I'm giving myself a headache deciding what to do about math for my son. He'll be 15 this coming school year. He will officially be in grade 10, but academically it should be grade 9 (long story, not relevant, so let's not go there). He was already behind in math last year through various curriculum changes, then last year he decided he'd try Math U See, Zeta, which is the year before pre-algebra. He did great with that, but I don't think the work was particularly challenging for him, although the concepts were necessary. I "could" go on to Math U See pre-algebra, and he would do well, but I don't feel that enough is covered. This morning I got down the Saxon Algebra 1/2 (equivalent to pre-algebra) which I had used several years ago with another son. It includes a lot more than MUS does. But also included with that will be a great deal of stress. I suspect that every lesson will be a battle. I know already that we would NOT be using Saxon algebra (been there, done that and not going there again!) And I do like MUS's presentation of algebraic processes, which is why I went to MUS last year. I know that on the MUS forum there are many rave reviews of how great some kids have done on SAT's and going into college. But of course that forum is biased. So my question is: can my son be sufficiently prepared for SATs and college with the MUS math schedule? If we go that direction, we will supplement with Key to Decimals and Percents because I already have those, and he needs more regular practice with those concepts. If we went with the Saxon 1/2, we probably could not also do the Key to... books as the Saxon lessons are much heavier. BTW, he will not have to take the SAT until we feel he's academically prepared--our state does not require homeschoolers to follow the public school agenda, so that is not an issue; but he's only got 3 years left so time is an issue. Any suggestions from veterans (that do NOT include Teaching Textbooks)? Linda

My son had done several years of Saxon, including Alg 1/2, but with Algebra ran into problems with what I felt were incomplete explanations. Too many examples didn't show all the steps, and I'd have to work out every one for my son. I won't use that again. We were using MUS last year and expected to do pre-algebra with MUS this year but it looks extremely lite. They do not appear to cover a lot that is in other pre-algebra texts. MUS, if done from the very beginning, can be very good, but not for those coming in the middle. Just to mix it up a little, we are going to do Teaching Textbooks pre-algebra this year. They have just overhauled it and now the lessons can be done on the computer with auto-grading. The TOC shows much more covered than in MUS. The Algebra also has been revamped to do on the computer, so if this year goes well, we probably will continue with TT. I did get the MUS Algebra manipulatives because I felt they were great for showing quadratic equations, so I'm keeping those handy. Just another thing to think about. Linda

Has anyone else had a chance to check this out? I just got a post from TT about the new version. I didn't like the original for a number of reasons, one being that it turned out to be not interactive (I had gotten confused at the website, so my own fault), but it looks as if the new version is interactive and does keep track of grades. But it also appears that its content has been totally revamped. The ToC is way different from the earlier version. One of my other complaints was how they did fractions, but it appears that in the new version, they don't even do fractions, so that takes care of that concern. DS is going into pre-algebra this year. He did MUS Zeta this last year with excellent scores, but their pre-algebra seems lite. TT's ToC seems more in line with what I'd expect to see in a pre-algebra course. Their deal, good for the next year, is to return ALL of your previous TT Pre-Algebra materials and get the entire new set for $92.50, which is definitely a plus, if it's as good as it sounds. Has anyone else seen this? Linda

OK, Got it! Thanks Linda

So are you using crates/drawers at all or just the binders? Linda

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I need to do serious instruction in writing/composition with my 8th grade ds (14 yo)and 10th grade dd (16 yo). We've had little to no instruction (depending on the year) in this area. In the rainbow resource catalog I saw the IEW resource Ancient History based writing lessons. Since we are doing ancient history, this seemed like good timing. But I can't tell from the RR description, or from the IEW site, if this resource can be used as a stand alone program, or if IEW requires previous IEW experience. We've never used IEW but I'm constantly seeing great reviews of it, but to use the entire IEW program is too costly for me. But this History based program, if it can be used alone, is affordable. Anybody know more about this? Linda

I just saw your post on your lesson planning method. I would like to ask what grades you're currently doing. You mention your dd in grade 4, but don't mention if there are other children or their grades. My kids are in 8th & 10th grades. I'm wondering if this is a workable model for the high school level. You seem very organized!

I used Ecce Romani with my older son who had no previous latin. Unless they have re-written the curriculum, I don't think it would be challenging at all for your dd. There is an elist for folks who actually do Latin exercises for fun. Many of the members are Latin teachers or otherwise involved with Latin. They might be a resource for ideas where to go next. You can read more about it and subscribe at http://www.quasillum.com/study/latinstudy.php There are lots of Latin resources that have translation exercises which can be quite enjoyable. If you dd loves Latin (how I wish mine did!) she might enjoy working with one or more of these groups. Linda

I love Abeka Science. My older son absolutely could not "get" science with Apologia books or with the books suggested in TWTM. Finally someone (probably on the original WTM forum) recommended ABeka Biology. I think it's wonderful. It is more "whole to parts" rather than Apologia which is "parts to whole". I constantly have to be reminded that my son is a whole to parts learner. He has never been able to understand concepts when shown only one part at a time. ABeka also has DVDs for the labs which are great. Linda

I quoted your post in my message. You clearly suggested using Saxon. That was why I responded about the Saxon.

Our local state university simply required a GED (which substituted for the normal high school transcript and is required for all students that don't have an official school record) and the SAT (which ALL prospective students had to take). Their main reason was so that they would know where to start my son in maths and English courses--whether he could go into a more advanced level, or had to start at the basics. Linda

Idaho Law also gives the right to the parents to determine the education of their children.