how to tell whether a homeschool course is rigorous

by Hubert Glover 8 min read

Why should I create homeschool course descriptions?

Your homeschool course descriptions provide proof that your curriculum is challenging. Homeschool course descriptions include details that show how your child succeeded with this challenging curriculum, and earned a solid GPA using rigorous material. This is why you create course descriptions.

Is your homeschool curriculum right for college success?

Oct 19, 2015 · These courses look very attractive to colleges but are very rigorous. Homeschoolers earning a Level 5 credit at our umbrella school are required to complete fully double the work of a Level 3 course. They could also complete an AP course, instead. I have homeschooled each of my 5 kids all the way through high school.

How do homeschool teachers evaluate students?

Jun 01, 2018 · When in doubt, remember how many expressions there are for this exact situation: "Don't bite off more than you can chew," "Don't let your eyes be bigger than your stomach," etc. Another way to think about a rigorous curriculum is to …

How many paragraphs should a homeschool course description be?

Here is what to include in your homeschool high schoolers’ course descriptions: Text used for course. Topics covered by the student in the course. Methods used for instruction (text, real books, inquiry-based activities, etc) How the course will be graded. Amount of credit earned and at what level of rigor.

What is considered a rigorous course load?

In other words, there is no one deciding, defining scale for “rigor”. What admissions officers will agree upon is that students should take the most challenging course load that they can do well in, while still having enough time to show the deep and passionate involvement in activities that the colleges seek.

What is rigorous coursework?

Simply put, rigor is the academic or intellectual challenge of a class. The more difficult the class, the more rigorous it is. More often than not, academic rigor does not refer to a single class, but a number of them within a student's schedule.Aug 18, 2020

What makes a school academically rigorous?

Academic rigor to us is about the quality of the teaching and learning. At an academically-rigorous school, students feel both success and challenge on a daily basis. In terms of classroom teaching, we view an academically rigorous curriculum as one that has high levels of student engagement and learning.

How many APS is considered rigorous?

A good rule of thumb is to try for one to three AP classes per year of high school (probably not counting 9th grade). This kind of course load definitely shows a willingness to be challenged. 11th and 12th grade is the time to go even harder—if you think you're up to it.Jun 1, 2018

How do you handle rigorous coursework?

8 Ways to Manage a Rigorous Course Load in Medical SchoolChoose a Study Style that Suits You Best. ... Take Practice Tests. ... Create a Study Schedule. ... Study in Different Work Hours. ... Break down Large Tasks into Bite-Sized Tasks. ... Record Your Lectures. ... Study with Friends. ... Beat Procrastination.Dec 25, 2019

Why is rigor necessary?

What is rigor and why is it important? “Rigor is creating an environment in which each student is expected to learn at high levels, each student is supported so he or she can learn at high levels, and each student demonstrates learning at high levels.”

What does rigorous learning look like?

What does rigor look like, according to your agreed upon definition? For each of the three components: increasing expectations, providing support, and demonstrating understanding, we've provided examples of a characteristic. The foundation of a rigorous classroom lies with high expectations for students.

What does academic rigor look like?

According to Dr. Barbara R. Blackburn, academic rigor is defined as creating an environment in which each student is expected to learn at high levels, each student is supported so he or she can learn at high levels, and each student demonstrates learning at high levels.

How is rigor measured?

The three indicators for rigor are: thoughtful work, high-level questioning, and academic discussion. Student Learning • Students demonstrate their learning by completing recall and retell tasks.

What are 3 benefits of taking rigorous high school courses?

High school students are wise to take advantage of dual-credit opportunities.College Efficiency. The simple fact that high school students can get both high school and college credit from one class is a major benefit. ... Money Savings. ... Comfort. ... Mental Stimulation.Sep 26, 2017

How many AP's should I take?

Depending on what kind of school you want to go to, you should be taking between 3 and 5 AP® classes this year. You will need to manage your time well, however, as you also need to study for the SAT® or ACT® during this time.Mar 1, 2022

Are honors classes considered rigorous?

It's widely accepted that AP and IB courses are rigorous. In some circles, honors courses hold the same designation, but not always. Since AP and IB curriculums and standards are universal, there is consistency. Regardless of the school you attend, the expected outcomes are the same.May 28, 2020

What is the umbrella school level?

Here is how our umbrella school assigns levels. Adapt it in a way that fits your family. Level 1- Remedial Courses. This level is for students who struggle in a subject. While it is acceptable for high school graduation, Remedial Courses are not acceptable for college applicants. Level 2- Average High School Courses .

Do you put a legend on your transcript?

It is wise to include a legend on the transcript with a brief description of the way the levels are assigned. (A more detailed description can be included on the “school profile” if you choose to attach one to the transcript.) Note: There is not much standardization of levels from school to school. The homeschool umbrella school ...

What is rigorous curriculum?

A rigorous curriculum is, at heart, a balancing act. You should take the most challenging courses that are within your ability to handle. At the same time, you should pace yourself so that you're not too overwhelmed by the challenge.

What percentage of colleges surveyed ranked strength of curriculum as considerably important in admissions?

According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling's (NACAC) 2017 State of College Admission Report, 52% of schools surveyed ranked strength of curriculum as considerably important in admissions.

What is the idea of a college student?

The general idea is to show that you're intellectually prepared for college-level studying, and that you've developed a habit of guiding yourself toward increasing challenges. This demonstrates grit, resilience, perseverance, and a mature work ethic.

How to get your parents to come to your graduation?

It's probably a good idea to bring your parents to the meeting as well. Ask about requirements for graduation. Discuss possible ways you can progress through the required course load. Ask how many electives you can fit into your schedule. Talk also about the elective opportunities your school offers.

What should my transcript show?

Your transcripts should show how you've taken full advantage of the challenges available to you at your school—but always within reason, of course. This means that you should take progressively more difficult classes in each topic each year rather than jumping from intro class to intro class.

How to make a high school plan?

Now that you have much of the information you need, you can start to make a plan. Draw a chart by dividing a piece of paper into four sections; each section represents a year of high school. Divide each of these sections into smaller rectangles, with each rectangle representing one course you'll take that year.

Is high school a good predictor of college success?

As it turns out, exposure to a rigorous curriculum in high school is a better predictor of academic success in college than the education level of your parents is, or even your test scores, class rank, and GPA are. And the best place to show that you've been exposed to a challenging curriculum is through your transcript.

What is a course description?

Course descriptions are brief but detailed descriptions of your homeschool high schoolers’ courses. Often, these descriptions are created for:

Philosophy in Four Questions

At the completion of this course, the student will be able to demonstrate an introductory knowledge and application of philosophy through the four philosopher’s questions:

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Why should colleges give outside evidence?

How and why you should give colleges outside evidence. 1. Outside instructors provide an objective view of your homeschooler. They can judge the quality of your teen’s work against others. AND they can write letters of recommendation!! 2. Outsourced classes provide community and peer interaction.

What is outsourced class?

2. Outsourced classes provide community and peer interaction. Colleges like to know that the students they’re admitting understand the value and impact that being a positive member of their community has on the dynamics of learning. 3.

Do homeschoolers have to have a transcript?

You’ve probably heard the term before. It is said that homeschoolers should have outside evidence for colleges to take their transcript seriously. And, well, in many cases, it’s true. Admissions officers love to see homeschoolers with experiences and validation outside of their homeschool.

Understanding State Requirements

Every state has specific requirements for the completion of high school. Some of those apply to the homeschooling community, as well. Stay up-to-date on the required courses and credits that students must complete and records that you are required to submit. Staying on the right side of the law makes everyone’s homeschooling experience better.​

Making Homeschool Curriculum Choices

Even in public school, students make choices about coursework. Many of these decisions still apply when you’re choosing a homeschool curriculum. Within most online homeschool courses, students choose a general academic load or a rigorous honors program with challenging work.

Keeping Good Transcripts and Records

Elementary and middle school grades and education are certainly important, but now transcripts start to count. When your child applies to colleges, having a transcript of the courses completed and credits earned makes admission easier. Within online homeschool, they usually create the transcript for you.

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What is online class?

In these, a teacher will lecture (either live or a recorded video), students will have a textbook, need to do worksheets and write essays and have regular quizzes and tests. And of course, there may be a live competent where students interact with classmates and the teacher.

Is online class credit easy?

Online classes do not mean an easy credit. Some might be, of course, but most are designed to provide quality tuition. Check how many hours of work is expected, whether the class is Honors or AP level and what type of assignments students will have. Elective classes are usually easier, while core classes should be rigorous enough to prepare students for college if they are college-bound.

Is online class self paced?

Some online classes are self-paced. I know from my own experience of taking online classes that these aren’t a good fit for me. If I can take as long as I want to finish a class, I never seem to finish it. Unless you have a teen who is very self-motivated, or you are making sure they keep up the pace, chances are the class will never be completed.