Homeschool Achievement Testing and You

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Comments Posted on Feb 15, 2012 Last Updated Feb 15, 2012 Posted by Greg

Understanding your Homeschool Achievement Testing Options

One of the beautiful things about homeschooling is that you, as the parent-teacher-administrator of your own private school, have all the privileges of controlling every aspect of your children’s education. Along with that privilege, of course, comes responsibility — the complete responsibility to develop and teach the curriculum, to organize day-to-day activities, to keep important records such as attendance, grades, etc., as well as (in most states) to obtain and annually administer a
nationally standardized achievement test.

You may be wondering, “Where do I find these nationally standardized achievement tests? and “How do I administer them?” “When do I administer them?” “Are they even necessary and how do I actually apply the testing results to improve my homeschooling experience?” Fortunately, after over 24 years of experience in the area of providing achievement tests and services to the homeschooling community, there are a number of very good answers to these questions and a multitude of options available to you We’ve even made a Master Chart of Homeschool Achievement Test Providers that is fully hyperlinked and color-coded by type of achievement test.

Measuring Achievement Properly

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Comments Posted on Feb 02, 2012 Last Updated Feb 02, 2012 Posted by Greg

Looking beyond the Achievement Tests

Annual test-taking required by homeschool laws in many states tends to make both parents and students nervous, but it need not do so! Understanding both the test format and the reports help calm those achievement testing jitters.

Podcast! Getting Started Homeschooling: Interview with Misty Spinelli, Part 2 – Choosing Homeschool Curriculum

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Comments Posted on Jan 17, 2012 Last Updated Jan 17, 2012 Posted by Greg

Getting Started – How to Choose Homeschool Curriculum: An Interview with Misty Spinelli, Part 2

The Homeschool Show: Misty Spinelli on Choosing Curriculum [ 20:40 ] Play NowDownload (1513)
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Misty Spinelli, homeschool mother of 6, and noted author and speaker, is this week’s guest on The Homeschool Show. She and her husband, Tony, have served the Charlotte, NC, homeschooling community for the last 8 years, managing two homeschool bookstores, hosting countless seminars, and providing achievement testing and consultation to hundreds of homeschoolers. In today’s show, Misty gives us the highlights of her helpful new, professionally-produced DVD entitled Homeschooling Answers.

In this broadcast Misty briefly discusses how to choose curriculum and discovering both parent and child learning styles. This is the 2nd part of a 2-part interview. Listen to Part 1 here.

Podcast! Getting Started Homeschooling

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Comments Posted on Jan 06, 2012 Last Updated Jan 06, 2012 Posted by Greg

Getting Started Homeschooling: An Interview with Misty Spinelli, Part 1

The Homeschool Show: Misty Spinelli on Getting Started Homeschooling [ 20:40 ] Play NowDownload (1255)
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Misty Spinelli, homeschool mother of 6, and noted author and speaker, is this week’s guest on The Homeschool Show. She and her husband, Tony, have served the Charlotte, NC, homeschooling community for the last 8 years, managing two homeschool bookstores, hosting countless seminars, and providing achievement testing and consultation to hundreds of homeschoolers.

In today’s show, Misty gives us the highlights of her helpful new, professionally-produced DVD entitled Homeschooling Answers. She also discusses getting started in homeschooling, setting goals, educational philosophies and a few different approaches to curriculum. This is the first part of a 2-part interview. Part 2 will be available next week. Please stay tuned!

Podcast! Second Generation Home Educators, Part 2 of 2

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Comments Posted on Nov 28, 2011 Last Updated Nov 28, 2011 Posted by Greg

Second Generation Homeschoolers, Part 2 of 2 [ 20:41 ] Play NowDownload (1520)
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Do homeschooled children choose to homeschool their children? And if so, why? These are some of the questions raised (and answered!) on this the second of a two-part podcast all about 2nd-generation homeschooling. We interview Mrs. Amy Becker and Mrs. Lydia Bowman, two homeschool graduates who are now happily homeschooling their own children. They discuss with Greg about passing along the vision without pressure. Some of the reasons they decided homeschooling was the best educational method for them and their families include:

• ability to select different programs for different needs
• tailoring teaching to learning styles
• increased flexibility
• family closeness
• and more!

If you love homeschooling and want to see it continue from generation to generation, then be sure to tune in for part 2 of this 2 part podcast outlining some excellent reasons to choose home education and how to pass along that love for home education to the next generation.

Podcast! Second Generation Home Educators, Part 1 of 2

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Comments Posted on Nov 21, 2011 Last Updated Nov 28, 2011 Posted by Greg

Second Generation Homeschoolers [ 20:41 ] Play NowDownload (802)
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Do homeschooled children choose to homeschool their children? And if so, why? These are some of the questions raised on the podcast today all about 2nd-generation homeschooling. We interview Mrs. Amy Becker and Mrs. Lydia Bowman, two homeschool graduates who are now happily homeschooling their own children. They discuss with Greg about passing along the vision without pressure. Some of the reasons they decided homschooling was the best educational method for them and their families include:

• ability to select different programs for different needs
• tailoring teaching to learning styles
• increased flexibility
• family closeness
• and more!

If you love homeschooling and want to see it continue from generation to generation, then be sure to tune in for some excellent reasons to choose home education and how to pass along that love for home education to the next generation.

Podcast! Learning Styles, Part 2

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Comments Posted on Nov 21, 2011 Last Updated Nov 21, 2011 Posted by Greg

Learning Styles, Part 2 of 2 [ 20:41 ] Play NowDownload (567)
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In this, the 2nd part of a 2-part exploration of Learning Styles, Greg continues to investigate the various ways in which children take in and remember the information that is presented to them. Can learning styles be combined? And how can you handle teaching to multiple learning styles? These and many other questions are answered today. Additionally, if you have have any questions about learning styles, please leave us a comment here and we’ll be glad to reply with answers!

Having trouble figuring out what learning style your child possesses? Or just need some teaching tips for a particular learning style? As a special bonus, be sure to check out the learning style tests, strategies and suggestions on our sister website: Piedmont Education Services: Learning Styles Pages

Parents! Teachers! If you’ve been curious about learning styles, how to identify them, and the benefits that will be gained by understanding and teaching to your child’s strengths, then be sure to hear both parts of the podcast. Here’s the link to Learning Styles, Part 1, just in case you missed it. Happy listening!

Podcast! Learning Styles, Part 1

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Comments Posted on Nov 14, 2011 Last Updated Nov 14, 2011 Posted by Greg

Learning Styles [ 20:40 ] Play NowDownload (848)
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You won’t want to miss today’s podcast! Greg explores Learning Styles and what you glean here just might change your view of education forever! Did you know that both you and your students each have a preferred learning modality? Or that student resistance or boredom could possibly be attributed to a mismatch between a child’s learning style and the curriculum or teaching method being used? Greg explains what learning styles are, how to identify them, overcoming challenges in the classroom, our role as parent/teachers, what benefits will be gained by understanding and teaching to your child’s strengths, and cautions of which you should be aware. So listen today for the answers and stay tuned for part 2 next week!

Podcast! Exploring Classical Conversations, Part 2

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Comments Posted on Nov 04, 2011 Last Updated Nov 04, 2011 Posted by Greg

Interview with Lisa Bailey, NC Classical Conversations Statewide Manager, Part 2

Exploring Classical Conversations, Part 2 [ 20:40 ] Play NowDownload (1435)
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Have you heard about Classical Conversations before and always wondered what it was all about? Now’s your chance to get the inside scoop on this approach to homeschooling that thousands across the country have used with great benefit. Listen in as Lisa Bailey, the NC State Manager for Classical Conversations, explains and explores the various facets of this program that has been specially designed to support parents by providing children with a combination of classical learning and Biblical worldview!

Here are a few of the questions that Greg asks our guest in this program: What is Classical Conversations? Why should parents use it? Why not just use a prepackaged curriculum? How does it actually work? Is there a cost involved? What are the “practicum” that parents can attend? And much more! Listen today for the answers and stay tuned for part 2 next week.

Podcast! Exploring Classical Conversations

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Comments Posted on Oct 26, 2011 Last Updated Oct 26, 2011 Posted by Greg

Interview with Lisa Bailey, NC Classical Conversations Statewide Manager

Exploring Classical Conversations [ 20:40 ] Play NowDownload (1286)
On Itunes	Get Podcast Feed	Download MP3

Have you heard about Classical Conversations before and always wondered what it was all about? Now’s your chance to get the inside scoop on this approach to homeschooling that thousands across the country have used with great benefit. Listen in as Lisa Bailey, the NC State Manager for Classical Conversations, explains and explores the various facets of this program that has been specially designed to support parents by providing children with a combination of classical learning and Biblical worldview!

Here are a few of the questions that Greg asks our guest in this program: What is Classical Conversations? Why should parents use it? Why not just use a prepackaged curriculum? How does it actually work? Is there a cost involved? What are the “practicum” that parents can attend? And much more! Listen today for the answers and stay tuned for part 2 next week.

Podcast: Homeschool Philosophy of Education, Part 2 of 2

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Comments Posted on Oct 14, 2011 Last Updated Oct 14, 2011 Posted by Greg

Show host Greg Munger completes the discussion begun last week on how to develop a Homeschool Philosophy of Education, working through the basic guiding principles of home education: Reasons to Homeschool, Content, Methods, Approach and Application.

Podcast: Homeschool Philosophy of Education, Part 2 of 2 [ 20:40 ] Play NowDownload (1616)
On Itunes	Get Podcast Feed	Download MP3

In our continuing series on the “Guiding Principles” of home education, show host Greg Munger talks about developing a Homeschool Philosophy of Education, which is simply common sense dressed up in fancy clothes. Previous podcasts have explored Reasons to Homeschool, Getting Started, Different Approaches and Choosing Curriculum. On this program, which is part 2 of 2, Greg reviews how to choose content and methods for your homeschool, and then focuses on finding an approach that fits them as well as putting it all together in getting started.

Understanding that there is no single right way of homeschooling, it is really just a simple process of figuring out what you want to do in teaching your children and how you want to do it! There is great flexibility and diversity of both resources and methods available in teaching at home, so don’t be intimidated by it all. Start by asking yourself a series of questions and writing down the answers (don’t forget to include your spouse, and especially any older children who may be involved) that will help you organize and prioritize your homeschooling endeavor, committing it all to the Lord in prayer.

Here are a few of those beginning questions that Greg will cover in this program: CONTENT – What do I want to teach? What is most important? What subjects, skills, values, etc.? METHOD – How do I teach it? How should learning happen, especially to meet my children’s and family’s particular needs? How should I operate my school on a daily basis? How much money do I have to spend and how can I spend it wisely? APPROACH – What plan fits my desired content and method(s)? Is there one already made to save time and/or money? APPLICATION – How do I put all of this together for a successful homeschool experience?

Podcast: Homeschool Philosophy of Education, Part 1 of 2

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Comments Posted on Oct 14, 2011 Last Updated Oct 14, 2011 Posted by Greg

Show host Greg Munger discusses how to develop a Homeschool Philosophy of Education, working through the basic guiding principles of home education: Reasons to Homeschool, Content, Methods, Approach and Application.

Podcast: Homeschool Philosophy of Education, Part 1 of 2 [ 20:40 ] Play NowDownload (1166)
On Itunes	Get Podcast Feed	Download MP3

In our continuing series on the “Guiding Principles” of home education, show host Greg Munger talks about developing a Homeschool Philosophy of Education, which is simply common sense dressed up in fancy clothes. Previous podcasts have explored Reasons to Homeschool, Getting Started, Different Approaches and Choosing Curriculum. On this program, which is part 1 of 2, Greg discusses how to choose content and methods for your homeschool. Understanding that there is no single right way of homeschooling, it is really just a simple process of figuring out what you want to do in teaching your children and how you want to do it! There is great flexibility and diversity of both resources and methods available in teaching at home, so don’t be intimidated by it all. Start by asking yourself a series of questions and writing down the answers (don’t forget to include your spouse, and especially any older children who may be involved) that will help you organize and prioritize your homeschooling endeavor, committing it all to the Lord in prayer.

Here are a few of those beginning questions that Greg will cover in this program: CONTENT – What do I want to teach? What is most important? What subjects, skills, values, etc.? METHOD – How do I teach it? How should learning happen, especially to meet my children’s and family’s particular needs? How should I operate my school on a daily basis? How much money do I have to spend and how can I spend it wisely? APPROACH – What plan fits my desired content and method(s)? Is there one already made to save time and/or money? APPLICATION – How do I put all of this together for a successful homeschool experience?

Podcast! Choosing Curriculum: Part 2 of 2

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Comments Posted on Sep 21, 2011 Last Updated Sep 21, 2011 Posted by Greg

Interview with Dwight Gullion, homeschooling father & owner of Gullion’s Christian Supply; Interview with Nancy Glidewell, homeschooling mom and homeschool curriculum coordinator at the Gullion’s Winston-Salem store

Choosing Curriculum, Part 2 of 2 [ 20:40 ] Play NowDownload (1504)
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As we continue our back-to-school interviews with homeschooling moms and dads from all walks of life, our special guests today are Dwight Gullion, homeschooling father & owner of Gullion’s Christian Supply, and Nancy Glidewell, homeschooling mother and the homeschool curriculum coordinator at the Gullion’s Winston-Salem store. Together, they offer up their professional and practical tips on how to choose the curriculum that best suits your family. Be sure to check out Gullion’s on the web Gullion’s Christian Supply for an incredible range of used and new books & supplies for homeschoolers!

This is the second of a two-part series, in which we talk about the following: Why is it important to choose a specific curriculm approach? Why can’t we just “wing it” and study whatever we and the kids want to learn on any given day? How can we use the curriculum to individually nurture each of our very special and uniquely different children? How important is it to use Bible-based textbooks? Why should we stay away from books with magic and occult? How can we incorporate Bible truths by using Christ-honoring literature? Here are some of the great literature series and authors that Dwight and Nancy recommend: Journey Forth series from BJUPress, Mandy, Sugar Creek Classics, Elsie Dinsmore, G.A. Henty, Lamplighter Books, R.M. Ballantyne, Jonathan Park. You can do a websearch for any of these series/titles/authors or visit Gullion’s Christian Supply.

Podcast! Choosing Curriculum, Part 1 of 2

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Comments Posted on Sep 19, 2011 Last Updated Sep 19, 2011 Posted by Greg

Interview with Dwight Gullion, homeschooling father & owner of Gullion’s Christian Supply; Interview with Nancy Glidewell, homeschool curriculum coordinator at the Winston-Salem Gullion’s store

Choosing Curriculum, Part 1 of 2 [ 20:40 ] Play NowDownload (1153)
On Itunes	Get Podcast Feed	Download MP3

As we continue our back-to-school interviews with homeschooling moms and dads from all walks of life, our special guests today Dwight Gullion, homeschooling father & owner of Gullion’s Christian Supply, and Nancy Glidewell, the homeschool curriculum coordinator at the Winston-Salem Gullion’s store. Together, they offer up their professional and practical tips on how to choose the curriculum that best suits your family. Be sure to check out Gullion’s on the web Gullion’s Christian Supply for an incredible range of used and new books & supplies for homeschoolers!

This is the first of a two-part series. We’ll try to help you answer questions you might have about curriculum such as the purpose, content and methods, and then the 3-4 major curriculum approaches you can take, while exploring the advantages/disadvantages of each approach.

Podcast! “Raising Adults”

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Comments Posted on Sep 12, 2011 Last Updated Sep 12, 2011 Posted by Greg

Interview with John Desaulniers, NICHE Board Member, Homeschooling Father

Raising Adults [ 20:40 ] Play NowDownload (1074)
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As we continue our back-to-school interviews with homeschooling moms and dads from all walks of life, our special guest today is John Desaulniers, a homeschooling Dad who serves as a Board Member on the Network of Iowa Christian Home Educators. He shares his insights on raising adults, and the excellent reasons you should continue homeschooling through high school. He touches on topics as diverse as discipleship, getting Dad involved in homeschooling, “cooperative” education, manliness & femininity, and preparing for college, life and business. John is also the owner of the Wellspring Christian Bookstore which offers books & supplies for homeschoolers. We invite you to visit them today and see the wide array of titles available to you.

We know you’ll enjoy hearing about John’s homeschool experiences and benefit from his immensely practical suggestions. There’s no better place than your own home to help your kids make that transition from childhood to adulthood! Tune in anytime online and every Saturday on the radio as we continue to hear from fathers and mothers across America who are busy home educating their children. Catch the vision!

Latest Blog Posts

Homeschool Achievement Testing and You

Measuring Achievement Properly

Podcast! Getting Started Homeschooling: Interview with Misty Spinelli, Part 2 – Choosing Homeschool Curriculum

Getting Started – How to Choose Homeschool Curriculum: An Interview with Misty Spinelli, Part 2

Podcast! Getting Started Homeschooling

Getting Started Homeschooling: An Interview with Misty Spinelli, Part 1

Podcast! Second Generation Home Educators, Part 2 of 2

Podcast! Second Generation Home Educators, Part 1 of 2

Podcast! Learning Styles, Part 2

Podcast! Learning Styles, Part 1

Podcast! Exploring Classical Conversations, Part 2

Interview with Lisa Bailey, NC Classical Conversations Statewide Manager, Part 2

Podcast! Exploring Classical Conversations

Interview with Lisa Bailey, NC Classical Conversations Statewide Manager

Podcast: Homeschool Philosophy of Education, Part 2 of 2

Show host Greg Munger completes the discussion begun last week on how to develop a Homeschool Philosophy of Education, working through the basic guiding principles of home education: Reasons to Homeschool, Content, Methods, Approach and Application.

Podcast: Homeschool Philosophy of Education, Part 1 of 2

Show host Greg Munger discusses how to develop a Homeschool Philosophy of Education, working through the basic guiding principles of home education: Reasons to Homeschool, Content, Methods, Approach and Application.

Podcast! Choosing Curriculum: Part 2 of 2

Interview with Dwight Gullion, homeschooling father & owner of Gullion’s Christian Supply; Interview with Nancy Glidewell, homeschooling mom and homeschool curriculum coordinator at the Gullion’s Winston-Salem store

Podcast! Choosing Curriculum, Part 1 of 2

Interview with Dwight Gullion, homeschooling father & owner of Gullion’s Christian Supply; Interview with Nancy Glidewell, homeschool curriculum coordinator at the Winston-Salem Gullion’s store

Podcast! “Raising Adults”

Interview with John Desaulniers, NICHE Board Member, Homeschooling Father

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Getting Started – How to Choose Homeschool Curriculum: An Interview with Misty Spinelli, Part 2

Getting Started Homeschooling: An Interview with Misty Spinelli, Part 1

Interview with Lisa Bailey, NC Classical Conversations Statewide Manager, Part 2

Interview with Lisa Bailey, NC Classical Conversations Statewide Manager

Show host Greg Munger completes the discussion begun last week on how to develop a Homeschool Philosophy of Education, working through the basic guiding principles of home education: Reasons to Homeschool, Content, Methods, Approach and Application.

Show host Greg Munger discusses how to develop a Homeschool Philosophy of Education, working through the basic guiding principles of home education: Reasons to Homeschool, Content, Methods, Approach and Application.

Interview with Dwight Gullion, homeschooling father & owner of Gullion’s Christian Supply; Interview with Nancy Glidewell, homeschooling mom and homeschool curriculum coordinator at the Gullion’s Winston-Salem store

Interview with Dwight Gullion, homeschooling father & owner of Gullion’s Christian Supply; Interview with Nancy Glidewell, homeschool curriculum coordinator at the Winston-Salem Gullion’s store

Interview with John Desaulniers, NICHE Board Member, Homeschooling Father

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Valuable Sites

Show Archives

Socialization Showcase

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