Question about helping son graduate when behind

Blessedwithseven,

Unfortunately, of all the subjects, Math is something that is difficult to cram. It seems to be a skill that takes lots of time to acquire. Instead of asking, “What does he have to do to catch up?” You might want to start thinking about what you (and he) can reasonably expect to happen by the end of high school. Then, you can hold him accountable to complete as much as he can. At some point (past the basics… addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) he might catch on and move quickly. But I wouldn’t want to push on something he might not be capable of doing. I’d hold him accountable for hard work, not necessarily to finish a whole grade level in six months (not that you’re suggesting that, but I’ve been tempted to try things like this).

My kids have had great success with mathhelp.com. I pay a yearly fee and they can go at their own pace through Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra 2. This way when they finish one “grade” they can move on to the next without me paying for a whole new program. Also, it has videos and self-grading tests. They don’t involve me, unless they get stuck.

As a side note, I barely made it through Algebra and Geometry in high school… took Algebra three times in college, and still graduated (and earned an advanced degree).

God has a plan for your son. Keep plugging along and trust.

Jen

From what I’ve seen of the Analytical Grammar book, it can be done in one, two, or three years, so you can easily fit that in yet.  Not sure about writing though, I haven’t looked at those curriculums yet because I’m too scared about teaching it! LOL

Not sure what state you’re from, but I’m from PA, one of the toughest hs states. The requirements for graduating, even in tough PA, require 3 years of math, science, and history; 4 years of English; and 2 years of fine arts. How each one is met depends on the type of diploma being worked toward. I have 3 graduated from homeschooling. They all got what is considered a general diploma. What needs to be shown is progression. Each year the daily log should show either 3/4 of a textbook or at least 120 daily entries for each subject to count as a credit. Doing CM, obviously it would be daily entries. The general diploma can be gotten with whatever courses desired. My oldest daughter was in the envirothon competition during her high school years. She loved the outdoors and really enjoyed this type of science (aquatics, soil study, wildlife, tree identification, etc.)So, one year I allowed her to just study envirothon topics more in depth. She got a credit in science for that. Maybe your requirements are totally different, but I hope this helps somewhat to alleviate your concerns about your son ‘catching up’. As a pp said, think about where he could be by the time he graduates, and then he needs to know what is expected of him to graduate, and needs to work hard to accomplish it. Just build on where he is at skill wise and log things as your state requires. You should be okay.