Oh, Dearest Mother, Sweetest Virgin of Altagracia, our Patroness. You are our Advocate and to you we recommend our needs. You are our Teacher and like disciples we come to learn from the example of your holy life. You are our Mother, and like children, we come to offer you all of the love of our hearts. Receive, dearest Mother, our offerings and listen attentively to our supplications. Amen.



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time4tea
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Posted: Dec 04 2005 at 1:47pm | IP Logged Quote time4tea

Hello Everyone!

I am considering enrolling our 3 oldest dc ith either MODG or Kolbe in the upcoming year (which for MODG would be January for the upcoming school year, I believe). I have used the MODG syllabi and have had a little experience with Kolbe (only with their Kindergarten program, however), but I was wondering if those of you who have been enrolled with either of these schools, especially in the Middle School grades and beyond, could compare the two programs. For example, are they both equally flexible? Would MODG permit us, for example, to substitute German (which I have a certification in and my dc are wanting me to teach it to them) for Latin?    
Must we use Saxon Math, or can we use MCP or Holt Mathematics through 8th Grade? Any information you could provide or experiences you could share would be most helpful and appreciated!

Thank you in advance and God bless!

Jenny
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Posted: Dec 08 2005 at 1:49pm | IP Logged Quote time4tea

Hi All!

Well, I think it was providential that my thread didn't receive any replies - dh and I went through the finances this past weekend, and it looks as if we won't be able to afford to enroll any of our dc with any program at all in the coming year. That's okay, too. We have been using CHC Middle Grades Lesson Plans with our oldest two, and they have been working out well, so we will just stick with those. It would be nice to have a proctor to bounce ideas off of, but so be it. Thanks to all for reading my post!

God bless!

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ALmom
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Posted: Dec 08 2005 at 5:08pm | IP Logged Quote ALmom

Thought you might like to know that you can order materials and lesson plans from either without signing up for the school. But it sounds like what you want more is the proctoring - You might be able to find something like that depending on what you want. My sister and I have dc doing similiar things (by happenstance) and we are e-mailing each other papers for feedback. Also this board has been my best source of proctoring even though I have benefitted from Kolbe's assistance quite a bit. I couldn't answer your question because I have no experience with MODG other than the lesson plans, but if you ever want to know about Kolbe, I can tell you what our experience has been.

In the meantime it looks like God gave you the answer in the finances - that is really why we ended up with Kolbe instead of MODG when we were studying them both.
Have a great year. Also, how does the Middle School Years work for you - we're using parts of that with Kolbe but I really think I need to see how others have made the Middle School plans work for them. I've liked a lot of what they have but then when it comes to practical implementation of it, I flounder somewhat and don't know quite what to do with it. Do you do all the 5 question papers?

Janet
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time4tea
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Posted: Dec 10 2005 at 2:52pm | IP Logged Quote time4tea

Janet,

Thanks for your reply!

The Middle Grades Lesson Plans have actually been quite simple to use, once I actually got started with them. I admit, when I first looked them over, they seemed overwhelming (maybe because it's a really thick Guide with 4 levels in it? I don't know...). I just used the suggestions listed in the beginning of each grade level for the number of days per week to cover a certain subject, and the schedule provided for each book (such as the reading comprehension Stories of the Saints, and how it is broken down by what activities to focus on each week). No, I do NOT do the 5 Question Papers with my ds per the Guide. That is probably the only area where I really "tweak". I use the suggested topics they provide for each Quarter as a guide, and then I assign my ds activities that I believe would help him learn and retain the information best, whether it is an essay, a drawing, a speech in front of the rest of the family, etc. This is one of the things I have really appreciated about the CHC plans - the fact that I can deviate from them, "tweak" them, without feeling like,"Oh, no, you shouldn't have." We were at one time enrolled with Seton, and even though Seton tells families to fit their plans to their dc, I always had a hard time doing it. Somehow, the CHC materials seem to lend themselves better to customization, I think.

Yes, I WILL miss having a proctor to bounce ideas off of. That was the biggest drawing factor to enrolling in a program for me. I wish there existed somewhere the opportunity to share more regularly with other families who use CHC, especially the Middle Grades Plans, and eventually, the High School of Your Dreams plans, as we will probably be using them in a couple of years.

God bless!

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Posted: Dec 11 2005 at 2:47am | IP Logged Quote ALmom


Thanks for filling me in on what you do with CHC - I was wondering if I was the only one who just couldn't seem to get the 5? history papers going in any productive way. Our dd just seemed to get lost and couldn't get the big picture that way. It's nice to know I'm not the only one.

Perhaps we could share some - (I'm not a great organizer or idea person) but I am using CHC Middle School plans for a 5th grader and an 8th grader (even though the 8th grader is enrolled in Kolbe). I am using Kolbe's science texts, had plans of doing the Missal Latin with them together(but haven't gotten to it at all). We went to reading Ann Carols American History book instead of the 5 ? papers.(I wanted 5th grader, 8th grader and 12th grader all studying the same general history even if they're using different texts as a spine which is why our 8th grader is doing American History instead of what is recommended in 8th grade).

We have found the Stories of the Saints with the paper topics and ideas and the religion materials the most beneficial to us - and have found that the Saints stories really fill in some gaps left by Ann Carrol's books. Unfortunately, I don't always seem to work one on one with dc and CHC seems to require a lot more parent time - but I really want to spend more with each dc - I just haven't quite gotten the time management aspect down and generally we have a more effective learning day if I spend my time with the youngest dc while the older ones work. I really want to try and draw all together but haven't figured out how with everything from 3 yo to 18 yo high school senior (at home). Sometimes I feel like we don't get the maximum benefit from the wonderful CHC materials because I'm not helping dc at all hardly and often we'll forget to work on something. I try very hard not to panic into a catch up mode and am doing better about going with the flow a bit while still maintaining a general direction/road map to get there.

Our 5th grader and 8th grader are off on an Indian tangent right now (as a result of St. Katherine Drexel and CHC materials)- so if any of our stuff overlaps...

We're reading a lot of our literature from Kolbe (but substituting freely). I know what you mean by having a hard time with tailoring Seton(we had the same difficulty you mentioned the two different times we attempted to do their program. It was always stressful to me and the dc).

I do think someone on the message board mentioned a CHC support group/board a while back - you might get some ideas there and/or a little of the kind of support you thought you might like. I haven't gone there yet myself.

Janet.
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Posted: Dec 22 2005 at 4:17pm | IP Logged Quote time4tea

Janet,

I'm sorry I've been so slow to get back here and respond!

The 5 Question Papers are a great idea, but I am wondering if perhaps CHC will "tweak" the plans for the 7th and 8th Grade history when they get ready to print the next edition of the Middle Grades Lesson Plan Guide. I think that between the Lingua Mater and Stories of the Saints, Vol. 3, there is plenty of writing going on in the curriculum anyway.

I am aware of the "CHCchat" group, and have lurked there a bit. It seems like a more general group though, as opposed to limiting the discussion to CHC specific topics. That's fine if that is what the members want, but honestly for me, I need to keep a a real close watch on my computer time, so I try to limit my general homeschool chatting to this board alone. It simplifies things, and for me, the simpler the better!

If anyone is ever interested in a CHC discussion group that is more CHC specific (esp. for those of us who have older kids and are using CHC), I'm game. I'll even help moderate.

Merry Christmas!

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Posted: Jan 03 2006 at 1:19am | IP Logged Quote ALmom

Wow, I'd love that (CHC specific discussions - even how you tweak things/ substitute to make it work for you. I think their religion plans are fabulous)! I haven't been on the CHC web myself because I'm computer illiterate and tend to stick here as my one and only as well. I appreciate your review as it saves me the trouble of looking for it - (or more than likely never getting to it and feeling guilty for all I might be missing - now I know it probably isn't really what I'm looking for). I really gain from this message board because of the variety of ideas and ways to try something. I really do get tons of support here - just in the last year we've found this!

Don't ever worry about time to respond - I know I sometimes look frequently - then find myself needing to back off and take care of my primary duties and may go for quite some time before getting back on. I may be off for a while trying to refocus time in the family.

Janet
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Posted: May 03 2006 at 9:53pm | IP Logged Quote 8kids4me

I would be interested in a CHC specific group...the one I'm on tends to be more of a chat place. I have a 5th grader and 2nd grader, and would like to be able to guide the older one through her middle years.

Cindy B

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Posted: May 04 2006 at 1:51am | IP Logged Quote Helen

Just a note about enrolling in MODG. They usually have more applications for enrollments than they can accept.

If one really wants to enroll with them, you need to apply on the day they open enrollments. I believe it is May 15th this year.

Mother of Divine Grace School

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Posted: Oct 21 2006 at 9:25pm | IP Logged Quote teachingmyown

Can I revive this topic? The actual question never really was fully addressed because the asker found her own answer! I don't think I will be so lucky.

Anyway, my 10th grader is currently enrolled in Seton and he is really struggling with it. I have already opted for Jacob's Geometry over Seton's recommendation and now I am switching biology courses from Seton's to Apologia.

I am contemplating withdrawing from Seton completely. I am still in need of the structure of lesson plans and grading assistance. Much of what he is now doing is what the MODG 10th grade includes.

I am hoping that someone can give me a compare/contrast analysis of MODG and Kolbe for high school. I have used MODG in the past and have not been "taken with" the style of the lesson plans. I don't have much experience with Kolbe other than a short 4th grade stint with it years ago. They both offer a much richer curriculum than Seton.

I am interested in particular about the ease of the plans, which would lend itself better to a reluctant learner. I was scared off by MODG's Earth Science class last year before sending my son to school. One week of it was enough for us both to know it wasn't a good fit.

Thanks so much!

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Posted: Oct 22 2006 at 12:14am | IP Logged Quote ALmom

Molly,

I cannot help you with MODG. I used some of their lesson plans once but have never enrolled. I really had a hard time using their American History (high school) plans as the assignments were much too open ended for us. There was a lot of literature but nothing to pull things together. I don't know if they have more specific ideas if you are enrolled. We might look at their plans or reading your way through history for booklist ideas but that was as helpful as we found it.

We have been enrolled full time with Kolbe for 2 years now - each year I add a few more children. I'll try to give you an honest assessment of the plusses and minuses.

The materials are classical in content - emphasis on ancients in early years of high school, but the school is totally flexible with me. I don't know about the question concerning Latin vs another language as the requirements indicate 2 years of Latin (although they will recognize a number of different texts for that credit) and 1 year of a modern language. Our oldest did not do Latin at all - but we transferred to them in 11th grade. She did 2 years of Spanish. I did not use them for transcript services as we have our own cover school. What this means is that I have greater flexibility than someone who might need the transcript services. You would have to speak with them to verify any concerns here. My other dd wanted Latin and we have a tutor so that just fell into place for us so I haven't pursued what would have happened if she had wanted something different.

Now as far as course work - you are still in charge, even if you are using their transcript services. This is probably my favorite aspect of the school. They really do follow in practice what they say about subsidiarity. We have modified any number of courses.

With my current 9th grader (whom we might decide to use their transcript with), we have combined Ancient Greece and Rome together using RC History and some of Kolbe's paper topics and reading. I will determine what grades our dd gets, whether or not I give her their tests (and they do tell you that you are free to weight things how you want, to modify things as you see fit). If you follow their plans exactly, they note that specially on the diploma/transcript but otherwise they are simply looking at your assigned grade and 2 sample works per subject per quarter. You can get honors credit if you follow certain plans exactly (like honors English or honors History or honors Theology) but you are not obligated to do this.

Personally, I love their theology course. While they use Fr. Laux as one source, they really are reading real church documents and being asked to write a lot of thought provoking papers (about 1 per week). We always do the theology almost as written.

I have more trouble with their literature and history and I modify very heavily here. I certainly do not do all their paper topics or even all their tests. We may not do any this year - except maybe on Homer and the Aenid. I generally do not like exclusive emphasis for so much time on Ancient Civilizations and like to study them in the context of Salvation History - so we spoke with our advisor, who actually even gave us some ideas on how to combine. My biggest fault is trying to do too much and they have repeatedly reminded me that it is better to do a little well, than to fill in all the boxes in the plan. I took some of their suggestions and combined it with RC History plans for salvation history and that is what we are doing. My main complaints are that the plans do not give the child the best overview - but a wonderful snippet view of primary sources and a feel for the culture. We are trying to provide an overview along with some of their primary sources to have a more rounded approach. For our oldest we actually chose to do an 8th grade American History course in 11th grade - rounded out with some paper topics. This was perfectly acceptable to Kolbe - and I believe that they have now added a more traditional history option for those that prefer that path.

The literature and some of the history touches on some mature themes at times and we have always skipped this material. I am really doing my own literature, while using some of their plans. For instance, we will use their plans for Homer, will skip some of the dicier plays and move right into their Aenid plans and St. Augustine plans. Instead of the plays we are doing some of the literature that goes with RC History (much of it from Hillside- particularly CS Lewis and Julius Caesar by Shakespeare (which kolbe covers in 11th grade)). I like having at least a few well thought out essay assignments as one of my weaknesses was being so open-ended that my dc floundered wondering what I really expected. These samples have helped me taylor my own.

I personally, love their science. Actually of all the correspondence schools, I think their science is the most thourough. With our first dd, we did substitute Apologia and that was fine. But I really do like the new science texts and am using these with dd 2. (Now, I am not a science person so I wanted lots of help here. So someone like MacBeth may not be as "in - love" as I am. It is working for us. I will say that the Biology has some, imo, minor areas for discussion, but their lesson plans actually cover it wonderfully. To address one question that came up in about 2 sentences in the text, the students are reading "Faith and Reason". I like this kind of support. I may cover one diagram in the Biolgy text of male organs but the text is not inappropriate at this level. If the students are planning to take AP Biology tests, Kolbe actually recommends some additional work in human reproduction. We're not doing that. Those that are really solidly anti-evolution may not care for the book - but I found it fair, identifying this as a theory. Kolbe has the students again reading from the actual church documents (particlularly Humanis Generis) to make sure the students know the Catholic position.

We have not done a lot of their rhetoric (though I think we should) or vocabulary (I think Wheelock Latin will cover enough vocabulary and grammar for us, personally).

For math, they have options for plans for either Saxon or Jacobs and of course you are free to substitute as needed.

I think that covers the subjects and flexibility. When we first started with them, we were a bit frustrated with some of the AK and tests as they seemed to incorporate some unknown source of info - turns out they were from the Day school and did incorporate questions that were part of lectures that our students weren't privy to. We deleted these, but it was still frustrating. They have since addressed that in the 9th and 10th grade plans (and the elementary and middle grade plans) which have all been re-done now.

The new plans are immensely helpful. They have some bullets for concepts that you might look for in the papers. They have resources for giving hints on how to grade papers (checklists), a revised booklet that discusses AP, clep, ACT, SAT, PSAT and PLAN tests and other pertinent information about college applications that helps the parent be a better guidance counselor. We found them happy and willing to give comments or suggestions when we asked. You do have to ask specifically as they really do not want to interfere with the parents. We have signed up for the optional Enhanced Evaluation Service where they will actually grade up to 15 items per quarter for you (giving a grade or not as you request). These items can be any Kolbe assignment OR any paper even if it is not on the Kolbe syllabus. We have just submitted 2 of our high schooler's papers one on Perelandra by CS Lewis (not a Kolbe assignment and one theology paper (a Kolbe assignment). I asked for grading services because I want to see how someone else will grade my childs papers. However, I will probably grade my own - but still ask for feedback at some point down the road. I may even grade a paper and ask Kolbe to critique me as a grader. These are the kinds of things I really wanted.

Now for some of my complaints. Kolbe has been in a real crunch with revising all these plans so that timliness of orders is sometimes a problem. We are still waiting for some material for the end of the Roman period of study. They also do not have the number of graders that Seton had so turnaround time is a bit longer - but much, much more thourough when you get the feedback. I believe these are growing pains from revising plans and expanding services. The 11th and 12th grade plans are still the older versions. I think the old 11th grade plans had more problems than the old 12th (or maybe I just was more familiar with modern times so could fill in gaps). These are being revised - but may take a bit of time. Plan on not getting any material that is in revision till later than they estimate and you will be better off.

Overall, I have found Kolbe very flexible. They have been helpful with advice - and always respectful of my rights as parent (superior knowledge of my student) and they really do seem to see themselves as consultants to help you - ie you are the primary teacher, they are simply there to assist with whatever you want. I have not seen them to be so stuck on Ignatian/classical that they were unwilling to let you modify. I use their middle grade plans with one of mine and their elementary plans with others - but we don't study any Greek and this is the first year we've done any Latin (and only because we have a co-op offering it). I also freely substitute materials from CHC. We have made a lot of progress since being with Kolbe - and I continue to find their ideas helpful. Not all my dc are natural scholars - and we adjust according to each child. I will also call a year done whether we have finished plans or not if I feel we have made appropriate progress.

Hope this helps you as you look over the different options. I will say that it is very helpful to sit down and figure out exactly what support you, personally, need as we are all different in the level of support or what kind of support we want. Think up some questions that ask specifically for those things and then discuss it with each place you are considering before you sign up. That is how we finally found the right option for us.

Janet
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Posted: Oct 22 2006 at 10:41am | IP Logged Quote Willa

Kolbe is revising high school plans to make it easier for highschoolers to follow independently. Their 9th grade looked good when I saw them a couple of years ago -- I haven't seen the rest.

My kids have never been enrolled in MODG though we've used their syllabi. I believe Earth Science is a particularly challenging syllabus -- more difficult to use than the others. My oldest MODG history/literature and religion (supplementing Kolbe because I was so stretched for time and the Kolbe plans were more bare bones back then) and seemed to find them acceptable.

We have been enrolled in Kolbe the past several years but do a lot of flexing -- I don't use their proctor consultation system that much and we don't use their syllabi as written.

I wish I could be more helpful but that is my limited experience with MODG/Kolbe for what it's worth. My "ideal" is Kolbe -- rich, systematic and thought-provoking.   But I end up implementing their courses different ways for different students.

On Kolbe's web site you can see samples of their course plans -- I really like the format.

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Posted: Oct 22 2006 at 3:44pm | IP Logged Quote Bookswithtea

I have no experience with Kolbe.

Its been my experience that in certain areas, MODG is less open to tweaking than some other programs. We were enrolled with them for about 1 quarter, several years ago. I think if you want to sign up with them, you need to be sure their curriculum is a really good fit for both you and your ds.

Its not easy to get in, either. Its first come, first served unless you personally know a consultant who is willing to take you on.

I do like some of their syllabi. I have been thinking about using Kolbe for transcript services but finding other curriculum since we are not into the classical methodology.

Willa, did you use MODG's science plans for several years? I've often looked at their plans because at least they aren't textbook driven. Did you like them?

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Posted: Oct 22 2006 at 6:25pm | IP Logged Quote Willa

Books,
We had the Earth Science one but I couldn't use it -- too much for me, too many resources to buy and pull in.

We have and liked the Natural History one very much -- seemed quite CM. Oldest son used it for a semester course and my daughter used it pretty much entirely. Second son read most of the books but substituted other things rather than the suggested projects.

I have not seen any others of theirs. I had the impression those ones were mostly just Apologia-textbook based but this was several years ago and perhaps they have changed.   We used Apologia but I just made up my own syllabus.

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Posted: Oct 22 2006 at 7:37pm | IP Logged Quote Bookswithtea

WJFR wrote:
Books,
We had the Earth Science one but I couldn't use it -- too much for me, too many resources to buy and pull in.

We have and liked the Natural History one very much -- seemed quite CM. Oldest son used it for a semester course and my daughter used it pretty much entirely. Second son read most of the books but substituted other things rather than the suggested projects.

I have not seen any others of theirs. I had the impression those ones were mostly just Apologia-textbook based but this was several years ago and perhaps they have changed.   We used Apologia but I just made up my own syllabus.


Thanks for the review. There aren't too many high school programs that even encourage a year of Natural History. I find it appealing, in theory, anyway. I still don't know what I'm going to use for high school science. Ds is using Apologia's Physical Science right now, because we had a coop opportunity. I can't say I'm thrilled with the text though. Seems like Dr. Wile has more of an agenda than I'd prefer...

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Posted: Oct 22 2006 at 11:51pm | IP Logged Quote ALmom

Books:

Kolbe now has new science texts - I hated the older ones and wouldn't use them. I like these a lot. I know you may not want to use a text at all - but just in case, these are the best I've seen. I had the same complaint about Apologia - we used it with our oldest but I was determined to find something better for the next ones.

Janet
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Posted: Oct 24 2006 at 3:53pm | IP Logged Quote Bookswithtea

Something to be aware of with Kolbe. I just got off the phone with Kolbe to confirm, but any classes your child takes early that are high school level (many kids take Alg. 1 or Phys. science, for instance, in the 8th grade) DO NOT count toward credits or GPA or anything with Kolbe. If the child completes Alg 1 in the 8th grade, they are still required to do the same number of math classes at the high school level as another student who waited till the 9th grade(in my mind...I'm thinking, Well what's the point then???).

I don't know how MODG handles this situation.

I do know that NARS grants credit for high school if its high school level, no matter what grade the child is in. I just don't know if their reputation is a good one. Apparently, not just homeschoolers use NARS. Its also used by public schooled ESL students who can't pass their state's exit exams (particularly in Florida). I wonder if the colleges are aware of that and if it looks bad???

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Posted: Oct 24 2006 at 4:52pm | IP Logged Quote Momsix

With MODG High school level courses taken in 8th grade earn toward high school credit and the transcript reflects this. The only time this doesn't apply is with some "Intro" level courses. If a student joins MODG as a 9th grader and takes LCII the transcript will say "Intro to Latin" for a high school credit, but if they take LC II in 8th grade it can't be used for high school credit.
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teachingmyown
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Posted: Oct 24 2006 at 5:16pm | IP Logged Quote teachingmyown

ALmom wrote:
Books:

Kolbe now has new science texts - I hated the older ones and wouldn't use them. I like these a lot. I know you may not want to use a text at all - but just in case, these are the best I've seen. I had the same complaint about Apologia - we used it with our oldest but I was determined to find something better for the next ones.

Janet

Janet,
Can you describe the new science texts and what you like about them?

My son is failing Seton's biology and I just ordered Apologia's Biology. But I am seriously considering switching to Kolbe.

Oh help! I have a way of making everything so complicated!

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Molly
wife to Court & mom to ds '91, dd '96, ds '97, dds '99, '01, '03, '06, and dss '07 and 01/20/11
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ALmom
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Posted: Oct 24 2006 at 9:56pm | IP Logged Quote ALmom

Molly, do you have a way of getting your own transcript?   We are a church school state so I have not had to worry about what Kolbe might or might not accept. If things work out, we use their transcript. If I don't feel like sending everything in or we want to tweak something - like giving credit for Alg. I in 8th, we simply use our church school cover for the transcript and Kolbe for the lesson plans, paper grading and counseling services. Does your son already have some high school math under his belt - or, since he is now enrolled in Seton, would this be on a transcript for him that Kolbe would accept. If I want to do something, and it doesn't seem possible one way, I try to find another angle. The other option might be to figure he has enough math for you, and to get Kolbe's final math credit, let him take one at the local college for college credit so it doesn't seem like wasted time - perhaps accounting or some sort of business math if his path doesn't seem to be in the math and science areas. If our dd could have taken an accounting/ business math course, that would have been relevant to her in one day possibly having her own music studio.

As far as science, the Biology text is colorful (not the most important thing in the world but for a very visual and unenthusiastic student of science, it helps). It seems to be thourough (I'm not the best judge, but most texts that were dry also left me not knowing how to explain things). It includes a timeline of famous scientists related to major discoveries in Biology - not extensive, but still some context. It discussed how science develops a theory and how these can change over time. It addresses, though incompletely, the limits of science and how conclusions are reached when experiments are not possible. They even address (briefly and incompletely), the ethical problems that come with the knowledge gained. (Kolbe plans give more thourough explanations and have the students read church documents to address this more fully). It treats evolution as a theory, not a given fact, though you will find allusions to millions of years (this does not bother me).

There are pages on Issues in Biology that point out conflicting opinions among scientists related to things like conflict of interest. There are also sections on Technology and Society (making artificial skin), careers in Biology, etc. These are scattered throughout the text to make science seem relevant to the student who is not a natural science fan.

The text seemed to have a systematic way to organize the information, did not presume tons of background knowlege and had all the usual study- aids typical of a high school text. If you take the course through Kolbe, you have access to on-line support (experiments and other learning activities) and there is a CD for additional experiment help (I have not actually used either of these yet as we are currently in a co-op doing dissections). For once in my life, I felt competent to help my children if they had trouble understanding something. This also has the on-line support like Apologia.

Throughout the text there are little boxes with quick labs (on the section on muscles, they actually pull back the skin and fat on a large chicken wing to see the muscle, find the tendons, etc.) and also places with web references for activities to reinforce the lesson

There was one diagram of the male reprod. system that I didn't like (with my dd it is easy for me to just cover it up for now) - reading the information was not a problem. There are a few places where AIDs is mentioned as is some other things, but not in a way that really brings up a lot of red flags. It is not a perfect book - we may skip one paragraph on STD's for now, but nothing truely harmful, imo.

In many ways it is very much like a typical high school Biology text, except that it is more balanced, seems to have nothing that is horribly offensive and does not go into excessive detail with human reprod (yet covers it adequately in my opinion). It seems to be really trying to be scientific and free of agendas and sticks to science. The authors do not have a Catholic/Christian worldview necessarily so there are some places that need fuller development - but they seem to stay away from bashing other points of view. It actually was the most unbiased text I've seen. It is a textbook, though.

I think what really sold me was when my oldest dd previewed it for me. I still had the Apologia as a fall back in case I didn't like the Kolbe text. This dd hated science. She was the one I had to pull teeth to get her to do any science at all. She really wanted to practice her music and be done with academics. Give me a cut and dry what you want me to do, let me answer questions, memorize, regurgitate - whatever, she really didn't care as long as she could successfully complete it for a good grade and be done so she could practice. Well, this daughter, showed me the 2 places in the book with the diagram and mention of STDs and then said, "Mom, you know, if I had had a text like this, I might have liked science." I figured that was a pretty good endorsement coming from her!

Hope this helps. Oh and we just got back our first paper from the evaluator. They really did a thorough job and were great at communicating what needed to be fixed in order to do better (not that we did poorly, but this was a big gripe of mine with Seton because I never felt we could figure out what they really wanted. Here, Kolbe was very specific so we can learn from what we did!)

Janet
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