Civics and Econ

[faithjourney]

The school system in my district has 9th graders take a 1/2 credit of civics and economics. Do most homeschoolers take these classes in 9th grade? I noticed that Notgrass and BJU suggest these as 11th or 12th grade classes. My other question is what books do you use for these classes and do you make them a 1/2 credit or 1 credit for each?

 

Thanks

[FaithManor]

I did them after American History. I kind of thought that it was helpful to have the background of American History before civics/government.

 

Around here, they do it in the junior year because our local schools only require three social studies credits to graduate. American History, World History, and American Government/Economics (1/2 credit of each). They have one social studies elective for 12th grade for those that want one.

 

Faith

[Orthodox6]

I'm surprised to hear of this for 9th grade in the publics. Used to be taught in 12th grade. I think it even makes sense to hold it until then because, most likely, the student by then will have had solid study of U.S. history, world history, world geography -- even more history, if the school system is large enough to offer additional electives -- all of which make a good foundation upon which to set the study of civics and economics. The earlier coursework provides "real world" examples upon which to draw.

[Butter]

Those have always been in 9th grade here. My brother graduated from high school in 1987 and had civics in 9th. Melody has finished the civics part of her year and is in econ now and has loved it. We are a rather history focused, politically active family, though, so a lot of what she learned about governments she already knew just by listening to us talk.

[Sebastian (a lady)]

Since we are just wrapping up a study of modern history that was US centric I'm now planning to do govt next year. I'm planning to have them sit for the AP govt exams. So that will be 9/10 th grade for us. The local schools seem to do world 10 th, US 11th and govt 12th. ETA I should add that these are all AP classes at the local school. There is probably more fluidity with non-AP courses.

 

But we're living near DC and it makes more sense to me to study govt while we're here rather than after we move again. And I really need a break from strict history for a bit.

[Candid]

Is the ps class more of a life skills class or a study of the actual academics of these two subjects? What you are going to teach can make a big difference on your approach to these if you want to replicate that experience.

[Shelly in VA]

My oldest two kids are 10th and 12th grade this year, so I had them take the classes together. We did government in the fall, and we are doing econ right now. My 10th grade son has had no problem with the coursework, although he did not like the amount of writing required in the government class. We used Notgrass for both courses, and we are supplementing econ with some videos and using The Economist magazine as well. Although 10th grade is fine, I would say that 11th or 12th grade would be better, just b/c the students are a little more mature, and they are able to pay attention to current events with a different perspective than a younger teen has. HTH!

[faithjourney]

Thank you everyone. I think I will wait until he is older.