| Question: |
For my son who is 14 and will be in 9th grade, I am thinking of signing him up at school with one or two classes, such as music theory and Woods I. My question is that I noticed in the high school book that if they sign up on a vocational track, they do not take Algebra I, they take a different and easier version of Algebra. So if I homeschool the other subjects, what level of math should I give him? If I give him an easier Algebra or General Math, what if he decides later to go to college? |
| Answer: |
AMDG+
Dear Parent;
Thank you for your question. I can see that you are attempting to thoughtfully plan the best track for your son, and would encourage you to read carefully through High School of Your Dreams Guidebook.
In this book, parents and student are guided to discern the student's ultimate goal, beyond high school graduation. Once the student has an idea of possible post-high school plans then, with parental guidance, he can begin plotting a high school course that will achieve those goals.
Please note that, whether a student chooses a college track, vocational track, or apprenticeship track, he is never locked into one track or into any particular course. He may move from one course to another, or one track to another. High School of Your Dreams is designed to allow maximum flexibility in course selection to the extent that the student may take ANY course that he wishes and is capable of attempting.
Hence, a vocational track neither includes nor excludes algebra or any other course, particularly if the student's goal is a field that would require algebra! For example, if the student's aim is vocational school training in electronics, algebra would be an appropriate preparatory course for that goal. Conversely, if a student has settled on a career in food services, algebra might not be necessary.
If a student is considering two very different career choices, e.g., veterinary medicine and carpentry, and has the capacity to do either, it is generally best to opt for the more rigorous course of studies that would help prepare him for the more challenging career choice. That is, the student might take courses that would enable him to succeed in veterinary school, but also study woodworking on the side.
As students progress through high school, it is not uncommon for them to change their post-high school goals. Thus, in planning for the high school years, it is wise to make a realistic assessment of their aptitudes, intellectual capacity, skills, and motivational level. All of these factors will influence their post-high school goals and the selection of high school courses to achieve those goals.
May our good Jesus bless and guide you through your high school planning,
Nancy Nicholson |
