered so far, what texts did you order? I see the student book, teacher edition, student workbook A, TE workbook A, Lab manuel A, TE lab A.

 

Thanks!

[bcLover]

I have spoken with someone on the phone and chatted online with a rep. with the publishing co.

The answer I got both times was no, they could not set me up with a homeschool online acct. Even though in TX we are legally a private school, and I questioned if they deny all private schools online access, they still said they couldn't help me.

 

I ordered and received the Teacher Access Pack, so I have an access code. But you need to enter your zipcode to register yourself with a particular school, and of course, the only options were public schools (no write in option).

It was recommended to me that we homeschoolers contact our local public schools and just ask to add ourselves to their online access. If we don't contact them first, they could always delete us if the admin. user sees our name (an unknown teacher in their eyes).

The student access (6yr access) is created through the teacher account (which of course we can't register for). Then you may open a new class, then add students to that class who may then access all the goodies online.

 

However... I have cheated, and registered online as a teacher with a randomly selected school and just hope we don't get deleted too soon, if at all. It helps to start this in summer when no admin. user is looking!

So far we've been using it for one week. However, the only advantages I see from the online material is that the teacher edition is online, and there are lab worksheets and addt'l tests. Everything else is just a repeat of what is in the student book.

My son took a chapter assessment, and it "lost" his answers to the entire test twice. Third time was a charm and it saved his work! Chapter assessments online are not even auto-graded, you still have to manually grade it... it's really awkward. The videos are pretty silly. There's chapter overviews on the teacher site which are powerpoint slides, which might work for a large class, but if you read together from the book, you're already going over the main points!

 

Don't know if the Online Access is really worth the entire hassle, to be honest.

Edited July 22, 2010 by bcLover

[violinmom]

Thanks! Do you have the teacher manuel or just the student one?

[Guest Memkepr]

Would the online items be useful in teaching to a co-op? I was hoping the students could read the chapters online, although I wasn't sure if each student still needed their own textbook with the online access or not. They're pricey and not everyone can afford one. And I really wanted the teacher's manual online rather than purchasing the book.

 

I had ordered the teacher access pack, and my shipping notification email said that it was being shipped, but it wasn't, and the customer service rep said I couldn't get it as an individual. I told her I was using it in a co-op, and she double-checked and still said no.

 

Oh, well, at least I still have a month to figure this all out!

 

I'm so glad this thread was started, because the info has been very useful! Thanks, everyone!

[sweetstitches]

This is so confusing and so disturbing that homeschoolers are not able to get the online access.

 

Are there tests in the teacher's manual or do you need to order the assessment pack to get the tests?

 

For those of you that were able to order (something) were you able to order any of the teacher's materials and pay by credit card? From the website it looks like the teacher's manuals have to be paid by a school p.o. account.

[Guest Memkepr]

I ordered, and received, the teacher's manual for the lab book and the study workbook, and I ordered the assessment book, and I used a credit card. I can't remember if those books were listed as needing a P.O., though, and I'm having trouble accessing their website at the moment. I haven't tried to order the teacher's manual for the textbook yet, and may need to, so that's a good question.

[violinmom]

Since it's so pricey, wondering if the teacher's manual for the textbook is needed.

[bcLover]

I hope I can answer a few remaining questions and not confuse even more:

 

Online - Teacher access allows you to set up a class and it's students. At that point your student can access the student side of the site.

Students have access to lesson overviews (a UNIT is divided into Chapters, those are divided into "lessons"), activities, lesson notes and Assessments (self tests and lesson assesments).

The student can see what has been "assigned" to them, and complete that work or can "browse" and complete activities on their own.

The student textbook (hardcover) has lesson and chapter assessments in it. I do not see a student full text edition online for student access.

 

When you log on as a Teacher, you can assign lessons, lesson assessments, chapter assessments , Standardized tests, Benchmark Tests and Diagnostic Tests. (I think I got that right).

Teachers also have access to the full student edition online, and the full teacher edition online (has answers).

Also Lesson Overviews (in the form of powerpoint slides) - Workbook A and Workbook B worksheets - Lab Manual A and Lab Manual B Worksheets - Assessment Program and Key (these are additional chapter tests) - Transparencies (pictures from the textbook) - Image Library (figures from the textbook) - Additional Labs and Skills - Graphic Organizers (flowcharts, venn diagrams, etc).

 

I think the Teacher's Lesson Overviews(Powerpoint slides) and images that are online could help you with a co-op.

Unfortunately, if they are not selling student access (or even teacher access anymore ) for the online material, it will be almost impossible for students to access anything online so will probably have to buy a hardbound textbook.

 

Teacher's manual will have the answers to the assessments in it. It has good ideas for slower and more advanced learners as well.

 

I ordered one Student hardbound textbook and Teacher Access Pack through Oasis. I had to set up a school acount by sending them a scanned teacher i.d. card and an official sounding letter on letterhead. They had requested a teaching certificate, but when I sent the above, they seemed satisfied. They are most concerned with teacher's editions making it into the wrong hands. I think by showing them anything that looks like it could come from a "school", they should be happy.

I paid by credit card. They did want a p.o. #. I just made one up!

 

I don't know why they are adamant about homeschoolers not getting online access. I certainly hope no one has trouble buying teacher's edition books. I think someone in that company needs a wake up call!

[J-rap]

Can I ask how you got the teacher ID? Did you ask someone at the local public school to represent you, or do you actually have one? And if you have one as a homeschool teacher, how did you get it?

 

Thank you!

[bcLover]

If you don't have an access code, it probably wouldn't hurt to ask your local public school to share their access code and let you register with them. I don't think they'd mind if you could show that you have already purchased textbooks and/or workbooks and you just want access to the online material for your students... you aren't looking to cheat the publisher.

 

I guess I was one of the lucky ones who ordered and actually received the Teacher Access Pack. This is nothing more than a piece of cardstock with a Product Access Code printed on it... it's the key that opens the online access registration process.

I went online, and attempted to register, but couldn't because I wasn't with a recognized public school. Dead End.

When registering, it asks for your zip code. At this point, a pull-down menu appears and asks you to choose which school you are with (all public schools already registered). You can't type in anything, you have to choose one of those schools. If you register as one of those schools, an administrator from that school may see your name and delete it, which means you'd lose your access and all of your students' work.

However, I found a hole in the publisher's armour!

Secret... don't tell anyone! ;)

Instead of entering your zip code, enter 000. The drop-down menu will pop up with all kinds of "schools". It looks like they are all test schools that don't exist, meant to test the software I would guess. I chose one of those as my "school" and it allowed the registration process to continue. I could still get deleted as a user if an admin. from that school were to see me, but if the school doesn't exist...?!