Update: This live course has concluded and is available now as a recorded course through our Unlimited Access! Service. This is a great way to learn at your own pace when your schedule allows. To subscribe or learn more: Middle and High School Catholic Online Classes
Advanced American Government will be starting a week later than originally scheduled. So, if you'd like to join us, there is still time. While it is recommended that students take Mr. Rivet's introductory government course first, it is not required. Any student with a basic understanding of government and has a desire to learn and work can handle this course. They may have to go back and fill in a detail or two to help make sense of a few things, but much of the material stands alone. So, Government I is not critical to doing well. We hope to see at noon Eastern on Friday, September 16th!
And now, introducing Mr. Rivet, our government instructor. (Make sure to watch to the end for a good laugh!)
Note: This is a FREE course. We only ask that you come to class with the same commitment you would come with if you had to pay the regular $140 fee.
To learn more: Advanced American Government for Catholic Homeschoolers
To register: Advanced American Government with Mr. Rivet
Monday, September 5, 2011
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Computer People Love Homeschool Connections
Our very own Phillip Campbell (History and Economics instructor) created this video. Thank you, Mr. Campbell!
Friday, September 2, 2011
High School Science: Anatomy & Physiology
Update: This live course has concluded and is available now as a recorded course through our Unlimited Access! Service. This is a great way to learn at your own pace when your schedule allows. To subscribe or learn more: Middle and High School Catholic Online Classes
Science: Heart and Lungs; the Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems (Anatomy & Physiology)
Science: Heart and Lungs; the Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems (Anatomy & Physiology)
(click on course title to register)
Class dates: Wednesdays, September 7 to November 30, 2011. No class Nov. 23 (Thanksgiving).
Total classes: 12
Starting time: 12:30 pm Eastern (11:30 Central)
Duration: 1 hour
Prerequisite: None
Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade
Fee: $160 if you register on or before August 1, 2011. $185 after Aug. 1 for all 12 classes. (Note: Enrollment is limited. We will open up a waiting list if it fills.)
Instructor: Kris Correira, PA-C, MHP
Course description: Your heart beats around 100,000 times, and your lungs take 18,000 breaths in a day. How do these amazing organs work? Learn about the beauty and precision of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems as only God could design. We will also look at some of the more common diseases that can afflict these systems.
Course outline:
Heart Anatomy
Controlling the Heartbeat
Blood Vessels
Circulation
Cardiovascular Diseases
Airway Anatomy
The Journey of a Breath of Air
pH and Hemoglobin
Controlling Breathing
Pulmonary Diseases
Course materials: A FREE pdf textbook will be provided as well as links to online resources.
Homework: The course will consist of 10 lectures, a midterm, and a final exam. Homework will be assigned throughout the semester. Students will take a quiz each week before the lecture starts. Graded by the instructor.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Catholic Homeschooling and Philosophy
Dr. Rioux explains Early Modern Philosophy ...
To learn all the details: High School Philosophy: Early Modern Philosophers
To register: http://tinyurl.com/hscathphilosophy
To learn all the details: High School Philosophy: Early Modern Philosophers
To register: http://tinyurl.com/hscathphilosophy
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Catholic Homeschooling and High School Economics
Mr. Campbell takes a minute to tell you about his upcoming high school economics course:
For more information about the course: Economics as if People Matter
For more information about the course: Economics as if People Matter
Friday, August 12, 2011
FAQ: Arthurian Literature with Writing (7th to 9th Grade)
We received a recent email regarding the writing component of the English: The Heroic in Arthurian Literature course (click on course title for more information).Q: I am interested in the junior high literature/writing course for my 13-year-old son, but I'm wondering how much of the course is focused on essay writing instruction and how much is focused on literature study with the expectation that the students will already know how to write essays. My son needs more help writing essays. He's not done very much and I don't want to sign him up for a course that is going to frustrate him by expecting him to be more proficient in essay writing than he is. Thank you for your help!
A: Miss Brock will work with any level a student is currently at when entering in the class. The classes will be lecture based and she will give very specific instructions for their responses. The goal is for the students to learn how to develop a thesis and find evidence to support that thesis in order to become more confident in their opinions on a particular topic. Miss Brock will give them opportunity to take a stand on a topic for each essay assigned and so it will hopefully become an exercise of rhetoric and learning to build an argument. Efforts toward development of a thesis and support will be rewarded. We know that students of this age are learning how to write and so Miss Brock will not expect them to come in knowing how to write a full fledged essay of great awe and wonder. However, we believe that the training wheels need to be put on at middle school to early high school age to develop their ideas through writing with support.
If you have questions about this or any course, please don't hesitate to leave a comment below.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
FAQ: Philosphy
While this class is not for the faint-hearted, it's not something only intellectual Amazons can handle. Among the many things Dr. Rious does very well, making the moderns understandable is right up there. I find it hard to wrap my brain around some of the ideas and principles the moderns hold, especially because I am such a concrete thinker. However, the moderns have such a huge impact on the world we live in today that it is imperative we better understand them. Especially, where and why they went so wrong. This way we can avoid making similar mistakes and help others to recognize error when they encounter it.
From Dr. Rioux on why this course is designed for 11th and 12th grade:
I intentionally placed the level of instruction for this course at the junior and senior high-school level. In my experience, students who have studied some ancient and medieval philosophy react to the moderns in a similar way: they cannot believe someone would actually hold these things!
For example, George Berkeley denies the existence of the material world, and René Descartes' standard for human knowledge appears impossibly rigorous. There is often a feeling of being "at sea" and, in many cases, of deciding that these authors, with their outlandish views, need not be taken seriously, which would be a great mistake for students preparing to begin college life, where they will encounter the profound influences these thinkers have had firsthand.
That's why students need to be more intellectually mature when approaching them. In addition, the readings I have set out are longer and more difficult than in any other course I've taught through Homeschool Connections: we'll be reading about 200 pages of fairly difficult material over the course of twelve classes. (Note also that the course schedule on the Homeschool Connections site has been changed slightly: we'll be spending two courses on Descartes, one on Spinoza, two on Leibniz, two each on Locke, Berkeley, and Hume, and one on Kant.)
Jean W. Rioux, Ph.D.
Professor and Philosophy Department Chair
Benedictine College
1020 North Second Street
Atchison, KS 66002
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Free e-Books for AP English
The following e-books for our AP English course can be found free. Click on the title to download. Advanced Placement Literature & Composition with Laurie Gill, M.Ed. Lord of the World by Robert Hugh Benson The Last Man by Mary Shelley Hamlet by William Shakespeare Othello by William Shakespeare Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Dracula by Brom Stoker Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte Emma by Jane Austin The Count of Monte Christo by Alexander Dumont A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens The Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
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Friday, August 5, 2011
Writing for Middle and High School
Enrollment in the upcoming fall course Writing for High School is full and therefore registration is closed. If you would like to be put on a waiting list for the course, please email homeschoolconnections@gmail.com and put Writing for High School Waiting List in the subject bar.We are considering adding another writing course if the demand supports it and we get enough students on the waiting list.
Also, we currently offer two other writing courses that still have plenty of seats available for now.
English: The Heroic in Arthurian Literature is a 7th to 9th grade course that teaches writing skills through literature. We offered a similar course last year based on Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn that was quite excellent. To register: http://tinyurl.com/arthurwriting
Writing for College is for 11th to 12th grade and will be offered in the spring. We have offered this course in the past so it is also available as part of the Subscription Service (recorded courses).
Please email or leave a comment below if you have any questions.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Discounts Extended!
Homeschool Connections has decided to extend a special offer to homeschool families. We are keeping the Early Enrollment Discount in affect for the following three courses. This is a savings of up to $90 if you enroll in all three!!!This is an indefinite extension of the discount, so register soon so you don't miss out.
Middle School Literature and Writing
English: The Heroic in Arthurian Literature with Dayspring Brock, MA
High School Philosophy
Introduction to Early Modern Philosophy with Jean Rioux, Ph.D.
High School Government
Advanced American Government with Ed Rivet, MPA
Please click on the course titles for more information or to register. And don't hesitate to leave a comment if you have any questions.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Language: Spanish I
Update: This live course has concluded and is available now as a recorded course through our Unlimited Access! Service. This is a great way to learn at your own pace when your schedule allows. To subscribe or learn more: Middle and High School Catholic Online Classes
Language: Spanish I, Part One
Language: Spanish I, Part One
(click on title above to register)
Class dates: Thursdays, Sept. 8 to Dec. 1. No class Nov. 24 (Thanksgiving).
Total classes: 12
Starting time: Noon Eastern (11:00 am Central)
Duration: 1 hour
Prerequisite: None
Suggested grade level: 8th to 12th
Fee: $160 if you register on or before August 1, 2011. $195 after Aug. 1 for all 12 classes
Instructor: Irma Luz Schmitt
Course description: Students will learn to grammar and be given the foundation to speak the language. In first year Spanish you will learn basic words, verb tenses, how to speak basic sentences, etc.
Course materials: Spanish: Middle / High School (Skills for Success)
Homework: All assignments will be graded by the instructor.
Equipment requirements: Classes are online, live and interactive. Students are required to have high-speed internet and a headset with microphone.
Misc:
Mrs. Schmitt will be available via email in between classes for questions and comments.
Recordings of classes are provided to students within 24 hours and available for 6 months.
Homeschool Connections does not provide record keeping services.
(click on title above to register)
Friday, July 29, 2011
High School Science: Heart and Lungs; the Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems
Update: This live course has concluded and is available now as a recorded course through our Unlimited Access! Service. This is a great way to learn at your own pace when your schedule allows. To subscribe or learn more: Middle and High School Catholic Online Classes
Science: Heart and Lungs; the Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems (Anatomy & Physiology)
Science: Heart and Lungs; the Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems (Anatomy & Physiology)
(click on title above to register)
Class dates: Wednesdays, September 7 to November 30, 2011. No class Nov. 23 (Thanksgiving).Total classes: 12
Starting time: 12:30 pm Eastern (11:30 Central)
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Prerequisite: None
Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade
Fee: $160 if you register on or before August 1, 2011. $185 after Aug. 1 for all 12 classes. (Note: Enrollment is limited. We will open up a waiting list if it fills.)
Instructor: Kris Correira, PA-C, MHP
Course description: Your heart beats around 100,000 times, and your lungs take 18,000 breaths in a day. How do these amazing organs work? Learn about the beauty and precision of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems as only God could design. We will also look at some of the more common diseases that can afflict these systems.
Course outline:
- Heart Anatomy
- Controlling the Heartbeat
- Blood Vessels
- Circulation
- Cardiovascular Diseases
- Airway Anatomy
- The Journey of a Breath of Air
- pH and Hemoglobin
- Controlling Breathing
- Pulmonary Diseases
Homework: The course will include a midterm and a final exam. Homework will be assigned throughout the semester. Students will take a quiz each week before the lecture starts. Will be graded by the instructor.
Equipment requirements: Classes are online, live and interactive. Students are required to have high-speed internet and a headset with microphone.
Misc:
Mrs. Correira will be available via email in between classes for questions and comments.
Recordings of classes are provided to students within 24 hours and available for 6 months.
Homeschool Connections does not provide record keeping services.
(click on title above to register)
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Are You Ready for Algebra? Pre-Algebra?
The new school year begins in just a month for many families. If you'll be tackling Pre-Algebra or Algebra this school year, and would like a little help, we're here to provide it.
Starting Monday, we are offering two 2-week long summer boot camps to help prepare students for their upcoming math studies. All course materials will be provided FREE by the instructor.
Math Boot Camp: Preparing for Pre-Algebra
Class dates: Monday through Thursday, August 1 to August 11, 2011
Total classes: 8
Starting time: 10 am Eastern (9 am Central)
Duration: 1 hour
Prerequisite: Basic computation skills, adding subtracting, multiplying and dividing integers.
Suggested grade level: 6th to 9th
Fee: $100 for all 8 classes.
Instructor: Jean Hoeft, MA
Course description: Students will begin the rudiments of algebra: solving simple equations, graphing lines and learning about how finding a variable changes everything!
Course materials: Provided free by the instructor
Homework: At least 30 minutes every day after the class with a culmination activity on the final class.
Math Boot Camp: Preparing for Algebra
Class dates: Monday through Thursday, August 1 to August 14, 2011
Total classes: 8
Starting time: 11:30 am Eastern (10:30 am Central)
Duration: 1 hour
Prerequisite: Basic math skills, multiplication tables, and fractions a must!
Suggested grade level: 7th to 10th
Fee: $100 for all 8 classes.
Instructor: Jean Hoeft, MA
Course description: Students will brush up on algebra skills using more advanced problem solving and both linear and non-linear equations alike.
Course materials: Provided free by the instructor
Homework: At least 30 minutes after each class with a culmination activity on the last class.
Instructor's biography: Jean Hoeft has been a math and algebra teacher for 22 years. She has a BA from the University of Michigan and a MA from Marygrove University. Jean has taught the confirmation class at her Catholic parish for 27 years. She loves gardening, sudoku puzzles, raising chickens, reading, knitting, and everything Catholic.
Equipment requirements: Students are required to have high-speed internet and a headset with microphone.
Misc: Mrs. Hoeft will be available via email in between classes for questions and comments.
Recordings of classes are provided to students within 24 hours and available for 6 months.
Homeschool Connections does not provide record keeping services.
Misc: Mrs. Hoeft will be available via email in between classes for questions and comments.
Recordings of classes are provided to students within 24 hours and available for 6 months.
Homeschool Connections does not provide record keeping services.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Free Book Giveaway: Olivia and the Little Way
It's time for a Free Book Giveaway!!! I love free books!
You can enter the contest four different ways, increasing your chances of winning:
- Leave a comment here at the blog (below and make sure we know how to contact you). Tell us why you'd love to win this book or why you love Homeschool Connections.
- Leave a comment at our Facebook fan page, https://www.facebook.com/homeschoolconnections.
- Follow us and then post about the contest @homeschoolcnnct on Twitter.
- Sign up for our e-newsletter. The sign up box is at the top right column of this blog.
Do all four to increase your chances to win!
Thank you's go to Hillside Education for providing the books. Make sure to visit their website as they have a lot of wonderful offerings for Catholic homeschool families.
Thank you's go to Hillside Education for providing the books. Make sure to visit their website as they have a lot of wonderful offerings for Catholic homeschool families.
Contest ends August 2, 2011 at noon Eastern. Winners will be chosen by a random drawing. Good luck!
Monday, July 4, 2011
How Do I Make a Homeschool Transcript for College?
Recorded webinar:
The live webinar (online seminar) went wonderfully. In case you didn't make it, we've made the recording available for you.
I highly encourage this webinar, especially if you're homeschooling high school. This is a great presentation to learn how to create your child's transcript and prepare for the application process. Drew Johnson, Admissions Counselor for the University of Dallas, does an excellent job of giving you exactly the tools you need.
Just click on the hyperlink above and the recording should start in a minute or two.
Title: The Art of Bragging: Building Your College Application and Transcript
Description: Worried about building the transcript? Have questions about applications? Drew Johnson breaks down the parts of the application and teaches you how to build a transcript using real world examples. He answers many common questions on applying to colleges and helps you prepare questions to ask your admission counselor. Concerns such as state laws, curriculum requirements, and are also addressed.
Presenter: Drew Johnson
Monday, June 13, 2011
FAQ: AP English
We have been receiving a few questions about our new Advanced Placement course, AP English: Literature and Composition; What Good is a Good Story. Just in case you have similar questions, we are posting them here. Please feel free to leave a comment below or email us if you have further questions. We would also love to hear your suggestions if you have them.
Q: My son plans to take your AP English class. Can you tell me how many college credits he would earn if passing the College Board?
A: Credit is determined by the accepting college, based on the student's score. If your child has one or more colleges in mind, we suggest contacting them to ask if they accept AP credit and how much is given. Here is the college board's link to AP credit acceptance policy at most colleges and universities. It is always wise to contact the university, as policies do change. Note that the college board applet also links to the schools' websites and AP policies.
Basically, there are two things taking an AP class can do for a high school student. First, it prepares him or her for the AP exam. That exam gives students the opportunity to demonstrate that they are competent in college level work in the subject matter. A 3 is considered a passing score. Many schools give some credit for a three; most give 3 to 6 hours of credit for a score of 4 or 5 on either of the English exams. Some selective schools use AP scores not for credit, but for placement.
Q: What is the value in taking an AP course?
A: As discussed in the previous answer, college credit can be earned. This can save a parent and student a substantial amount of tuition as well as open the possibility of taking more challenging courses.
The second advantage of taking an AP course is its value in demonstrating the level of your curriculum. Many universities want to see that applicants have taken the most challenging courses available, and they know AP classes are challenging. particularly if you are interested in selective college admissions, the AP designation on the transcript is can be as valuable as the score/advanced credit option.
Mrs. Gill is a dual enrollment teacher for English in a Catholic high school as well as an AP teacher. In her opinion, AP is the superior program.
Q: I plan to enroll in the AP English course. Can I get the book list so that I can begin reading over the summer?
A: Yes, you can find it HERE.
Q: My daughter is enrolled in MODG (Mother of Divine Grace). MODG doesn't offer AP credits at this time. Can she take the AP course while still being enrolled in MODG? Does Homeschool Connections provide official transcripts? Thank you so much.
A: We do not provide official transcripts though we would be happy to supply MODG with your child's grades and credits on a request basis (records are kept for 180 days from course completion). We are not a full service home study school like MODG. Instead, we offer individual courses. We get a number of MODG as well as Kolbe and Seton students. You should always get approval from your consultant first so that you can get credit through MODG and it shows on your transcript from them.
Q: Hi, maybe I missed this but are any of your high school courses set up for duel enrollment college credits? Thank you very much
A: No, not at this time. We are currently considering working with a Catholic university to offer dual enrollment in the future.
Also note that we do offer AP English (Advanced Placement) which offers college credit through the College Board. At the end of the school year, the students takes the AP English (Literature and Composition) test locally. Once they pass, they receive the credit through the College Board. We are currently working to add more AP courses, including AP Latin, in the future.
Here is information on the 1st semester of our AP English course:
http://homeschoolconnectionsonline.blogspot.com/2011/04/online-advanced-placement-literature.html
Here is general information from the College Board on how AP works:
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/sub_englit.html
Q: My son has taken some courses with you and has been very pleased. I saw the AP Lit class for the fall and became very excited. It is exactly the type of class I was looking for ... AP lit through a Catholic lens. However, after reading about the work load and time commitment involved, I realized there is no way he would have time for this course. I personally believe the commitment is a bit unreasonable especially for most high school junior and seniors most of whom would be college bound (SAT prep, college apps, etc that need to be done as well) .
I am just communicating my disappointment in the hopes that in the future you might offer the same course but with less time involved. Thanks for listening.
A: Our AP course has been reviewed and approved by the College Board. They require a very high level of commitment. If we do not meet their criteria then we cannot officially designate a course as AP.
However, we are always working to make sure all students are served. I believe that we can offer a similar high school experience with less commitment. By taking Dr. Russell's literature courses along with Dr. Gotcher's writing courses, a junior or senior will receive solid Catholic teaching in the area of literature and composition. The work load would less but still very high quality. Plus it would still prepare students for college (sans the AP credit).
Q: Can one take the AP recorded (vs. live) class and still be eligible for taking the exam?
A: Anyone can take the exam. The question is whether or not a student will be properly prepared without taking the course. One student we know of, did not take an AP US History course, and was able to score a 4 on the exam, enough to get credit at a fairly selective university (USC). So, it is possible.
With the recorded course, you would still have access to the recorded classes, homework assignments, and support materials. The parent and student would need to be self motivated. Also, instructor feedback and peer interaction would not necessarily be available and this is important to truly getting the AP as well as college-level experience. We are currently working on a program to provide grading services for our recorded courses (for a separate fee). So, by the time this course is made available as a Recorded Course it is possible we will be able to provide that service for you.
Aside from the test, taking the course itself can help with college admissions. Colleges like to see that students have sought a challenging path, and they know what AP delivers. To some degree, it is more advantageous to be able to have AP on your transcript than it is to take and pass the exam. Using an example of another graduate, who attends the United States Military Academy (West Point), no advanced credit was given. However, taking a full range of AP courses was doubtlessly helpful in gaining admission to this highly selective school.
Q: Which is better, AP or ACC?
A: We personally like AP better than ACC (advanced college credit). By forcing students to perform on an exam, AP guarantees that they are capable of college level discourse. ACC courses can vary widely in content, quality and level. The AP test runs about $80, usually quite a bit cheaper than the charge of most ACC programs.
Q: Will you be offering any more AP courses in the near future???
A: We hope so. If there is a demand for more AP courses in other subjects, then we will begin the process of creating such courses. It will depend on enrollment next semester as well as feedback from parents and students.
Q: Have you heard which good Catholic higher learning schools might accept AP?
A: Most colleges offer credit for the AP English exams. Many of Mrs. Gill's past students, for example, have gotten 6 hours credit at U Dallas for scoring a 4 or a 5 on the AP Lit exam.
The link below is the college board's search utility for college credit, but policies change and can vary from department to department, so it is best to check with your university.
http://collegesearch.collegeboard.com/apcreditpolicy/index.jsp
Q: Hi. My daughter will be a homeschooled junior next school year. She is very interested in taking the AP English course on Homeschool Connections next year. We see that you require special permission from the instructor for those who are not 17 yet. She will be turning 16 this June. She has not been moved ahead a year, she is just on the younger side of her grade.
She has taken several out-of-home classes. As a freshman, she received permission to take a literary analysis class taught by a Ph.D. candidate. In that class she received an A. The year before, she took a class from a published author who teaches many writing and literature classes to homeschoolers in our area. There she earned an A and was told by the instructor that she was writing at college level and "won" his award for best student out of all of his classes, beating out seniors. She reads Shakespeare for fun!
I understand that the issue may be about sensitive subjects. She took a class this year, a history/lit combined class out of the home. The teacher did point out issues in several of the books (for instance, All Quiet on the Western Front comes to mind, and there were others).
And as far as the load of reading, this is a child who "gets in trouble" for reading "too long". She would welcome the "it's for my class!!!!" response!
A: Our chief concern about younger students in the AP literature class has to do with the moral complexity of some of the works. The capstone novel at the end of the course is The Power and the Glory by Grahan Greene, a beautiful novel about mercy and Divine Providence, but one that can be troubling to young people due to the reprehensible character of the protagonist, who is a priest. Parents need to know from the outset that some of the ideas are complex and mature. In our philosophy, you are the best ones to judge whether or not an exposure could be damaging or premature. We would trust to your judgment.
In our experience, younger students also struggle with analysis, but it may be the case that your daughter is an exception. If you do not object to the content of the course, she is free to take it and we will look forward to working with her.
Q: This AP English class is exactly what my daughter needs for the fall. I do have one concern: What is the Thursday time commitment? (She has theater 6:30-8:30 Central Time)
I spoke with University of St. Thomas Houston and U Dallas already regarding AP English, and this course will be a good match. These are the schools my daughter is most interested in attending.
A: AP English meets for a total of 30 weeks over 2 semesters. Tuesdays are lecture and Thursdays are lab/discussion.
We could try out the class for your daughter because the discussion/lab will have a strong online component. She could participate in our discussions, just not in real time. We are willing to try to make it work.
Though students gain a great deal from interaction with one another, the instructor will only occasionally grade those discussions. Most of the students' preparation is through reading and writing and your daughter's writing will be graded and commented on by Mrs. Gill. For that reason, this could work. We would love to help your daughter get college credit for English.
Q: My son plans to take your AP English class. Can you tell me how many college credits he would earn if passing the College Board?
A: Credit is determined by the accepting college, based on the student's score. If your child has one or more colleges in mind, we suggest contacting them to ask if they accept AP credit and how much is given. Here is the college board's link to AP credit acceptance policy at most colleges and universities. It is always wise to contact the university, as policies do change. Note that the college board applet also links to the schools' websites and AP policies.
Basically, there are two things taking an AP class can do for a high school student. First, it prepares him or her for the AP exam. That exam gives students the opportunity to demonstrate that they are competent in college level work in the subject matter. A 3 is considered a passing score. Many schools give some credit for a three; most give 3 to 6 hours of credit for a score of 4 or 5 on either of the English exams. Some selective schools use AP scores not for credit, but for placement.
Q: What is the value in taking an AP course?
A: As discussed in the previous answer, college credit can be earned. This can save a parent and student a substantial amount of tuition as well as open the possibility of taking more challenging courses.
The second advantage of taking an AP course is its value in demonstrating the level of your curriculum. Many universities want to see that applicants have taken the most challenging courses available, and they know AP classes are challenging. particularly if you are interested in selective college admissions, the AP designation on the transcript is can be as valuable as the score/advanced credit option.
Mrs. Gill is a dual enrollment teacher for English in a Catholic high school as well as an AP teacher. In her opinion, AP is the superior program.
Q: I plan to enroll in the AP English course. Can I get the book list so that I can begin reading over the summer?
A: Yes, you can find it HERE.
Q: My daughter is enrolled in MODG (Mother of Divine Grace). MODG doesn't offer AP credits at this time. Can she take the AP course while still being enrolled in MODG? Does Homeschool Connections provide official transcripts? Thank you so much.
A: We do not provide official transcripts though we would be happy to supply MODG with your child's grades and credits on a request basis (records are kept for 180 days from course completion). We are not a full service home study school like MODG. Instead, we offer individual courses. We get a number of MODG as well as Kolbe and Seton students. You should always get approval from your consultant first so that you can get credit through MODG and it shows on your transcript from them.
Q: Hi, maybe I missed this but are any of your high school courses set up for duel enrollment college credits? Thank you very much
A: No, not at this time. We are currently considering working with a Catholic university to offer dual enrollment in the future.
Also note that we do offer AP English (Advanced Placement) which offers college credit through the College Board. At the end of the school year, the students takes the AP English (Literature and Composition) test locally. Once they pass, they receive the credit through the College Board. We are currently working to add more AP courses, including AP Latin, in the future.
Here is information on the 1st semester of our AP English course:
http://homeschoolconnectionsonline.blogspot.com/2011/04/online-advanced-placement-literature.html
Here is general information from the College Board on how AP works:
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/sub_englit.html
Q: My son has taken some courses with you and has been very pleased. I saw the AP Lit class for the fall and became very excited. It is exactly the type of class I was looking for ... AP lit through a Catholic lens. However, after reading about the work load and time commitment involved, I realized there is no way he would have time for this course. I personally believe the commitment is a bit unreasonable especially for most high school junior and seniors most of whom would be college bound (SAT prep, college apps, etc that need to be done as well) .
I am just communicating my disappointment in the hopes that in the future you might offer the same course but with less time involved. Thanks for listening.
A: Our AP course has been reviewed and approved by the College Board. They require a very high level of commitment. If we do not meet their criteria then we cannot officially designate a course as AP.
However, we are always working to make sure all students are served. I believe that we can offer a similar high school experience with less commitment. By taking Dr. Russell's literature courses along with Dr. Gotcher's writing courses, a junior or senior will receive solid Catholic teaching in the area of literature and composition. The work load would less but still very high quality. Plus it would still prepare students for college (sans the AP credit).
Q: Can one take the AP recorded (vs. live) class and still be eligible for taking the exam?
A: Anyone can take the exam. The question is whether or not a student will be properly prepared without taking the course. One student we know of, did not take an AP US History course, and was able to score a 4 on the exam, enough to get credit at a fairly selective university (USC). So, it is possible.
With the recorded course, you would still have access to the recorded classes, homework assignments, and support materials. The parent and student would need to be self motivated. Also, instructor feedback and peer interaction would not necessarily be available and this is important to truly getting the AP as well as college-level experience. We are currently working on a program to provide grading services for our recorded courses (for a separate fee). So, by the time this course is made available as a Recorded Course it is possible we will be able to provide that service for you.
Aside from the test, taking the course itself can help with college admissions. Colleges like to see that students have sought a challenging path, and they know what AP delivers. To some degree, it is more advantageous to be able to have AP on your transcript than it is to take and pass the exam. Using an example of another graduate, who attends the United States Military Academy (West Point), no advanced credit was given. However, taking a full range of AP courses was doubtlessly helpful in gaining admission to this highly selective school.
Q: Which is better, AP or ACC?
A: We personally like AP better than ACC (advanced college credit). By forcing students to perform on an exam, AP guarantees that they are capable of college level discourse. ACC courses can vary widely in content, quality and level. The AP test runs about $80, usually quite a bit cheaper than the charge of most ACC programs.
Q: Will you be offering any more AP courses in the near future???
A: We hope so. If there is a demand for more AP courses in other subjects, then we will begin the process of creating such courses. It will depend on enrollment next semester as well as feedback from parents and students.
Q: Have you heard which good Catholic higher learning schools might accept AP?
A: Most colleges offer credit for the AP English exams. Many of Mrs. Gill's past students, for example, have gotten 6 hours credit at U Dallas for scoring a 4 or a 5 on the AP Lit exam.
The link below is the college board's search utility for college credit, but policies change and can vary from department to department, so it is best to check with your university.
http://collegesearch.collegeboard.com/apcreditpolicy/index.jsp
Q: Hi. My daughter will be a homeschooled junior next school year. She is very interested in taking the AP English course on Homeschool Connections next year. We see that you require special permission from the instructor for those who are not 17 yet. She will be turning 16 this June. She has not been moved ahead a year, she is just on the younger side of her grade.
She has taken several out-of-home classes. As a freshman, she received permission to take a literary analysis class taught by a Ph.D. candidate. In that class she received an A. The year before, she took a class from a published author who teaches many writing and literature classes to homeschoolers in our area. There she earned an A and was told by the instructor that she was writing at college level and "won" his award for best student out of all of his classes, beating out seniors. She reads Shakespeare for fun!
I understand that the issue may be about sensitive subjects. She took a class this year, a history/lit combined class out of the home. The teacher did point out issues in several of the books (for instance, All Quiet on the Western Front comes to mind, and there were others).
And as far as the load of reading, this is a child who "gets in trouble" for reading "too long". She would welcome the "it's for my class!!!!" response!
A: Our chief concern about younger students in the AP literature class has to do with the moral complexity of some of the works. The capstone novel at the end of the course is The Power and the Glory by Grahan Greene, a beautiful novel about mercy and Divine Providence, but one that can be troubling to young people due to the reprehensible character of the protagonist, who is a priest. Parents need to know from the outset that some of the ideas are complex and mature. In our philosophy, you are the best ones to judge whether or not an exposure could be damaging or premature. We would trust to your judgment.
In our experience, younger students also struggle with analysis, but it may be the case that your daughter is an exception. If you do not object to the content of the course, she is free to take it and we will look forward to working with her.
Q: This AP English class is exactly what my daughter needs for the fall. I do have one concern: What is the Thursday time commitment? (She has theater 6:30-8:30 Central Time)
I spoke with University of St. Thomas Houston and U Dallas already regarding AP English, and this course will be a good match. These are the schools my daughter is most interested in attending.
A: AP English meets for a total of 30 weeks over 2 semesters. Tuesdays are lecture and Thursdays are lab/discussion.
We could try out the class for your daughter because the discussion/lab will have a strong online component. She could participate in our discussions, just not in real time. We are willing to try to make it work.
Though students gain a great deal from interaction with one another, the instructor will only occasionally grade those discussions. Most of the students' preparation is through reading and writing and your daughter's writing will be graded and commented on by Mrs. Gill. For that reason, this could work. We would love to help your daughter get college credit for English.
If this ends up not being a fit for you, then another option is Dr. Russell's literature classes on Tuesdays at 10 am (Eastern). His are purely lecture with quizzes + answer keys provided. Dr. Russell taught literature at Franciscan University and was head of the literature department at Ava Maria so his lectures are quite insightful. His 2011/2012 Homeschool Connections courses are recommended for 11th, 12th, and college level.
Other courses that would be on the challenge level would be Miss Ashour's theology courses, Mr. Rivet's Advanced American Government, Dr. Gotcher's Writing for College and Dr. Rioux's Early Modern Philosophers.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Reading List: AP English
For AP students who wish to get a head start over the summer, here is the reading list and suggested prerequisites:
AP Literature and Composition List of Books and Supplies
Helpful Prerequisite: A background in Scripture and either The Odyssey, The Illiad or a suitable breadth of knowledge of classical mythology. (If you do not have this background, Homeschool Connections offers recorded courses on all of these topics which can be taken anytime including summer.)
Summer Reading: All students should come to the first class gathering having recently read one of the novels on the free reading list (scroll to the bottom).
Semester One:
Unit I: Your Literacy Profile
Unit II: Epic structure (Dante’s Inferno (Hell) OR The Aeneid)
Unit III: Here is God’s Plenty (selections from The Canterbury Tales)
Unit IV: A Bang or a Whimper: Apocalyptic Imagery in Novels about the End of the World. Students choose one from the list below or may suggest another novel of literary merit about the end of the world:
Father Elijah by Michael O’Brien
Alas Babylon by Pat Frank
Plague Journal by Michael O’Brien
Lord of the World by Robert Hugh Benson
Last Man by Mary Shelley
The Road by Cormac McCarthy
Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter Miller
Semester Two:
Unit V: Family Dramas
Othello
AND
Hamlet
Unit VI: Poetry boot camp
Unit VII: Science, fiction and the horror! (Students’ choice of one)
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
OR
Dracula by Bram Stoker
Unit VIII: Frailty and redemption
The Power and the Glory by Graham Greene
Additional Free Reading:
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Emma by Jane Austen
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumont
The Picture of Dorian Grey by Oscar Wilde
Cry the Beloved Country by Alan Paton
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
The Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
Another suitable work of literary merit, with instructor’s approval.
Note that most of these books can be borrowed from the library (check inner- and inter-library loan options). Some can also be found online free at places such as Project Gutenberg.
Please do not hesitate to email Homeschool Connections with any questions, comments, or suggestions.
ADDENDUM: Here is a list of books found free online: Free e-Books for AP English
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Catholic Books on Kindle
I love Louis de Wohl novels and recently purchased The Last Crusader for my Kindle. I'm very happy that Ignatius Press is making many of the de Wohl novels on Kindle along with many of their other titles including the Ignatius Bible.
Ignatius isn't the only Catholic publisher converting current and past titles for e-readers. Just take a look ...
Behold Publications (formerly Ecce Homo Press) is converting many of their beloved children's books including their Glory of America series and history mysteries.
Arx Publishing, owned by Catholic homeschool father Tony Schiavo, is also converting their wonderful historical fiction books to Kindle including the awesome Belisarius.
Our Sunday Visitor, Loyola, Ascension, Servant and many others are also making their titles available for e-readers.
Here is a list of Catholic homeschooling books currently available on Kindle:
If you come across a book on Amazon that you would like to see made available on Kindle, there is a link just below the book image that says, "Tell the Publisher! I'd like to read this book on Kindle." Click on that and Amazon will notify the publisher of the request.
Ignatius isn't the only Catholic publisher converting current and past titles for e-readers. Just take a look ...
Behold Publications (formerly Ecce Homo Press) is converting many of their beloved children's books including their Glory of America series and history mysteries.
Arx Publishing, owned by Catholic homeschool father Tony Schiavo, is also converting their wonderful historical fiction books to Kindle including the awesome Belisarius.
Our Sunday Visitor, Loyola, Ascension, Servant and many others are also making their titles available for e-readers.
Here is a list of Catholic homeschooling books currently available on Kindle:
- For the Love of Literature by Maureen Wittmann
- The Catholic Homeschool Companion edited and compiled by Maureen Wittmann and Rachel Mackson
- Designing Your Own Classical Curriculum by Laura Berquist
- A Catholic Homeschool Treasury edited and compiled by Maureen Wittmann and Rachel Mackson
If you come across a book on Amazon that you would like to see made available on Kindle, there is a link just below the book image that says, "Tell the Publisher! I'd like to read this book on Kindle." Click on that and Amazon will notify the publisher of the request.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Free Kindle App and Books for Your Homeschool
Whether you own a Kindle, Nook or other e-reader there is a plethora of free books available to you. You don't even have to buy the e-reader as both Kindle and Nook offer free applications for other electronic devices such as your PC, Mac or Blackberry. Just click on the image down below to download a free app.
The first place to look for free books is of course Gutenberg Project. They have been very busy converting their public domain books in the epub and Kindle formats.
Also to check out:
Amazon's Free Book Collection: A number of classics available. I've also found Kaplan's SAT/ACT prep books here for free.
Christian Classics Ethereal Library: From Calvin College, though loaded with lots of Church Fathers and Catholic saints. It even has large selections from Summa Contra Gentiles. Only available in PDF format which can also be read by e-readers.
Munseys: Rare and hard to find books.
Many Books
If anyone knows of a good Catholic site for e-books please let us know in the comments.
Tomorrow: Great Catholic books for a reasonable price on Kindle.
The first place to look for free books is of course Gutenberg Project. They have been very busy converting their public domain books in the epub and Kindle formats.
Also to check out:
Amazon's Free Book Collection: A number of classics available. I've also found Kaplan's SAT/ACT prep books here for free.
Christian Classics Ethereal Library: From Calvin College, though loaded with lots of Church Fathers and Catholic saints. It even has large selections from Summa Contra Gentiles. Only available in PDF format which can also be read by e-readers.
Munseys: Rare and hard to find books.
Many Books
If anyone knows of a good Catholic site for e-books please let us know in the comments.
Tomorrow: Great Catholic books for a reasonable price on Kindle.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Using Kindle in Your Homeschool
Then I got a Kindle for Christmas. I let go my prejudices and fell in love. Now, just 4 months later, I prefer cuddling up with my Kindle than an old fashioned physical book. Who would've ever guessed?
I am now saving to purchase a second Kindle. This one for the children. I believe this will greatly enhance our homeschool for the following reasons:
1. Save Money. We studied the Ancients this year. Most of the books we read (Odyssey, Iliad, Aeneid, etc.) are available as free e-books. The price of buying each physical book was considerably more than the Kindle device itself. The first few days I owned my Kindle, I downloade almost 100 free e-books. All classics and in the public domain. Many of the books we need for our Homeschool Connections's classes are also in the public domain.
2. Save on Back Strain. My children attend a tutorial with other homeschooled children once or twice a week. Each child lugs a backpack full of books. The lightweight Kindle will save on chiropractor visits.
3. Save on Eye Strain. I read in the newspaper (I think it was the WSJ) some months ago that the non-glare, black-and-white E-Ink technology used in the Kindle and other e-readers is easier on your eyes than print, particularly cheap print such as found in newspapers.
4. Save on Space. I'm running out of space in my house. I have twelve bookshelves. Twelve. If I ask my husband to build another bookshelf for me, he may implode. My Kindle holds up to 1,500 non-illustrated books. If there's a fire, my physical books may go up in smoke. My e-books are always there, saved in cyber space.
5. Making Notes. Though it still needs some tweaking in my opinion, I can bookmark, highlight, and write in the columns of my e-books.
6. Library Lending. In the next few months Amazon will begin allowing the borrowing of library books via the Kindle. Think about the simplicity. You go online, download the library book to your e-reader, and four weeks later you either renew the book or it simply disappears so the next library patron can borrow it.
Finally, you don't have to buy a Kindle or a Nook to read their e-books. Both Amazon and Barnes & Noble offer free apps to read e-books on your computer or I-Pad. Though I prefer the non-glare screen of the Kindle and Nook (black and white version).
Similar posts:
Catholic Books on Kindle
Free Nook and Kindle Apps
I am now saving to purchase a second Kindle. This one for the children. I believe this will greatly enhance our homeschool for the following reasons:
1. Save Money. We studied the Ancients this year. Most of the books we read (Odyssey, Iliad, Aeneid, etc.) are available as free e-books. The price of buying each physical book was considerably more than the Kindle device itself. The first few days I owned my Kindle, I downloade almost 100 free e-books. All classics and in the public domain. Many of the books we need for our Homeschool Connections's classes are also in the public domain.
2. Save on Back Strain. My children attend a tutorial with other homeschooled children once or twice a week. Each child lugs a backpack full of books. The lightweight Kindle will save on chiropractor visits.
3. Save on Eye Strain. I read in the newspaper (I think it was the WSJ) some months ago that the non-glare, black-and-white E-Ink technology used in the Kindle and other e-readers is easier on your eyes than print, particularly cheap print such as found in newspapers.
4. Save on Space. I'm running out of space in my house. I have twelve bookshelves. Twelve. If I ask my husband to build another bookshelf for me, he may implode. My Kindle holds up to 1,500 non-illustrated books. If there's a fire, my physical books may go up in smoke. My e-books are always there, saved in cyber space.
5. Making Notes. Though it still needs some tweaking in my opinion, I can bookmark, highlight, and write in the columns of my e-books.
6. Library Lending. In the next few months Amazon will begin allowing the borrowing of library books via the Kindle. Think about the simplicity. You go online, download the library book to your e-reader, and four weeks later you either renew the book or it simply disappears so the next library patron can borrow it.
Finally, you don't have to buy a Kindle or a Nook to read their e-books. Both Amazon and Barnes & Noble offer free apps to read e-books on your computer or I-Pad. Though I prefer the non-glare screen of the Kindle and Nook (black and white version).
Similar posts:
Catholic Books on Kindle
Free Nook and Kindle Apps
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