Understanding Testing for Grades, Placement, Aptitude, and College Entrance

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Today we talk about Testing for Grades, Placement, Aptitude, and College Entrance. I find that many people don’t understand the difference between criterion based and norm-based testing. In this way, they do not understand the scores.

Also, almost no one understands how random and arbitrary grades are. Even the standardized tests (either criterion or norm-based) have been re-centered much lower. No one has much motivation to talk about this, however.

Secrets revealed on how to find placement tests for purchasing homeschool curricula. Explanations given to allay concerns of homeschooling parent about their children being behind or being competitive in college entrance. Of course, it is helpful to understand how these tests work, but in general, home educated students are far ahead. And most college admissions clerks know that by now.

How to Start Homeschooling AFTER Child Has Been in Government Schools

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 28:30 — 18.8MB)

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Once again, I interrupted my planned flow because I was seeing so many questions on Facebook in the homeschooling group. My heart goes out to well meaning mothers who are just beginning the journey, but I just couldn’t answer everyone specifically. So, here goes. How should you start homeschooling after you have already started your child in a public (really, government) school? Important question.

First, do your own homework. Know what you are doing so you don’t get into trouble. Then make a plan. Then consult an attorney (which might be as easy as consulting the information you are given when you join Texas Homeschool Coalition or Home School Legal Defense Association.) Then, formally withdraw your student, via letter. Do not be intimidated. Don’t allow yourself to be lied to. You now know the law and you now have a plan. Then, your child might need some decompression time. Do not replicate that from which you are fleeing.

Then, once you launch, you will be so very happy! Homeschooling is so very much fun! It is so very much easier — at least for children who learn differently — what a delight!

When Do I Start Homeschooling My Child?

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 28:29 — 22.1MB)

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I am seeing this question over and over again on xy. OH! This tears at my heartstrings! I try to respond as helpfully as I can. I just am not on xy very much. Clearly, these mums are trying to do their best. They don’t even know the right questions. Okay, so maybe that is just the quick way of saying it. Oh, maybe.

Okay, here is the deal. You start teaching your child as soon as the child is. When you start introducing academic stuff like letters is what they probably mean. The answer to that is about four, when the child is asking for it!

Oh gosh, I have a whole series on how to teach reading. So very very important. I have a book review on Alex Newman’s *Crimes of the Educators.*  Even if you don’t agree 100%  with Mr. Newman’s thesis, look, you have got to admit, he is onto a problem.  Sight reading doesn’t work. Never has.

Most curricula are 2D paper. (This is also wrongly assumed because we are brainwashed about what school is supposed to be, but anyway…)   So, it doesn’t teach reading. You can’t just shove paces at a kid and expect the kid to do well in reading. But between “read to you kid” and “send them to school” not much has been done on helping students read, or parent know how to teach reading.

Check out my “When The Road to Reading Gets Rocky” series in the store here, and just prevent problems. (And btw, have fun with learning; do not reproduce boring, deadly school.)

(Also look for more coming book reviews on Youtube.)

If you want individual coaching on how to homeschool, check out www.orgstrat.net and contact me. If  you want testing for school readiness and we can meet somewhere (mostly Texas), same. If you want to consider starting a school, see www.teachachildchangeanation.org

Melatonin Cited as Danger to Children

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https://www.theepochtimes.com/health/cdc-warns-thousands-of-children-sent-to-er-after-taking-common-sleep-aid-5603505?utm_source=Goodevening&src_src=Goodevening&utm_campaign=gv-03-09-2024&src_cmp=gv-03-09-2024&utm_medium=email&est=AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAcvEqZx8J2uHY%2FrwasWtUCr12hUABKvG%2FU%2B477GXLlwjV%2FHlm2cc%3D

Epoch Times reports that the CDC says that children are showing  up in the ER from taking melatonin gummies meant for adults. Given the source of this report is the CDC, it needs to be verified. However, let’s observe that adult amounts are going to be too much for children. While melatonin is a supplement and not a drug, it is considered much safer than alternatives as a sleep aid for adults. However, why a child would even need a sleep aid is a big question.

In the mean time, parents should be careful. Warm milk, apple slices, or chamomile tea has been used as sleep aids for children for many generations safely, and probably should be preferred.

Given the current climate, one wonders what else is going on. We pray for our children. Did you get our “grandmother’s prayer tool”?