My dd is in 7th grade and we are finishing CLE 600 in 3 weeks. I'm contemplating whether to keep going with CLE 700 (I already have it) OR switch to Lial's Pre-Algebra. I bought a used copy of Lial's Pre-Algebra, 3rd edition for less than $6.00. It just came in the mail so haven't had time to check it out yet so I'm not much help other than to say that I'm in the same boat as you are! :) Have you looked at Lial's BCM's sample pages? Here is a link (I think)::) http://instructors.coursesmart.com/basic-college-mathematics-eighth-edition/margaret-l-lial-stanley-a-salzman-diana-l/dp/9780321614414 Click on "Take a Look" in the upper left hand corner above the photo of the book. Here is the link for Lial's pre-algebra (I think): :) http://instructors.coursesmart.com/prealgebra-fourth-edition/margaret-l-lial-diana-l-hestwood/dp/9780321614469

Here is an old thread about a student finishing CLE 600 that you might find interesting: http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=233153 Yes, I've heard that you can switch to pre-algebra after CLE 600. My dd will finish CLE 600 in about 3 weeks. I'm still pondering whether to move into CLE 700 or switch to Lial's BCM or Pre-Algebra.

Vera, Which classes did your children take at Landry? I'm considering it for a class for my dd. Thanks!

We are former RS users but only through Level C. Have you asked on the RS forums what an alternative course would be if you don't want to use VT? Perhaps other RS users have experienced similar concerns with VT and can direct you accordingly. :)

The current teacher's listed for Writers Workshop are the following: Diana Thomas Christian Corrin Loretta Smith Lorri Wilke Stephanie Rathbun Who do you recommend? I really appreciate your feedback. It's always helpful to receive input from firsthand experience.

Even if they say they are full, perhaps if you contact the instructor, they might take one more student. It's worth a try. I'm assuming they'll offer classes again in the fall.

http://www.excellenceinwriting.com/online Hopefully, I linked it correctly. If not go to IEW website and on the right side of the page it says "Online Classes". They start this week. I have no idea if they still have openings or not.

I'm a great "planner" but I have trouble consistently carrying out those plans so I'm also looking to outsource some subjects especially writing. On 1-24, my 7th grade dd will start IEW SWI-B as an online class taught by Pamela White, the author of Fix-It Grammar. My dd has received permission to join the class mid-term even though it started in the fall. They have a new class starting up this week that uses SWI-B. I know you said you aren't a fan of IEW, but you mentioned the possibility of using SWI-B so thought I'd throw that option out. I already own SWI-B and was dabbling in it, but decided my dd needed to be accountable to an outside teacher so I'm excited that IEW is offering online classes this year. Pamela has been awesome about responding to my questions via email. I noticed you use CLE. Have you considered using CLE Reading for your literature component? There may be better options out there, but what I like about their Reading program is that it is open and go so it gets done. The stories they read are short, but by doing the LU's my dd is learning a lot about various literary elements, etc...

Sounds like a lot of variety! :) When you say "essay", are we talking about 5 paragraphs? Thanks so much for your input! It is so helpful!

When the class meets weekly, is it "live" where students reply in a chat box as the teacher presents her material? ETA: I watched the online class sample so have my answer! It is a "live" interactive class. Does anyone know who the teacher is in the class sample on TPS website? I liked her a lot.

What type of writing assignments did your student work on while in Writers Workshop? Someone mentioned that they wrote a five paragraph essay. How soon was the essay introduced? September, October? Did they learn to write a research paper? A book review? Just curious to know what they've been exposed to by the end of the year. I've discovered 3-4 possible writing classes for my dd and am trying to decide which will work best for her. Thanks for taking time to comment.

It's so helpful to get feedback from those who have taken the class. Thanks for your time!:) TPS recommends 6-7th graders take Writers Workshop, but my dd will be in 8th grade if I enroll her in this class. I'm wondering if I should look into English 1 instead? The reason I'm looking at Writers Workshop is because I've not had her do a lot of writing so I need to shore up this particular area which is why I want to outsource writing to a qualified teacher. The difficulty is finding the class that will be the best fit. She has studied grammar consistently so I don't particularly need a class that has a strong grammar component. For those who have taken English 1, can you elaborate on the focus of that particular class? Writing, grammar, literature? Thanks for your help!

Thanks Beth! I'm going to PM you with a few more questions.

If you have experience with this class can you provide feedback on the pros and cons? Which teacher did you have? Would your recommend that teacher? I'm grateful for any help you can provide so I can determine if it'd be a good fit for my dd. ETA: She'll be an 8th grader if I enroll her in this class in the fall so she'll probably be older than most students.

I'm also interested in this class. I realize this is an old thread but wanted to ask for your feedback if your student took this course?

This sounds like a plus for CLE 800. :) I need to check out the scope and sequence to see exactly what is covered in 800.

We've used CLE 400-600. If we stay on schedule, we'll finish up 700 by the end of September so I'm doing my research to decide what to do for 8th grade in the fall. Here are my choices thus far: CLE 800 Teaching Textbook Algebra 1 (Pre-Algebra is all review) liveonlinemath Pre-Algebra (online video) Derek Owens Pre-Algebra (online video) Even though CLE has worked well, I'm contemplating switching her to an online class for 8th grade. I'm thinking it will help cement her math foundation to be taught by a "real" math teacher, instead of her non-math mother, before she heads into high school math.

Can you elaborate on why you prefer RWT tests to Apologia's tests? We just started using Red Wagon Tutorials so I'd be interested in input from a seasoned user. Thanks!

My daughter is working on Khan and wants to know how to view which badges she has earned. I assume there is a simple button to press but not sure where on the screen it is located. Please help.

I'm also checking into this class for my 7th grader. Does anyone know if the the 2nd semester class listed on Debra Bell's website is a continuation of 1st semester class or a stand-alone class? Is there an online "live" component to the class? Jules, Can you elaborate on her approach to teaching writing? You mentioned her comments are helpful and provide the guidance needed for improvement. Can you give an example from your child's writing assignment to illustrate this point? For example, I was perusing Bravewriter's website last night and came across the following excerpt about feedback from an instructor: I found that type of feedback very constructive! I've been researching various options and there are lots of good ones out there. Now I have to discern which would best fit my daughter's needs so it's always great to get feedback from someone who has experience with a particular class. Thanks!

Becky, Could you PM me with the name of the English teacher? A friend is having her son take English from Landry and they really like the teacher. I'm wondering if you are referring to the same person. I'd like to know as I'm considering enrolling my dd in English through Landry. Thanks!

Only have time for a quick answer, but wanted to mention we are having a few of the same issues with General Science but I'm sticking with it for now as I think my dd would complain about any science that expects her to think and write. We've not done much formal science previously, so this is a jump for her, but I know she can do it. Here are a few resources I want to suggest in case you are unaware. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Apologia_General_Science/ You have to join the group. There are notebooking pages in the files sections that I printed out to use. As my dd reads the module, she has to fill out the pages that contain scientific definitions, On Your Own questions, study guide questions and the module summary. http://homeschoolersresources.blogspot.com/p/general-science-fall-2011.html My dd has enjoyed watching these supplemental videos that correspond to the module. http://wikis.engrade.com/nctgs I had dd use this to help her review for test, etc... Hope that helps!

Does free shipping and 10% off apply if you only purchase one of the books? Or do you need to purchase both to qualify? Is there a link to PHP order page? I only saw the e-book version when I was on their website so didn't know where to order the book version.

Sounds like you already have your answer but wanted to let you know we had a similar situation. When my dd was doing CLE 500 in 6th grade, she wanted to try TT so I let her do it for a two months (borrowed from a friend) and then she asked to return to CLE which was a shocker! Currently, she is a 7th grader (13 yo) and is in CLE 607. I don't double up on lessons as that would put her over the edge, but I often have her do a lesson over the weekend and we continue doing math in June & August. If we keep up this pace, she'll be in CLE 802 by October of her 8th grade year. I've also heard you can start Algebra 1 after completing CLE 700 so I suppose I could have her start Algebra 1 in 8th grade, but that's not my goal at this time.

Looks wonderful! Thanks for sharing! Are you currently doing General Science? I noticed you have additional videos for Modules 1-3. Will you be adding more?