Success is Not a Test Score

Even though I have devoted many blog posts to scoring high on standardized college admission tests, I don't believe that the success of a student hinges on that score.

Obviously, you want your student to do their best on a test and that is why I have recommended test prep in the form of understanding the test and helping a student do their best.  

With that being said, I had a reader ask me what to do when sibling scores are very different.

Homeschooling: What Every Parent Should Know about the NEW SAT & ACT, Part 2

Today is part 2 of Lauren Gaggioli's post about the new SAT and ACT.  If you missed the first part, you can find it here.

The Three Elephants In The Room

Homeschooling: What Every Parent Should Know about the NEW SAT & ACT

 Today, Lauren Gaggioli of Higher Scores Test Prep is my guest writer.  Lauren addresses changes in the ACT and SAT and advises on what you should do about them and even how they relate to Common Core.  This is a 2 part series, so be sure to sign up to receive blog posts or bookmark this site.

HOMESCHOOLING: WHAT TO KEEP, WHAT TO TOSS

Recently, a friend whose first student left for college asked me:

I'm really struggling with throwing away workbooks/practice books that the kids have completed through the years. The ones I'm thinking of mainly right now are the Teaching Textbooks workbooks the boys have done for high school. Do I really just throw them away? I've recorded their grades for high school. They're on the computer disks anyway. I'm such a pack rat; I'm afraid I'm forgetting something I might need them for!

Homeschooling: The Last Year Is the Hardest

Homeschooling has its rewards, but it can be hard.

Some years are harder than others.

HOMESCHOOLING: The Final Year

After 24 years of homeschooling, it is hard to believe this year has finally arrived.

The final year.

When I started homeschooling, I took it one year at a time.

I didn’t look ahead

A Message to First Year College Students and Their Parents

August.

The time of year when first time college students are excited (and maybe a little nervous) about starting a new phase in their life.

The time of year when parents begin to realize that their 'baby' is no longer a baby and is about to spread their wings and fly.

I have written some things in the past to parents and students about how to navigate this time of life that merit re-visiting.

For parents,

What Does "Test Optional" College Admission Mean for Homeschoolers?

I received this request from Jennifer this week:

           I would like to see you write on your blog about the potential new trend

          of colleges not requiring test scores for admission. George Washington University

          dropped this requirement for incoming freshmen. How do you feel this will

          change admission for homeschool graduates if it becomes more wide spread like

           expected? I can see it being a potential double edged sword.

When (homeschooling/parenting) Doubts and Fears Assail

If you are honest with yourself, you have had moments (or longer) when doubts and fears have assailed you- either about homeschooling, parenting, or both.

Homeschool Curriculum Clearance Sale

I suppose this could be called my 'going out of business' sale.  After 20+ years of homeschooling, I am graduating my last student.
So, it is time to clear my shelves! (or at least some of them)

Preparing for the New SAT

Now that the initial uproar about the new SAT has subsided, it is time to think about how to prepare your student for the new test   If your student will graduate in 2017 or beyond, they will be taking the new SAT, if they take the SAT.

As I mentioned last year, one option would be to take only the ACT test.


 But, if you want some excellent information on preparing for the test,

YOUTH THEATER CONFERENCE, grades 6-12

We are blessed with a phenomenal youth theater program in our community.  My three younger children have been active participants in it, and our family has enjoyed attending shows there for many, many years.

Unique Wedding Cakes

Mexican Chocolate Cakes on the sides; Banana Nut Cake in the middle

I usually save my food/recipe posts for the week-end, but I have been rather busy with my son's wedding this past week-end and many people requested the recipe I am sharing today.

Homeschool Year 23 in Review

We have officially completed our school year.

Even though I am usually always ready to be done with the school year, I do like to look back and reflect on what we accomplished.

Our Year in Review, looks like this:

5 Water Safety Devices Your Kids Should Know About

Via Flickr – by Rob Brewer

We have had more than our share of rain over the last month and now a swamp surrounds our house.  

But, the sun is shining today, and it won't be long before we are lamenting the lack of rain.  It will be hot, and then super hot, and we will want to go swimming.

My guest post today is by Patricia Sarmiento from Public Health Corps .  She approached me to do a guest post about pool safety and water safety and I knew my readers would want to know how to educate their children on this important subject.