One constant of homeschooling is change. My original plan at the beginning of this semester based on modifications made at the top of the academic year. If you'll recall, the computer science class he took this summer was in-line for an animation/game-design pathway (as he had expressed interest). But after taking the programming I class, he realized that while he enjoyed a good video game, he didn't want to make them. So we moved beyond that, and back to biology focus.
Another modification made last month. These were made because while we were still focused on a biology degree for maximal flexibility (vet vs paleontology vs other), we realized that he needed to slow down (and back up a bit) in math. Additionally, he has reconsidered vet school (i.e. doesn't want to go this route right now), and it is quite okay because I don't think he'll be ready to be competitive (and then have the work-ethic and motivation required to do well once there) at a young age. If he wants to go to vet school, I think he'll fair much better if he's closer to standard age (both for competitiveness, but also because Ian enjoys being a kid - so there is no "hurry").
This modification allows for incorporation of the "repeat" of prealgebra that he needed and then working his way quickly back to algebra. It allowed for additional writing practice. Removed the physics that he won't need (and isn't fascinated by, although we do study it casually quite a bit). I included conceptual chemistry for the life-sciences to prepare him for a biomedical pathway. Spanish to meet the university foreign language requirement for BAs (which tends to be a bit of an easier degree plan for someone who doesn't love math or really want to do a hard-core science. Why suffer unnecessarily?)
Plan to take SAT for 7th grade talent search in 2019 Spring.
Then after acquiring more data - TSI position*, Ian's interest in geology, researching local universities degree plans and realizing what they entail, etc, we decided on what's written below.
UT Dallas the major we're considering is a BA in Interdisciplinary studies. Doesn't require math above college algebra (that he can CLEP and apply to the CC transcript prior to transfer). No physics, no calculus, no chemistry. AND he'll get to choose geology, gaming, media, and other "cool" classes.
UNT has a BS Geology degree plan that, again, has math that isn't much higher than college algebra. Theirs is a 1000 level statistics course, and for a BS he won't need the foreign language. So why do that when he doesn't want to, and doesn't need it?
*Ian took the TSI and passed the writing section. He has more work to do on the reading and math portions. Which reaffirms to me that his (re)placement in prealgebra, and moving on to an algebra re-do is appropriate.
Therefore, I think I'm going to utilize Teaching Textbooks for math (he can move at his own pace and really slow down and focus on what he doesn't know). Currently he's doing AoPS. I like it for him. He's doing well. But I think Teaching Textbooks will be a little bit more "hands on." So for summer, I'm going to do TT Algebra 1 for Ian.
Fall, it is my hope that he can do geometry at the Gifted School. (If not, possibly chemistry, or even algebra yet again. The degree plan at the university we are considering only requires math up to college algebra, so there is no hurry to get it done because no pre-requisites will be unmet due to lack of math).
To "handle" reading comprehension, I'm going to look for either a reading comp online course (or even a test prep course for reading comprehension might be great and focused). I'll do this in the summer for an end of summer retry of the TSI in reading.
The class he's taking at TCC - Physical Geology - was selected based on Ian's stated interest in rocks, fossils, and possibly pursuing a degree in geology with a graduate focus on paleontology or archaeology. I think these are great choices, and I think he'd make a fantastic professor. Physical geology does not require the TSI.
The following spring, it is on the radar to have him take the speech and PE requirement with Haley (as she needs these 2 classes too to finish off her AA if she decides to do so). Her last semester will only have her carrying 6 units, so there should be time for "fun" up at the CC with her brother.
Art appreciation doesn't require TSI, neither does computer classes, etc. So perhaps we may consider some of these classes in upcoming semesters if he needs more time to study/pass the TSI.
I don't think I'm going to do Best Brains anymore (the transportation is a rate-limiting resource).
Summary:
Summer 2018
Teaching Textbooks Algebra
Reading comprehension course
Unsure about Best Brains
EMF
Computer programming private lessons UT Dallas
Two camps (Ignite and TedKids)
Fencing
Drums
*TSI vs SAT - considering allowing for the SAT because a high-enough score exempts the requirement for TSI in reading comprehension. And its good practice. Plan is to take the TSI every semester until its passed prior to registration so that can help inform our decision about next steps).
Fall 2018
CC Geology
Gifted School Geometry
Reading Comprehension (if reading TSI requirement not met for reading)
EMF
Drums
Fencing
Jack and Jill
Spring 2019
CC: Speech and PE
Consider English Comp I (if TSI requirement met)
COLLEGE PLANNING
ALSO NOTE that this path has him graduating high-school (provided he is ready per TSI requirements) Summer of 2019 with 21 DE units at age 13. At this time he should be ready to pass the college algebra CLEP. Also, this should happen after the SAT for the talent search since, age-wise, he'll be a 7th grader.
Subsequently after graduating homeschool high-school late summer 2019, he can move on to all classes at community college for the 2019-2020 academic year as he turns 14 in the Fall 2019 (perhaps 3 courses a semester for the Fall 2019 and Spring 2020 for 40 total credits)
Summer (Maymester perhaps) gives him another 3 units, making him eligible for assured acceptance for UT Dallas which requires 42 units for the privilege. Further, it will afford him an easier time without testing and what-not for UNT which requires 30+ units for this benefit.
Applying in the Fall 2020 has him out of high-school for over a year (which over a semester is required). Applying in the Fall 2020 is for ENTRY for FALL 2021.
For the academic year FA 2020 - SP 2021 he can take 2 or courses a semester (working towards meeting AA degree requirements if that makes sense at the time) racking up a total 61 transferable units (all may not fit into the degree plan, however). 60+ units gets you the AA. So it may be "fun" for him to graduate from community college with an AA at age 15.
He'll then start University in the Fall of 2021 at age 15. Which is a good time for him to go.
No comments:
Post a Comment