Course Descriptions. That is the next step in my planning process.
What are course descriptions? Well, they are exactly that: a description of the course you are requiring your child to take. I belong to a PSP(private satellite program) which requires families to fill out course descriptions for all children regardless of age. I find that these are most important in high school.
What is included in a course description:
- Name of student, Grade, dates the course is happening and how many credits.
- Course name, description and goals of the class.
- Curriculum
- Grading for the class
- Hours allotted
For example: I am doing a Home Economics class this year for Sewing. The course name would say Home Economics-Sewing Module. I am assigning 1 Credit for this module. That is 15 hours total. In my course description and goals, I outline what I expect to happen in those 15 hours.
For example:
- demonstrate ability to thread a needle
- demonstrate ability to sew a button
- learn to repair a small rip/seam
- take a 3 hour Beginner Sewing class at Joann’s
- take private lessons from a sewing teacher for the remaining 12 hours and learn how to use her machine to : repair seams, rips, repurpose items, clothing construction and more.
In the curriculum area, I would write “teacher created”. I don’t know what Joann’s uses or the private teacher.
How I am going to grade this course is simple: participation, demonstration of the skills above and completion of at least 2 projects.
I have found a great resource on line. The homescholar.com is amazing. Here is an example of a course description of American History.
I have also shared some great books on previous posts and here they are again:
Senior High: A Home-Designed Form + U+ La by Barbara Shelton
The High School Handbook by Mary Schofield
I create a course description for all the courses my children are taking. This helps me to get focused on what is the purpose of the course. As I mentioned before, it’s a requirement for me, but even if it wasn’t it is great record keeping and proof of coursework.
At the end of the course, I add when the class was completed and the grade. This goes in the Grade Portion. See Homescholar example.
Ligia
