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(Taken from The Bulletin for Home Educators in Treasure
Valley, Idaho - Meg Gallina, editor)
“One thing to remember about curriculum is that
every book has a “teaching style.” Every child
has a “learning style.” Every mom and dad have
a “management style.” The selection of curriculum
involves the complex coordination of all these “styles.”
Finding the “tremendous curriculum” happens
by trial and error, by had purchases, by lucky purchases,
by experience, and by counsel.”
(Compiled from a May, 1983 Omaha support group meeting and
School at Home, c1980, Gazelle Publications)
1. How effective and efficient is the program? How does
it use the student’s time? Does it make the best use
of the teacher’s time? How much teacher involvement
is required?
2 . The philosophy of study materials and methods must
not conflict with your own. What philosophical approach
does the material take?
3 . Does the cost fit your school budget?
4. Is everything in this curriculum necessary? Can the
child comprehend the ideas? Is it going to achieve the academic
goals that you’ve set for your child?
5. Consider the quality of the instruction offered.
6. What type of character goals does it have for your child?
What values does it convey?
7. What services are provided by the company (testing,
grade placement, student records, etc.)?
8. Does the correspondence course have a time limit for
completion?
9. Do the teacher’s manuals give thorough background
information on the topic to be studied?
10. Consider the type of curriculum with which your child
is familiar. For example, if they used Abeka in the school
he/she previously attended, then the transition to a home-school
setting might be made easier by continuing to use Abeka.
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