Scope and Sequence

What exactly is scope and sequence? Think of it this way...would you love to have a list, categorized by subject, of everything a kid should know or be competent in by the time he/she graduates from high school? This is a very common question, but I'm afraid you will have a hard time finding the answer. Many companies publish a "scope and sequence" listing all the objectives they cover. In addition, each state publishes minimum standards for each grade as well as for graduation, but they all differ and there probably isn't a definative list that suits everyone. One scope and sequence (or standards list) may cover something, while another doesn't. If you try to combine them all you will be completely overwhelmed and your children would probably be grown by the time you finished. So, what can you do?

What do you consider necessary to be “knowledgeable” or "competent" in a subject? A big part of the answer lies in what each child wants to do after high school. If he wants to be a mechanic, he'll need alot of hands on experience, and math and language skills to run a business. If he wants to be an engineer, he'll need more math and science courses along with the prerequisites needed to enter college. Take a look at alot of different standards lists and choose what will serve each child best for each subject.

Every high schooler (or person for that matter) can't possibly learn everything they'll need to know. The most important thing is that they learn how to learn.

Most homeschoolers that I know who have graduated children suggest including college prep for any capable child whether they are planning to attend or not. That allows that door to remain open in the future should they decide later to attend. If you look online at college entrance requirements, you will start to see a pattern of the minimums that are expected of incoming freshmen. Beyond that, you will find a wide range of expectations based on the type of college. For example, Harvard freshemen are expected to have a much larger knowledge base than those that attend the local junior college.

The best part about homeschooling is the control you have over your child's education. Have you ever wondered..."I wonder why they never taught me that in school?" Homeschooling is a great opportunity to cover those topics with your kids.

Remember, teaching the academics is the easy part of homeschooling. Learning to learn is a very important skill and will make learning the "academics" a breeze. Teaching the values, discipline, and wisdom to use the "academics" in all aspects of life is the hard part.

I know of many highly qualified, competent, successful business people (including CPA's) who can't - or choose not to - manage their personal lives and finances successfully. Obviously, they have the academic skills or they wouldn't be successful in business, but they fail to use those skills effectively in all aspects of their lives. Having the opportunity to develop academics and wisdom is what sets good homeschooling apart from a traditional school education.

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