Academic preparation and planning refers to the designing the course-load
for high school, ensuring that it is compatible with college entrance.
Although universities differ in their specific requirements for subject
areas, there is a general “rule of thumb” when beginning
the four-year plan. Most require a specific number of credits in the
core subject areas:
•
English/Language Arts 4 credits (years)
• Science 2-4 credits (years)
• Mathematics 2-4 credits (years)
• Social Studies 2-4 credits (years)
• Foreign Language 2-3 credits (years)
• Arts/Music 1 credit (year)
• Electives to complete graduation requirements
**
Disclaimer**
In no way does this article constitute advice. It is the responsibility
of the reader to be familiar with the requirements of the colleges he/she
wants to pursue.
Individual course credits are applied to the subject areas. For example:
Language Arts (subject area) my be composed of literature (course),
composition (course), speech (course), etc. All of these courses work
together to provide credits for the required subject area.
English/Language
Arts: Grammar and Composition, Literature – both
English and American, Speech
Science: Life, Physical, or Earth Science, Biology,
Chemistry, some require Physics
Mathematics: Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Calculus
Social Studies: Government/Civics, World History,
Geography, US History (some states require State History for graduation)
Foreign Language: Any foreign language, usually
includes American Sign Language
Arts/Music: Art Appreciation and/or Music Appreciation
Electives: Physical Education (2 credits/years),
some require Computer Science, Health, other courses to give a balanced
education.
Academic preparation
is critical to college success. The courses should be challenging and
of high quality. Some parents find it difficult to provide high level
coursework, such as lab sciences or foreign languages. These courses
can be received through a correspondence high school or sometimes through
a community college. In addition, there may tutor services available
to supplement your curriculum programs. Private schools may also allow
your student to attend only these classes. Writing ability is critical
to college success. Make sure yu include writing (essay, essay examinations,
etc) to your courses. In addition, by graduation a high school student
should have completed at least one major research paper using APA or
MLA formatting.
Lecture notes are
the primary way students remember what the professor tells them in class.
But, in the homeschool environment, they may not be exposed to lectures.
You will have to find creative ways to teach your student how to take
lecture notes. Perhaps you can use instructional video or audio tapes
or notes during Sunday's church service. Stress how to determine important
point -- vital few vs. trivial many -- as well as shortcut methods.
The Discovery Channel or History Channel is another source of "lecture-type"
information that will lend itself to note taking.
Test taking is another
area that may be difficult for some homeschoolers. To begin with, have
your student take practice SAT or ACT tests. The more often they practice,
the more comfortable they will be with the actual exam. In addition,
prepare examinations for courses that they are taking. These tests should
be challenging and be a combination of multiple choice and essay questions.
Include some questions related to critical thinking and application
principles.
Much attention is
being given to Honors or Advanced Placement courses. These courses are
advanced classes that have high expectations for the student. Some are
equivalent to college level work. There are three primary reasons to
consider these courses:
Advanced Placement
examinations are available for 31 courses in 19 subject areas. There
are a total of 34 exams available. To learn more about the AP Program,
go to
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/about.html
