Its funny this thread popped up again because we've found some local STEM internship opportunities through the Naval Post Graduate School which is very close to us. They have both paid and non-paid opportunities. Our son found out about it through a friend who is now majoring in engineering at Cal Poly SLO. He went through the same program which actually inspired him to pursue a career in engineering. He did both volunteer and paid work and highly recommends both options. Although nice to get paid and make a small stipend, I think that is really not the primary benefit for high school students. The real benefit is the opportunity to learn about life outside the classroom in an area of professional interest. That's normally very hard to do with little to no experience. I also like the idea of humanitarian work which provides a whole different view of the world including all of the needs within it.

Derek Owens Physics would be a great option if wanting a more complete solution. You can also opt to do the grading yourself and the cost will be half the normal price. Its asynchronous, so you could start anytime. https://www.derekowens.com/course_info_physics.php

Derek Owens, based upon your description. You have the option to do the grading yourself at half the regular prices. In that case he gives you all the tests, solution manuals and of course some the clearest, most excellent math instruction available via video. We use his courses in both ways, grading ourselves for our youngest dd and full support including the grading of all tests and homework for our middle dd. This is working very well for our dds who definitely have different learning styles and strengths. If you wanted a fully outsourced live solution I would say WHA which our son loves. But it doesn't sound like that is what you are looking for.

Yes, I think that will be good for consistency sake. You will need to take into consideration her other subjects realizing that to be fair something must give. Basically, she will be doubling up on math which is an extra solid. And if math is naturally more of a struggle for her then it will surely take more time to do it right. So please keep that in mind to not overwhelm her. I would start with assuring her that while you are making a math a priority for 'a season' that you are willing to work with her in other areas to to fit it in. Last year our oldest ds did something similar in that he compressed a year long Pre-Calc course into one semester at WHA. We worked with the instructor and she basically gave us the same advice I am giving you. You must make adequate room for an additional solid. Since he had doubled up on science (chemistry) the first semester, he took a semester off science and could therefore focus on math. That actually worked out well, though it took discipline to devote double time to math daily. Another option, if you truly think this intensity would be overwhelming for her would be to simply take the Geometry first. If Mr. D. allows accelerations she could still try to finish it before the end of the year to start Algebra 2. You know your dd best as well as her schedule and your education plan for her. What do you think she can handle? A stretch is good while not giving her something that's going to kill her. An achievable goal is the key so that she can rebuild her confidence. The last think you want to do is break her spirit.

Its great that you found something works well for your son with Mr. D. I think its early enough to make the leap to Mr. D for your dd. Sometimes it takes a while to adjust to online class formats. Once they do and get into a groove life is so much smoother in the math department. I know this has been the case for our kiddos with both WHA and Derek Owens. Having a high quality outside instructor is worth every penny and more when you see them doing well. There is so much less drama all around. :D It sounds like you are experiencing that already with Mr. D. I vote that you bite the bullet now and not put it off any longer. She needs some consistent, quality instruction at this stage. My 2c FWIW. ;)

It sounds like its still early enough to change books if the layout, quality of the content or answers are not working out for you. We had our son take an online Physics with Jetta, a forum member. It was his favorite course of all time. Now he can't wait to take his next physics course. She uses Conceptual Physics by Hewitt which is Algebra based. Its a classic among homeschool texts. Though I was initially concerned it wouldn't have enough challenge. However she added more depth and challenge problems. The combo was excellent and really inspired our son. We'll definitely go this route with our dds as well. Her classes are so popular you have to register way in advance. You could probably change to another well known book as the primary text or spine. Then supplement as needed for additional explanations and/or problem variety with another like regentrude talked about. Here's a list of some of the texts: http://forums.welltrainedmind.com/topic/540313-homeschool-high-school-physics/

Ours don't have cell phones yet. Though we did offer to buy one for our son's 16th bday with certain restrictions. Fortunately, he had other things he wanted more for his birthday. So we dodged that bullet. ;) None of them are obsessed with phones, social media or texting. So far this has been fantastic and they aren't suffering nor begging for one either. Their faces aren't glued to screens in social settings which is oddly so common among teens these days. We do lend our oldest one when he needs to call us from the CC for a ride, etc... We'll go as long as possible without phones for them. Its one less teen obsession to worry about. :D

I have one more hypothesis that might be throwing off the forum software. Note that the Private Chat Group uses the same titles for its sub directories if you follow the directory structure down its final branches: ... K-8 Curriculum Board → Logic Stage & Middle Grade Challenges Because they share the same titles at the lowest level of the branch the software can be mixing them up as opposed to other groups such as: The Well-Trained Mind Community → Education → The Learning Challenges Board Notice how this directory structure shares nothing in common with another. I'm not saying its necessarily bad to use the same exact titles. However it simply makes it easier for software to make a mistake with two duplicate branch directories regardless of their origins. The more dissimilar they are the less likely they will be interpreted as the same. In software terms its viewed as uniqueness and in this case non-unique partial paths to differing sub directories. To test this hypothesis I would change the wording of the directories slightly or move the private groups to a different structure entirely making them more unique.

Notice that even though the URL (link) is exactly the same, when logged in the thread is being erroneously placed under Groups - Moms with kids on the Autism Spectrum rather than Education. That is the bug which is repeatable. I bet if you remove one of those tags like 'reading comprehension' it changes back.

How strange. Yes, here is what I see when I am logged in with no access: And when I log out I see the thread:

Daijobu, that sounds frustrating especially with a thread you created. Software bugs happen all the time and unfortunately some can persist for years. There is always a chance it could be configuration error in the way private groups are setup and maintained. Basically somewhere in the software there is a filter problem triggering the behavior. This *may* even be a known issue in a bug report. I remember when the forum first changed software its was quirky but seemed to improve over time.

Ah ok, it sounds like tags were flagged incorrectly marking certain threads as private which are not. I'm glad others can log out and still see them now. As a software engineer I always have to ask the question of pilot error first before assuming something is broken in the system. If that's not it and things are actually broken (a bug exists) it can sometimes take a long time to get them fixed. In this case, its a free forum using third party software most likely operated by non-technical people unless something major comes up. The admins may have little to no time for it. So referencing the threads as 'read only' while logged out at least gives others access. That is probably the best option for those locked out until things get released if they ever do.

Ha! I was about to do the same thing. I was surprised to hear that some couldn't get to it. I'll give a little update for us since I was on it way back in the day. Our son Luke went on from TabletClass Pre-A which worked out well to AoPS Algebra then on to WHA. He is now taking AP Calculus at WHA. Of the three WHA has been the best fit for him. Meanwhile, our younger two dds are taking DO courses and that seems to fit them best for now. Although TC Pre-A was good for our son, I think DO is better for them in the way it builds upon concepts more gradually.

That's very strange that some can't simply click on a forum link and get through. I've never heard of one chat group being blocked from accessing other parts of the forum. Are you saying this is happening to you as well? If I was the forum administrator, which I'm not, I'd almost have to see it to believe it to rule out pilot error. :tongue_smilie: But I'm sure stranger things have happened. I haven't been participating as much either. I just dropped in today to see what's going on lately. We're not really struggling with Pre-A anymore. Derek Owens has been working well for our younger ones without issue. BTW, if this really is happening for some there is a pretty easy workaround if they simply want to read the thread - just logout and click the link. I just tried it and it works! Pre-Algebra Fence Straddlers Master Thread

Thanks, Isabelle. I have been looking for more resources like this recently. For only $3 its worth checking out. I used What Color Is Your Parachute? back when i was in college and it was helpful. I'm sure there are other great resources out there today. Here is a great online resource - Career Exploration Program.

Wow, talk about a throwback back in time! :D Is that the old Pre-Algebra Fence Straddlers Master Thread many of us participated in back in the day? A lot has changed for many families since then though the struggles are no less real today. We do have more resources (curriculum, vendors, etc...) now. So it might be good to start a new one - a revised Version II. ETA: Wait, I just clicked on the link MarkT posted and it worked fine. It comes up in the Logic Stage & Middle Grade Challenges sub forum. Are you speaking of a different one than this started in 2012? Have you tried sending her a PM?

Wow, what is up with these young artistic girls who love animals but not necessarily science, at least as they know it? I think you have described both of my daughters. lol ;) I am always looking for avenues to introduce science in new ways and relate it to their lives. But its not easy to bridge that with something practical. I know not all girls are the same but how many 'don't' love animals and then drawing, painting, decorating them? Our daughters have recently picked up crocheting from their grandmother and now are making little outfits for their stuffed animals. The biggest thing on their mind right now is getting a new bunny. Fortunately, we have a 'bunny lady' in our area who is also a nurse. They can see the direct benefit of her medical background and training when it comes to bunny care. :) Ok, back to math. Although I originally said strengthening the foundation is the most important thing which I still believe holds true, the notion of a college Algebra covering both I & II over a longer period is probably fine as well. While DO works great for many, its not for everyone. And you are right in trying to keep things affordable. That makes good sense. A tutor could take her through a book like Lials. I'm just know sure I would want to push that off another year. By then even less Algebra will be retained. I'll give you yet another option. Consider the possibility of working on both in parallel - a hybrid approach. You could start Geometry as planned while beginning a review of Algebra I or Algebra I/II with another text. What might this like? This could be 3 days a week of Geometry with 2 days of Algebra. Or possibly two math sessions daily (morning/afternoon). Basically tailor it in a way that works best for her without relegating math to the back seat. That will provide several benefits for her: 1. She will have the opportunity to shore up the weaker areas of understanding from this past year's Algebra course. 2. She can continue to advance to the 'next level' in her math. 3. She may then be able to complete things earlier with the possibility of taking a more practical math course such as statistics. I would review several options for the Algebra text if you decide to stick with the tutor route. I guess the biggest question I would have to ask is, does having the tutor seem to be the most beneficial? How has she responded to it and has it made a tangible difference in her work? Finally, I would try to elicit feedback from her about what is/isn't working including the tutoring sessions. Keep in mind that Jann offers tutoring 'with' her classes. Has she ever tried an online class before with a live teacher? It sounds like she has already provided some feedback in her opinion of TT. I would engage her more in the final selection process so that she gains a greater sense of ownership in the decision making process. I find that really helps even with struggling students. They tend to want to stick with things more when they help to make the decision. Of course you can provide 'options' or the framework from which to choose from. I like the let our kids listen to samples or review the texts. Its surprising what strong opinions they have when given the opportunity to provide them.

Its safe to say that Algebra is the foundation to all secondary math. Its also represents the period of cognitive development in which a child goes from concrete operations to abstract reasoning. Many students struggle with it and as such it is *very* common to stretch Algebra 1 out over two years.The majority of educators will recommend this especially for a struggling student. If you go back to the analogy on building a house, no matter how well the flooring is built, if the foundation is weak the rest of the house will be unstable. So, yes, you probably do need to spent an extra year in there, but not on Geometry or Algebra II. Instead strengthen the foundation with a year two Algebra 1. I don't see any real shortcuts to this and TT is considered on the 'light' side. So think of it as preparation for a more standard Algebra 1 course to follow. With our math struggling dd, we used Derek Owens as also recommend by Gr8lander. She hates math and started with Derek last Fall. Although still not her favorite subject, it was a transformative year for her. She worked very hard and managed to get an A in his Pre-A and is now taking Algebra 1 with the same instructor. What she really likes are the clear instructions and examples most of all. We've tried other things and nothing has worked as well. That's not to say its a fit for every child. But if you look up the reviews on DO you will see other similar feedback. Another great option would be to work with Jann in Texas who specializes in helping struggling math students. She also offers additional tutoring during the week at no additional cost. Lastly, I would agree that getting tested for dyscalculia would be a good idea just to discover what additional methods and approaches may be best able to help her more.

Hi, I am looking for a good intro German course for our dds (11 & 13). We have been considering OSU and then came across CLRC's Young language courses. Their Young German class is taught by a native speaker, Sonja Dionysius. If you are using another intro to German for middle school age I would like to hear about it as well. Thanks,

Hi Kim, Would you mind sharing how much time your ds devotes to his class weekly? Has he used it from the beginning starting with German I? Also, I've read lots of comments about intensity of other programs and I am just trying to gauge this one in terms of weekly assignments, teacher expectations, rapid pace, etc.. (e.g. craziness factor)? How intense is it? Thanks,

Calming Tea, forgive for asking. But I have been following these threads since I am planning German for our dds. They have actually asked to learn it. I noticed the last German course your son took seemed to be a completely different experience. Here is a quote from an earlier thread: So I guess I wondering, what is the major difference you are finding in this course? Could it be the teaching style, textbook, assignments, or something else? We are actually looking for the opposite of what you are describing in this course above. I mean something not as intense, stressful, or rigorous. Does learning German or any language really need to be this painful? Can that pain be spread out more evenly over time? I have to ask myself these questions because I know it will crush my dds' desire to learn the language after getting slammed with the load of work and associated expectations described within a relatively short period of time. Thanks,

Thanks for this insight, OnMyOwn. It does sound very similar to their German program which I've researched and written to them about. I can also see the advantage of live online courses especially for a 'language' class. Yeah, I'm a bit concerned with the once a week jam it all (listening, speaking, quizzes, tests, cultural exercises, etc...) courses not actually being enough to learn a language. Where is your son taking Spanish now? Do you supplement with outside tutoring, speaking, etc... for language or grammar practice?

Thank you for the update, Tess. I'm glad he's doing better now. At the same time I don't want to disregard your earlier struggles which were real at the time. I've also read other similar struggles with these courses. So I don't think it is necessarily a unique situation or one-off experience. It sounds more like a rigorous and demanding course even for students who typically do well in other subject areas. Its a fair warning for me not to take it too lightly or expect it to be easy or smooth sailing right out of the gate. I have to ask myself a few questions when I count the cost for our kids who are too young to do so. Does it really need to be this hard for them? Maybe, maybe not. Is this really what we are looking for? Can learning a language be a bit easier, lower stress, incremental? I guess the answer to this question varies from program to program and teacher to teacher. I've heard above how WTMA wasn't as intense which is funny because for many other subjects they are, especially writing! For every type of course there are many levels of rigor which map to differing goals and expectations of teachers, administration and parents. I want to go in with the correct expectations before we sign up while also aligning the courses with our own objectives. In our case, I am not looking for the most intense thing out there. Something lighter is actually preferable.

This last part concerns me with Frau Cruz's once a week courses. This is especially a concern for our younger students who do not have the best study habits formed yet. Though the content looks great. Maybe it works better for those who are better jugglers of their time. Even for our oldest ds, time management is always a struggle. I really don't like the idea of spending a lot of time on weekends studying for any course. We typically like to get out on the weekends and do other family activities. This has been one our greatest challenges for our son, learning to balance out his high school academic life with other important things: work-life balance. It takes a lot intentionality, planning and discipline to 'not' spend a lot of time on the weekends studying.

Thanks, Sebastian. This is great to hear about the all the gotchas ahead of time if we go with OSU. Just a couple of follow-up questions. Did your kids continue with German or did they go with another language eventually? If you had the option to take a live class with more accountability in hindsight, do you think it may have been better? I'm still undecided. I just discovered a Young German I through CLRC that meets once a week live. That could be a better potential fit for our middle school girl(s). We've never taken courses from any of these providers before. So its a bit of a calculated risk/gamble in terms of finding a best fit.