melmichigan Posted July 29, 2014 Share Posted July 29, 2014 :seeya: Many of you might be aware that I stepped back from the program and OE groups to some degree over the last few years while I didn't have a student in the program. My youngest child is now moving up the ranks and will be my "guinea pig" with the new program, and I am stepping back into my role as a group leader. I am excited that they are making changes to multiple areas of the program, as well as putting a renewed focus on the gifted and talented. The first of the changes will come into effect tomorrow with the roll-out of the new website. I spoke with the new OE coordinator and my contact with EPGY today and had a few of my questions answered so I thought I'd pass them on to anyone interested in the program, or currently enrolled in my group. The Beginning Algebra course will be expanded upon and moved to the tutor supported coursework. There will be significant changes to the scope of the courseware this fall. "The need to keep the courseware competitive in the market and more rigorous to meet the needs of advanced students has been seen and is a focus." I see this as a positive move in the right direction. There will be other changes to the system to increase the graphics and add more "gamification" to keep students interested. The SSA program will be changed to a new advocate program, with better ways for advocates to communicate directly with parents. I hoping that the new changes will allow for better communication between EPGY and their Advocates, and for better communication between Advocates and parents. ​I will do my best to update this thread with new information as I receive it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melmichigan Posted August 3, 2014 Author Share Posted August 3, 2014 The new website appears to be up and running for those with current accounts to login. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arcadia Posted August 17, 2014 Share Posted August 17, 2014 Looks like no more open enrollment? Parents can just sign their kids up for the EPGY courses? New website http://giftedandtalented.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike in SA Posted August 17, 2014 Share Posted August 17, 2014 Looks like no more open enrollment? Parents can just sign their kids up for the EPGY courses? New website http://giftedandtalented.com Looks like it is still there, but just called "independent study" now. I like it -- it's much simpler to navigate. http://giftedandtalented.com/courses;jsessionid=0D9B12AA21269C8FBE8DD5E038604DD6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeaConquest Posted August 17, 2014 Share Posted August 17, 2014 I am looking forward to reading the reviews of the new program. Hopefully, the courses will be improved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arcadia Posted August 17, 2014 Share Posted August 17, 2014 Looks like it is still there, but just called "independent study" now. I like it -- it's much simpler to navigate. I meant I can enroll my kids without needing a school name now. In the old system, you need a school or homeschool group co-ordinater. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arcadia Posted August 17, 2014 Share Posted August 17, 2014 I am looking forward to reading the reviews of the new program. Hopefully, the courses will be improved.I signed up my 8 year old for the k-7 independent LA & Math. Now he is attacking the games so have not tried the actual course yet. It is a much nicer interface than when my older had his account. ETA: Can't find a way to adjust my boy's level so he started math at addition :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkT Posted August 17, 2014 Share Posted August 17, 2014 now http://giftedandtalented.com/ How much do classes cost for "Independent Study"? found it $60 quarterly (3 months) $90 quarterly (3 months)Combined Math & Language Arts Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madteaparty Posted August 18, 2014 Share Posted August 18, 2014 I signed up my 8 year old for the k-7 independent LA & Math. Now he is attacking the games so have not tried the actual course yet. It is a much nicer interface than when my older had his account. ETA: Can't find a way to adjust my boy's level so he started math at addition :lol: Care to share how this works, for a newbie at this sort of program? Is there a placement test, etc? It also seems extremely affordable so I wonder what I'm missing. maybe I'm jaded due to the CTY class I just paid for...Many thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodland Mist Academy Posted August 18, 2014 Share Posted August 18, 2014 I'm wondering what the math offers over AoPS and Alcumus. I couldn't find anything remarkable, other than people saying it's remarkable. ;) I listened to the advertisement. It's interesting to hear how the program is not just for the gifted and talented, but it can also help children become gifted and talented. <_< The wording probably could have been a little better with that one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodland Mist Academy Posted August 18, 2014 Share Posted August 18, 2014 ACK! The challenge zone consists of various computer games! :banghead: Apparently this isn't what I thought it was going to be... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrysalis Academy Posted August 18, 2014 Share Posted August 18, 2014 Care to share how this works, for a newbie at this sort of program? Is there a placement test, etc? It also seems extremely affordable so I wonder what I'm missing. maybe I'm jaded due to the CTY class I just paid for...Many thanks! I'm curious too. The quality of the games seem really great (I'm thinking about for my 3rd grader) but is there any kind of preview or sample of the actual courses? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arcadia Posted August 18, 2014 Share Posted August 18, 2014 My boys were happily playing algebra assembler all evening. They tried all the challenge zone games. There is no placement test. The grade level can be adjusted by filling up the request form for the time being as that function is not ready yet. The courses work well on the iPads as well as on laptops. Anyway tax was $10.50 for the $90 combo and I did get a 10% discount automatically. ETA: The good thing is that from the kid's account, the progress report tells how much time they spend on task. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melmichigan Posted August 25, 2014 Author Share Posted August 25, 2014 I really like to hear that it's working on the iPad. We'll give that a try tomorrow. I don't think it necessarily offers something over AoPS. My oldest went through EPGY and then into AoPS. You can enroll without a school now. The groups are supposed to be up and running later this fall when they add to the scope of the program, their exact role is yet undetermined. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arcadia Posted August 25, 2014 Share Posted August 25, 2014 I don't think it necessarily offers something over AoPS. My oldest went through EPGY and then into AoPS. The math ends before pre-algebra so we are just paying the $30 top up for math to use as math drills since we want the LA portion. Works on iPads without problems and works on kindle fire but the sound malfunction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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