Ooops. I didn't think this posted, so I reposted. Please reply on the same thread topic above! I don't know how to delete this one!

We've never given an algebra readiness test at out co-op, but we are considering it this year just because it would be ONE more tool in making the decision of WHEN a student should take it. We are considering ordering the Iowa Algebra Readiness Test for our Co-op. Has anyone used the Iowa Algebra Readiness Test? Was it helpful? Has anyone used another test for evaluating (in an objective way) their student's algebra readiness.

I can order Iowa's Algebra Readiness Test for our Co-op, but I'm wondering if anyone has used it and found it helpful, OR has anyone used another test they found helpful.

This has been a VERY informative --- and entertaining --- discussion. I can't wait to read the thread on Depths -vs- Breadth! Man, this forum is great!

I was just reading further as you suggested. I'm now feeling very happy with Foerster! That may be just what I need to put the wind back in my sails --- a sense that my course is hard but correct! Our 7th grader is not as math inclined as our oldest child BUT he wants to go to the same university --- which is VERY hard to get into. He WILL need a really GREAT SAT score. What is Life of Fred? (I may not have even written that correctly.)

I agree with the if-it-ain't-broke sentiment, but if having that thorough explanation available would be helpful in math growth, I want to be open. I say I want to be open, but secretly I want an reason to stay the path. Why bother then? Because I'm talking about a 7th grader and a tired momma. If the rigorous path is done poorly over the next six years because I'm tired, taking a better supported path, even if less rigorous, will probably produce better results!

Wow! That discussion is pages and pages!!!!! I can see that the issue seems to be if the topics covered in TT are on grade level. It does seem agreed that what they cover, they cover well. If kids using it are testing into college Pre-calc, that sounds pretty standard. One of the things I want my kids to have is the ability to teach themselves from a textbook. My oldest two got a quick review of the next week's homework at Co-op (or from me at home), but then they really had to use the text to do the work. That ability to self-teach is one reason I homeschool and one reason that I think ds (senior in engineering) has done well in college. I wonder if having a "teacher" by video every day takes away that independence in learning. So much to consider as more and more curricula hit the market.

I found a previous discussion about Teaching Textbooks. I'm not sure how to link to it, but here goes: http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=206346&highlight=%22teaching+Textbooks%22+TT

I have a lot of friends going to Teaching Textbooks. It sounds wonderful, and I really trust the moms that love it! I'd like to hear from those of you that have used it over a long period of time. Has it proven itself for SAT prep and college readiness? It's hard for me to give up what I've used on my two oldest kids (already in college), but I'm trying not to be close minded on my last kiddo. It's hard to stay fresh and keep an open mind when you start getting tired : ). What I've used up until now Basic College Math for pre-algebra, Foerster for Algebra I, Jacobs for Geometry, and Foerster for Algebra II. Any thoughts on comparisons? I really want to seriously consider this!

Cynthia, What ages were included in that class. I have not kept up well with Sonlight, so I don't know what grade level that would service. Thanks for the info!

We are looking for a World History for a discussion group (co-op class). The students would read the text at home, be tested at home, but have discussions in a group at Co-op. All I can think of is Streams of Civilization Volume 1, but I haven't looked at it in YEARS. I don't remember liking or disliking it. BJUP is always inexpensive to buy used, but I don't know anything about its excellence. We like History of US for Junior High because it was such a pleasant and interesting read. Is there something reader friendly like History of US for World History?

All of these resources will surely get us on our way. Thanks so much. If you any of you have used any of these and have more feedback or if there are others to consider, please share : ).

This is encouraging to hear it has been tried at a co-op!

Thanks everyone. This is good info! Please keep sharing : ).

Thanks Mary!

Okay, I decided to broaden my interest a little. We could use a combination of resources --- so if you know of or have used a resource (dvd series, biography, geography resource, ABeka's state notebook, etc.) that could be a piece of the puzzle for us, share that too.

nt

We're looking for a Texas History curriculum for our co-op. We want something that will have a good text for the kids to read at home --- enjoyable and informative. We want something that will lend itself to good once-per-week discussions, activities, and/or projects. If it were only one semester's worth, that would be okay, because we've thought of doing a county unit, Caddo Indian unit, and other local units. BUT, if it covered those topics and could last a full year, that would be great too! Thanks!

Does anyone have a link to a good description or samples of Warreners. It sounds wonderful. Lisa

Jean do you remember me telling you years ago that a lady named Jean moved from Wisconsin to my area --- and I emailed her and asked her if she was "Jean from Wisconsin" from WTM. She had NO idea what I was talking about! LOL.

I've been off of here for a while -- today is my first day back in probably a year! I used to come here EVERY DAY! We use Foerster and Jacobs at our Co-op. I think they are wonderful books, but moms that I love and respect love TT. Their kids just take study hall during our math hour.

We offer math at our co-op, but several parents opt out to do TT at home. I've never heard anything but good stuff about it. What are the negatives?

My thought was that it would be someone that volunteered --- felt called to the special job --- and it would have to be one person all day so he could bond with her. The mom might have to be part of that transition. If it couldn't be worked out and the mom didn't want to be the shadow, then it doesn't happen. The family doesn't participate. I'm amazed at what jobs have to be done at co-op that I assume NO ONE would want to do, but when I ask for a volunteer, someone feels totally called, equipped, and blessed to do it. You never know until you ask : ). Being willing to say, "This isn't working" if necessary is a must.

One more thought after going back and reading more carefully. Some of you wisely pointed out that the mom may need the break. A schedule maker could easily let the mom serve else where and pick a different mom to be his shadow --- all day. The shadow would probably have to be a volunteer and maybe the mom would participate in selecting the person. Our co-op only has around 100 kids, but placing people is placing people --- no matter how many there are. I'd just make sure there is a shadow. L

I am the director of a co-op and thought I'd share our plan for special needs children. (I haven't read all the replies so a similar response may have already been given.) We have the rule that all parents must be onsite all day serving in some capacity. Some teach one or more classes, some rock babies, some are the 2nd person in a room (or different rooms) all day. A mom with a special-needs child serves the group by shadowing her child --- in addition to the two adults already in each room. I copied this introduction to our behavior standards from our Policies and Procedure. "The standard of behavior for the children will be exceptionally high. Please consider whether your child is prepared to participate in the classes in a way that he and those around him will benefit from his being there. Children with special needs are welcome. Their parents may contribute to the co-op by shadowing their special-needs child." Later in the statement it says: "Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. If a child cannot behave properly at Co-op, the entire family will be asked to delay their involvement in Co-op for one full semester. After that time, the family may be reconsidered for Co-op participation." Sometimes a child's special needs just don't work at Co-op. We've only had one child that was disruptive to the point that we were concerned. It was so long ago that I barely remember the details, but I think the family just began to leave him at home with the other parent. I don't think we even had to discuss it with them. They knew it wasn't working.