I've been thinking about a thread on the college board about preparing seniors to follow a syllabus, etc. I *really* like this idea, and although we've done some things like that, it's never been quite as thorough as I would like. Now I'm really starting to see how we could do this, after listening to what some others have said. BUT.... What kinds of consequences do you impose on your "college prep" students if they miss a deadline that was clearly stated on the syllabus? Ideally, this wouldn't happen, but let's be realistic. :) I'm thinking grade deduction would be one obvious option, or even grade omission depending on what it was. Other thoughts? What about daily homework (which wouldn't necessarily be submitted or checked in college)? Of course, if a grading scale was included on the syllabus, that would help with all this. For example, hypothetically: 40% Essays 20% Final exam 15% Midterm exam 15% Semester Project 10% Quizzes OK, so they turn in an essay late and they knew the date well in advance. What do you do?

Hmmm... I wrote a detailed post about this earlier today, but when I submitted it it said it would be reviewed my a moderator. Not sure what's up with that. Anyway, if this post goes through, the short answer to your question is click on the link (just above the reply window) with earth and you can put it in that way. If you need more details, hopefully my previous post will go through at some point in the next few days. Good luck! :)

You know, I think the problem is that I want there to be one RIGHT answer. lol And of course, that's just not the way it is. There might be one right answer for one particular child in one particular set of circumstances, but no "across the board" right answer for all. (Hence the shelves and shelves of curriculum here for 5 different children! lol) But it's still very helpful to hear others' experiences with these programs, particularly because I have such limited experience with these programs. I did just buy the Chalkdust SAT math review from someone here on the boards, but we haven't started using it yet. (Although I meant for it to be summer review.) How can it be July already?! The summer is going way too fast!

If you want it to be embedded, you can follow these steps when you're ready to insert your link: 1. highlight the address for that discussion you want to link to when you're on that page (the whole http:// thing at the top; just select all and copy) 2. while you're posting on the thread, click on the appropriate icon just above you in your "reply" box -- the one with the earth (#11 in the row of icons) 3. paste in the address for the other discussion you want to link to. Make sure it only says http:// one time though. 4. when you click "ok" it will take you back to your reply box and it will show that link 2x; the 2nd one will still be blue if you haven't typed anything yet. Type the name of the thread or whatever you want it to say. Or you can just leave it as that long address, but that doesn't look as good of course. I'll pretend I want to insert a link here for the boxers/brief poll that's right above your post on this board right now. "So I was reading on this forum that someone had a [OK, ready? I'm clicking on it NOW] Boxers/Briefs Poll and I thought to myself...." Does that make sense? Whatever you type where it's highlighted blue in that last step is what will show up to others. Whatever you type after that [/url] will just be normal again. Clear as mud? lol It would be so much easier to show you in person. Hope this wasn't too confusing! :)

I so appreciate all the comments on this. My dd just started going through the Advanced Algebra LoF book today (just arrived in the mail yesterday, but I didn't consider ordering geometry at the time because I thought we were sticking with the old curriculum). Anyway, of her own free will she probably spent an hour with the main book and the home companion which. never. happens. with math. I asked her what she thought so far and she said she thinks we should get all of LoF at least for a supplement if not as a whole curriculum. That's a pretty surprising statement for her. I was really thinking to get the TT for geo when I started this thread, but now I don't know. I'm going to have her keep up with LoF Adv Alg for now and see how it comes along for the next few days. I just worry that the novelty will wear off. lol Need to make a decision on a course of action within the coming days. Keep the comments coming, this is very helpful!

Does anyone have any thoughts on using the high school "boxed" curriculum: Foundations in Personal Finance by Dave Ramsey? We need some kind of personal financial ed class, and I thought this might be good. I also have the book "The Four Laws of Financial Prosperity" by Blaine Harris, which I thought my teens might also enjoy as it teaches through a storyline (not a teen book, BTW, but one that I finally got around to reading a few months ago -- pretty quick read, too). I'm looking for something specifically for the 16-17yo age group. Dave Ramsey also has a college "course" I think. I'd love to hear from anyone who's used any of these mentioned resources with this age group, or other resources that you liked. The recent thread on creating a course syllabus has me thinking maybe I need to do that here so I'm not just grabbing whatever resource crosses my path. lol

FWIW: The LoF author lists this as the order in studying these subjects (found on pg 11 of Advanced Algebra). "After learning arithmetic, the steps are [taken in this order]" LoF: Beginning Algebra LoF: Advanced Algebra LoF: Geometry LoF: Trigonometry LoF: Calculus LoF: Statistics LoF: Linear Algebra (Statistics may be taken before Calculus.)"

Have you talked to the author about this sequence? I'm sorry I can't give you firsthand experience with you on this, but when I contacted him about Advanced Algebra, Trig, Calc questions, he was very friendly and approachable. Just a thought.... http://www.stanleyschmidt.com/contactme.htm

Good points, both of you. We've never used TT, although I've looked at the samples online. I think there are 5 or so example problems at the beginning of each problem set -- maybe if she could do those w/o trouble then she could just move on to the next lesson? I've not used this at all though... what do you think? Thanks for sharing, Laura and Sue!

My rising junior dd is halfway through a detestable geometry book poorly suited for independent study. I agree this isn't working for her and am willing to have her change books. At this point we are considering LoF or TT geometry. Suggestions? She's not a math-lover, but wants to hold her own on ACT/SAT testing... and wants to be fairly independent. [she will get as much done as she can over the remainder of the summer, then continue on as much as needed in the fall while also starting Alg2 (going to Lial's and/or LoF for for that).] Would you have your teen try to pick up the new book midway through, or skim through the first part, or just start over from the beginning?? I realize not all contents are identical, of course. Any advice to offer? This is the TOC from her current geometry book: UNIT ONE: LINES AND ANGLES 1-Points, Lines, Planes, Angles 2-Reasoning and Proof 3-Parallel and Perpendicular Lines UNIT TWO: TRIANGLES 4-Congruent Triangles 5-Relationships in Triangles 6-Proportions and Similarity -----where she is right now, between chapters; typical "semester" break after chapter 7------ 7-Right Triangles and Trigonometry UNIT THREE: QUADRILATERALS AND CIRCLES 8-Quadrilaterals 9-Transformations 10-Circles UNIT FOUR: AREA AND VOLUME 11-Areas of Polygons and Circles 12-Surface Area 13-Volume

Thank you for the replies on this! Dd would like to start Alg2 while continuing on with geometry, BUT, I really think we should consider changing geometry courses, if that's do-able. Any recommendations? Is this even possible, realistically?? I posted the TOC (from current Geo book) in my first post above. Has anyone ever changed geo books *mid-year* and started the new book in the middle (roughly)? I think she will feel quite defeated to start a new geo book from the beginning. IDK. <sigh> I am wondering if she could do LoF or TT Geometry. But maybe there are others? She's not a math-lover, although really wants to hold her own on the ACT/SAT. For Alg2 she's doing either Lial's or LoF or a combo of both. Update: I'm going to start a new thread about this since I've changed topics now. lol

I just emailed them yesterday and found the tech guy very helpful, and then he redirected me to Dana for another question, and he was so helpful, too! Definitely an "A" for customer service so far.

I was just looking at this site last week, so I'm glad you brought it up. Has anyone here actually USED this is a base for an AP exam, specifically? I was actually wondering about the psychology course (listed as college, not AP), but I think my 2 dd's might like to do more of this....

Foerster does have a teaching DVD you can buy through mathwithoutborders.com but I haven't used it so I can't give you an educated opinion. However, the teaching DVD only goes through Algebra 2, just so you know.

I love this board!! What great details, MomsintheGarden, thank you so much for sharing. So I assume your kids did pretty well on their respective Calc AP tests? (Anyone feel free to comment if your kids actually took the tests.)

Hey, I am looking for find CD pre-calc used if any of you are done with yours. :D I posted on the WTB board a few days ago, but please feel free to email me if you are ready to part with your Chalkdust!! In the meantime, I'm following this thread with great interest, as I think my dd wants to go this route. It's encouraging to hear about your kids taking the AP or testing out of calc. Thanks for sharing!

Well "THANK YOU" for your thoughtful replies! ;) I don't know that I will go back just to say thank you for my old posts, but I will definitely feel good about going ahead and saying it for future posts. You gals are great!

These replies are all so encouraging -- thank you so much for taking the time to write. It's neat to hear what you or your kids have done, or plan to do. I probably should be more mindful of opportunities for her to be in completely independent situations. Glad I'm asking now! lol

Some of these boards move so fast -- what's the proper way to say "thank you" when people post answers to your inquiries? I want to say thanks, but then it will bump the post back to the top of the forum and w/o having something new to add to the conversation it seems almost rude to do that. Anyone who's been around here for a while care to comment? Thank you... in advance!! :tongue_smilie:

This book sounds interesting -- can you give us a summary form of the method? (Not the same as reading the book, obviously, but I'm curious to hear more.) Thanks!

Thanks so much for all of the helpful replies! I just bought a set of Lial's, although will still need to pursue CD at some point. And thank you for the offer on the BCM, that was so kind of you to say something. I don't actually need that level, but maybe someone else does? I didn't look at ANY curriculum today (for the first time in well over a week), and I feel refreshed already. I think it just wears me out, as much as I love books. lol Thanks again! :)

Ahh... thank you, Jann! But as for the Precalculus, I was planning to do one of the other Lial precalcs that has the graphing/limits/functions in the title/subtitle. Are those different from the one that just says "Precalculus"? The title on the others just seemed like they would be more challenging. What do you think?

Aargh! Can anyone please tell me what the difference is between Lial's "Developmental" series and the one that doesn't say that?? I've been looking at this stuff too long -- I close my eyes and I see my monitor with book listings! :banghead: I am looking for both intermediate algebra and precalculus. Does it really matter what edition, etc., as long as the text and student answer book match? What about DVTs?? I don't know if we'll need them, but would certainly like the option. Is any type/edition of intermediate algebra or any precalculus at the same academic level, or is a certain meant to be more college prep or more remedial?

It might be good to vary it from time to time throughout the year. I remember taking a Russian lit course over a January-term in college and I had never toread so much at a time! (And loved it! Of course, that was an intensive month with just one class.) I've had my high schoolers read 25 pages a day at times, up to 50 pages/day (wouldn't recommend the 50/day all year long, but for periods). This is for classic literature. And of course, there have been select times where we've gone through more slowly, too. But I think your idea of 30/day is certainly a good, reasonable pace!

Thanks, Alyce -- do you recall what condition yours were listed in? I was thinking I would try for "very good" or better. But I'm bit of a book snob when it comes to condition. lol I just haven't really bought true textbooks this way, so I'm not sure if sellers generally respect the same guidelines as they do for non-textbooks.