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What type of curricula do you utilize?
!
This is another unique aspect of
our approach to “educating.” We do not adhere to standardized
curricula.” Why? Simple really, there is no such thing as a standardized
child. As educators experienced in traditional systems and schooling in
the home, we learned: that a standardized curriculum which may
have worked well for grammar, did not necessarily work well for phonics; or a
standardized program which worked well for mathematics, was very lacking in
science or social studies. Equally significant, on the rare occasion when you
found one that seemed to work for one child; it just as likely bored or
frustrated a sibling. As such, we determined a better way was to design a
child's academic program by individually matching education resources to the
student, based upon the student's learning traits. To do this we--
first determine a student’s
learning style(s), academic level and the parents’ goals;
then we identify education
resources (books, workbooks, CDs, etc.) suitable to those styles, levels and
goals; and,
finally, we construct the
student’s academic program (curricula) around the identified resources.
!
In order
to tailor a program, we must first know yours and your child's learning traits.
This learning trait knowledge we refer to as a family profile. We gather this
information primarily via:
Enrollment/Profile Form. This is our
primary means of obtaining learning traits knowledge. From responses provided
by parents on this form, we determine: a student’s learning style(s); academic
level; and, the values and goals parents want embedded in their school
program. In this regard, when filling out the enrollment form, we request parents give careful
thought to responses.
Standardized test results. In
addition to providing detailed information regarding a student’s academic status;
analyzed in conjunction with the Profile Form, we gain greater insight of
student’s learning related abilities and traits.
Direct feedback from parents.
Dialog with teaching parent throughout the academic cycle is used to refine
profiles.
What is a “tailored academic program”?
!
A tailored academic program means
the program is specifically matched to each child with regards to academic
resources; lesson plans; the student's academic abilities, academic
potential and learning styles. In addition, it is also structured to
accomplish short and long term goals as established by the parent(s).
What
type of education can I expect from an ABW HomeEd assisted program?
!
Unless otherwise instructed by
parent(s), these elements are embedded within each curriculum:
Our goal is each student develop a
joy for learning while receiving an education
competitive with that received within the top nations in the world
(mathematics and science) and the top schools in the nation (English and social
studies).
English.
Programs are phonics and literature based with emphasis on grammar,
comprehension, persuasive writing and critical thinking skills.
Mathematics.
There are many approaches to mathematics, most are procedural based. Our
approach is investigative/logic and reasoning based. This means instead of the
emphasis being on rote memorization and repetition; our lessons develop
student’s understanding of the language of mathematics, mathematical concepts;
as well as analysis
and decoding skills.
Science.
Lessons take a very hands-on investigative approach; utilizing both the internet
and home suited activities/lab experiments
Social Studies.
In addition to in-depth studies of history; lesson structure utilizes politics, economics and civics
to develop student's research and critical thinking skills; while simultaneously furthering reading
and writing skills.
Do
you provide the educational resources?
!
No. We research
and locate academic resources suited to teaching parent and student profiles. Upon approval of the
program, parents must purchase resources for use in their home; and, we purchase
copies to use in developing your lesson plans.
!
It may help to know ABW HomeEd maintains NEITHER contractual nor implied purchase relationships or
agreements with any publisher, book distributor, or similar agency.
Except for considerations of academic quality and resource suitability to
your profile;
we develop programs unhindered by any bias which would cause us to favor one
education resource over another.
How
much will education resources cost?
!
Traditionally, homeschoolers spend
from $200.00 to $500.00 per child for academic (English, mathematics, science, and social studies) resources; plus whatever cost you
associate in time spent researching and locating the resources. On average, for
primary grades (1st to 6th),
quality resources for all four subjects cost our families approximately $108.00/student. In secondary grades
this cost may increase to about $135.00/student.
How long is an academic cycle?
!
Academic cycles are adjusted to
match the needs of each student. However, the initial planned duration is 33.5
academic weeks.
What
about testing?
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Even though regular assessments
are incorporated within lessons, we believe annual standardized testing is also very
beneficial. In addition to being a reliable means by which to identify skill deficiency
trends and obtain additional indications regarding a student’s learning style(s);
test taking is a skill student will require
as a college student and an adult.
Why
do you provide lesson plans tri-weekly?
!
Two reasons: (1) it ensures your
lessons are current/up to date; and (2) we know
dynamics will affect your schooling program during the academic cycle ("school year”). Some of these
dynamics will demand academic, scheduling or other modifications be made to your
education program. By providing lessons tri-weekly, we are better able to
assist you to adjust and overcome the dynamics when they occur.
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