Debating on HS my 6th grade DS

[Jazzmin]

For a myriad of reasons DH and I are debating on HS DS next school year. I have a Rainbow Resources catalog and have looked through what books are offered in various subjects. Kinda overwhelming

Are there any companies that have tests or someway to figure out what level your child would be? I know that he is not strong in math and science, but is strong in reading. I am not sure how to purchase the right level of books for his needs.

Any tips or suggestions?

TIA

[ChristaN]

A lot of places have placement tests for their curriculum. For instance, Singapore Math has placement tests & guides on their website to help you figure out the level you should purchase. That may not be the curriculum you choose, of course, but if you know which one you want, you can google "___ placement test" and see if you can find something similar.

Also, does he have any recent achievement tests from school that might help you in determining whether he is on par for the avg kid of his grade? If he's around the 50th percentile on a grade level test for math, for example, I'd probably just buy his current grade level. If he's below the 35th or so, I'd strongly consider the grade level below to fill in gaps. If you are going to go up a grade level in his strong subjects like reading, if his school achievement tests are coming out in the 90s (percentiles on something like SRI Lexile, MAPS, etc.), that might work out well.

[Jazzmin]

Thank you so much for the suggestions, that is a great place to start.

[iamme]

I agree w/pps.

Also, you can look at the current AND next years curriculum(have him bring home his math book, and just look at the scope and sequence) and objectives(often found via districts website). This will give you a solid idea of what he is doing NOW, just remember that schools spend the first couple of months each new school year, reviewing last year's work.

Personally, I would like to know the publishers of the curriculum he is currently using. That is a great starting point!

Oh, schools hardly EVER get through the entire scope and sequence of a given year-so keep that in mind. Usually 6th grade is a total review of the basics of the four arithmetic operations. 7th grade science is *usually* a "general" science curriculum. Read-touch lighlty on most major science topics.

One bit of advice at this stage, if you pull him, think long term. Are you planning on homeschooling through high school? If so, the curriculum you choose should be flexible enough to follow some sort of continuity. For Ex-I am currently looking at Rainbow Science(you'll have to google it) for the sound, engaging science and attention to the need for 4 yrs of high school science.

Good luck-keep asking questions, reading books and message boards. Ranibow Resources is awesome, but there is a lot out there way beyond that company. The internet and library are your friends.