I appreciate the update!

When is it due out in print form? I couldn't find an update when I used the "search" function. Thanks!

My dd is in the same class! :) My dd doesn't love math (never has), but she really likes Jann as a teacher, and so do I. :thumbup: I'm so grateful we found her, and I hope to have my dd stick with her through high school math.

Do we have to continue where we left off if we are currently doing the free trial or can we start over with lesson 1? The reason I'm asking is that I've been buzzing through the lessons quickly to preview them, but if I commit to the group buy, I'd want my dd to start from the beginning to work through the lessons herself.

That's me! :bigear: I have a middle school student, and I'd like to do an overview of American history that is retainable, self-paced, and not overwhelming as she has a heavy load in her other subjects this year. Can you give me a quick run down of how VP self paced history works? I'm totally clueless. What materials do I need to purchase if I decide to enroll? What is involved in a typical day's lesson? We'll try the free trial. Thanks for the heads up!

I got the same email. I wonder when the revamp will be ready?

When doing my own "math" research, I recall many CLE users recommending that a student NOT skip 700 to jump to 800. They also said that CLE 700 was adequate prep for Algebra 1. Have you administered the CLE math placement test? It might help you discern the best fit for her. As of February, my 7th grade dd has completed CLE 400-600. My initial plan was to move right into CLE 700, which I already own, work on it through the summer and move into Algebra 1 in the fall if she was ready. Instead, I decided to jump ship from CLE to Lial's BCM so my dd would be familiar with its format because I enrolled her in Jann's online math class for 8th grade, and she uses Lial's. Even though all of BCM should be a review for my dd, I was surprised at how many errors she is making on concepts she already "knows". It's become clear that my dd is probably not ready for Algebra 1 in the fall, but instead we need to solidify her pre-algebra foundation first, so I plan to continue with BCM through the summer and she'll do Lial's pre-algebra with Jann in the fall. We'll save Algebra 1 for 9th grade.

Can you please elaborate on what Rusty Hughes covers in his DVD's? Does he lecture on the module content? Or is his instruction only focused on the labs? We currently use Red Wagon Tutorials which is content focused, so I'm wondering how Rusty Hughes DVD's compare. I noticed that Rusty Hughes will be releasing an Apologia Physical Science DVD soon.

Can you please elaborate on what Rusty Hughes covers in his DVD's? Does he lecture on the module content? Or is his instruction only focused on the labs? We currently use Red Wagon Tutorials which is content focused, so I'm wondering how Rusty Hughes DVD's compare. I noticed that his Apologia Physical Science DVD will be released soon.

I appreciate you sharing your thoughts and your links! :)

I have BF Early America & World History guide and it includes an answer key in the back of the book.

Thanks for the great reminder! Sometimes I get frustrated when I see so many mistakes in my dd's math homework, but at least I know she is being "challenged". We consider homework "practice" of new concepts so I never issue a grade for homework, but I correct all homework and dd has to go back and re-do every problem she gets wrong. The curriculum we use has built in quizzes and tests and those are graded before corrections are made and a grade is issued.

I cannot give firsthand feedback, but a friend has her son enrolled in English 301 at Landry and they LOVE the teacher and the class. Someone else on this board has their child enrolled in the same class and also raved about it. Based on their recommendations, I've enrolled my daughter in English 201 for 8th grade in the fall with the same teacher they recommended. She uses MCT materials for both of these classes which I consider a plus. I imagine that whether the online school is Landry Academy, the Potter's School, etc... you'll have teachers that are highly recommended and those that are not. I try to do my homework by conversing with the teacher of the class as well as with parents whose students have taken the class, then I decide from there if it'll be a good fit for my dd.

I agree as it seems like a "live" discussion where students can share ideas would greatly enhance a literature class and perhaps it would be somewhat sterile without it. Thanks so much for sharing about Captive Thoughts Tutorials as I had not heard of this particular option. It looks intriguing. I will email her.

Can you share more about the nature of the writing assignments in the literature class through CTT? For example, are students expected to already know how to write a five paragraph essay before enrolling her class? I had not heard of this particular tutorial so want to investigate it! :)

Hi Yvonne, Yes, I am definitely looking to outsource writing because it is an area where I've dropped the ball. I wish I had thought of enrolling her in an online class earlier as my dd is a 7th grader, but until recently, I was not aware of the wonderful options available online. I'm contemplating whether to enroll her in writing specific course or a comprehensive English class which includes grammar, composition & literature. The writing specific courses I've look into are TPS Writer's Workshop, Laurel Tree Tutorials, and Bandusia Tutorials. Debra Bell also has a Middle School Tools writing course that is only a semester long. I'll PM you a portion of my correspondence with Elena at Bandusia Tutorials because you may find it helpul.

I don't have any personal experience, but I have emailed the instructor for her course syllabus. It looks good, but I'd love to receive feedback from actual users. Which course are you considering?

I just received Hands-On Essays in the mail, but I have not had a chance to take a good look at it yet.

I picked up a used copy of the 3rd edition for less than $6.00 and student solutions manual for $5.00. You can buy used on Amazon, half.com, ebay or through a used book search engine like Fetch books: http://www.fetchbook.info/index.jsp?camid=bmu OR BestBookBuys http://www.bestwebbuys.com/books/ ISBN: : Prealgebra ISBN: 0321266625 Student Solutions manual ISBN: 0321279263

I hadn't thought about the possibility of her going from WW straight into English 2! I took a peek at the English 2 placement test and dd should do fine on the grammar portion as they are all concepts she has already covered, but again, the writing portion is the issue since we've not covered 5 paragraph essays yet but that skill would be addressed in WW. In the placement test for English 2, it said to do the following: A. Define these terms in your own words as they relate to composition writing. Feel free to give examples. 3 pts each lead (or “hookâ€) thesis statement elaboration topic sentence transition words Will dd be able to answer this portion based on what she learns in Writer's Workshop? I'm wondering if WW will give her the necessary composition skills to pass the comp portion of English 2? Or is English 1 necessary for that purpose? Does TPS have an open house in their English department for new students? If so, does anyone know when it is usually held? I apologize for all the questions, but it is so helpful to discuss options with those familiar with the classes. Thanks for your help!

Thanks Maryann! Yes, I wanted to know more about the grammar component of their English classes. I'm thinking my dd would benefit from a focused writing class like Writer's Workshop since writing hasn't been a strong enough focus for us, but since she will be in 8th grade, I'm wondering if it'd be best to see if she places into English 1 so she'll be able to move forward in TPS' progression of English classes. The grammar portion of the English 1 test will be easy for her to pass; it is the writing portion that she won't be as strong in so not sure what TPS will recommend for her. If we doo Writers Workshop in 8th, she'll do English 1 in 9th versus English 1 in 8th, English 2 in 9th. Any thoughts?

Thanks for the info! Very helpful!

What text(s) do they use for English 1? What about English 2 & 3? Thanks!

:iagree:I also want to outsource high school math and may enroll dd in Jann's pre-algebra class this fall which is why I'm contemplating switching to Lials after CLE 600 so dd can become familiar with the change in format beforehand. I agree with other posters about the ease and familiarity of CLE's format which is a plus but even though CLE will be offering Algebra 1, I don't think we'll use it. I want dd learning high school math from a teacher who knows her stuff and that's not me. :lol: I also desire to find a teacher/curriculum that we can stick with through high school so we don't have to switch things up. The question I need to answer is WHEN to make the change to Lial: after CLE 600 or CLE 700? Or we could even make the switch after CLE 800 so she can get consumer math, too?

Can you elaborate on what you means when you say it's tough? How is it different than CLE 600 in the toughness department? Just curious to hear your take on it. My dd has used CLE mid-300, 400, 500, and is finishing up 600. Thanks!