Jul. 24, 2008 - Just finished the ClepPrep booklet!!
Hi everybody,
Order here:
http://www.lulu.com/content/3016254
Our booklet contains valuable information about using "Credit by Examination" to earn credits towards your college degree. Programs such as CLEP and Dantes are described and testing tips are shared. Includes valuable information about transcripts, credit earning methods, and economic methods of earning your college degree. This booklet is a product of the ClepPrep website at: http://ClepPrep.tripod.com
Blessings,
Tricia McQ
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Jun. 22, 2008 - New FREE lesson plans are available!!
http://ClepPrep.tripod.com
Enjoy!
Remember to pass onto your friends!
Blessings,
Tricia McQ
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Jul. 20, 2006 - More FREE Clep prep for HSer's
Hi all,
If you feel led, please share this info. with your various support groups.
Here's an update for the ClepPrep.tripod.com website/resource for those who are interested.
Thanks to the suggestion of a recent website visitor, we have added a yahoogroup to our format. This will help us to answer specific questions that you may have about "testing out," the sharing of resources, AND provide help about a particular lesson plan that you may be using for the CLEP. This is a new addition as of today, 7/20. If you would like to join us just use the link on the site. We'll also be using the yahoogroup to send out regular updates to the website.
Also, I have recently added 3 more FREE CLEP/Dantes courses and will be adding 5 more before the end of the summer. Enjoy!
Lastly, I have just added a page about "where to start", as that seems to be the most common question I receive.
Blessings,
Tricia McQ
http://ClepPrep.tripod.com
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Jul. 5, 2006 - 2 more college classes added to our FREE CLEP lesson plan site
Hello all,
We have added two additional college classes to our FREE CLEP lesson plans for homeschooled students. Please feel free to share this info with your other HS lists. Thanks! Also included is our sample email explaining how HSers can use the CLEP program to earn college credits for their children.
**Use the two above courses to earn a "Child Development Associate" certificate. The successful completion of these credits along with 120 hours training in a family child care setting OR formal preschool can help you to successfully attain the CDA credential.**
For a complete list of available lesson plans visit our website at:
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Jun. 18, 2006 - Happy Father's Day
God never ceases to amaze me. He knows just the special way of turning a family out of a bickering slump. Yet it always comes in a surprising manner, doesn't it? God is so consistently original! This time for our family it had to do with two little critters (hamsters) we got by special delivery from our friends the Firnhabers.
Because the Firnhabers couldn't make it to a pool party we were hosting we had a missionary host family (the Burcham family) fostercare the critters for one night and then deliver them safe and sound to our party. Thank you Burchams!
Our kids were SO excited. They named them Luke and Ben for Luke Skywalker and Obi One Kanobi (sp?). We put them into our yardsale purchased cage, set it all up and said "good night" into their bright piercing eyes that were staring back at our smiling faces.
Well, during the night "Luke" (now A.K.A. Houdini) escaped! The next morning I heard kids frantically moving furniture and bickering with one another in a nervous way. "Boys, did you take them out?" "Were they both in there last night?" "Move!!!" "Don't open the door, if he's in here he'll get out!!!" Etc. I yelled to our daughter Abigail from bed, "How are the mice?" (I keep calling them everything but hamsters - lol) There was a long pause before she said, "Ben's o.k." then she skimmered away. I knew something was up. I got out of bed to investigate. I was instantly pulled aside and told, "Sshh...don't tell Dad but Luke is missing!"
My hubby Brian is scared of mice (he would prefer I say he "has issues" with mice) and was already being extremely gracious in allowing the kids to have the critters. They knew he'd be wigging out. So the search began. Eventually Dad found out and to the surprise of everyone assisted by not saying anything negative and speaking encouraging words like, "He's probably up inside a wall or something. He'll come out later." (lol) That was more than they expected! And on Father's Day weekend too!
Well, the search continued all day with false alarms and sad faces. A call to my good friend Stephanie reassured me that he would eventually come out if he got hungry enough. I passed that info onto the frowning children but they kept their nervous vigil of peering under furniture and turning things upside down all day.
To get away from it all we took Dad out to dinner at the Olive Garden and things seemed to turn around. We forgot our troubles for a while, stopped all the blaming and the interrogating of each other and began acting like a family again. When we came home we all snuck into the dark house, "quiet as mice" to see if we could catch Luke scurrying about but he was no where to be found.
So, we decided to watch a family movie. It just so happened that "Cheaper by the Dozen" was on. It's PG but we knew when the bad parts were coming so we blocked them. Our kids kept saying, "What's wrong with them?" "Why don't they help their parents?" "Why don't they help each other out?" "They're so mean to each other." Mom said "They need God in that family." At the end of the movie was the climax - kid's pet frog dies, he runs away, everyone realizes they've been being mean and short with each other and they need to act like a family. Just then, our Joshua says "Guys, I think I just saw Luke!" Further investigation consisted of our son Jacob shoving his face under a VCR cabinet confirming that indeed it was the little escape artist!!! The critter quickly scampered under the dryer which weighs a ton (no joke!) and the following hour consisted of the McQ clan working as a unified team to coax him out.
Abigail worked topside duty on top of the freezer armed with a flashlight, providing us with an aerial view of Luke's whereabouts at all times. Jacklyn, Jacob and Josh formed a human blockade around the scene, allowing for NO escape. Mom used tools to scare him out and navigated the rescue operation with Madlyn nearby for the catch. Dad made more AWESOME surprising contributions from behind the emergency line, getting flashlights, measuring tape and speaking more encouraging words ("Don't let him fall in that hole that leads to the crawl space") and even cheering at the final capture by Madlyn's quick hands. There was one final scare when we realized a door had b een taken off the cage after we put him quickly back but we were able to get it in place before he made another breakaway.
I think our ending, complete with hugs and high fives and loving, encouraging words being spoken to each other, provided a much better ending to the night then the REAL movie family we were watching on TV. It reminded us all that we are a unit who really loves each other and loves to work with each other- we're a team from the top on down. We enjoy each others company and love sharing our tragedies and our triumphs. Best of all, Dad got to sleep in late on Fathers day reporting that he "slept like a baby because that mouse was back in the cage."
Happy Father's day everyone!!
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May. 25, 2006 - Palms - Useful tool for teen notetaking
Recently we purchased the Z22 palm along with the "Universal Wireless Keyboard" for our daughters CLEP work (http://ClepPrep.tripod.com). They take notes on their palm's instead of the old fashion way. They type like speed demons! (lol)
Educators receive a substantial discount (I saved over $54.00!) by using the following link:
http://www.palm.com/us/education/
The palm "memo" program works like "notepad" and is a very basic processor. The kids can save their files, beam them to each other, print them from the computer, etc.
An excellent tool (and motivator) for them to excel at their college work!
Blessings,
Tricia McQ
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Apr. 17, 2006 - Our Family
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Mar. 15, 2006 - College credits for homeschoolers - the EASY way!!
Dear Support Group Leader,
We would like to share with you a link to our website which contains FREE lesson plans for earning college credits using the CLEP examination program. Again, all the plans on our site are FREE and we would like to share this information with the wider homeschool community. If you feel led, would you please share this information with your local support group?
Some homeschooling parents find formulating a plan for homeschooling through high school a challenge. Should our focus be on achieving a high school diploma? What about facing the college recruiters?
These concerns drive some parents to plan hours of unnecessary course work that would hopefully lead to a diploma. Others choose educational paths that attempt to satisfy nagging doubts about future college entrance. CLEP solved BOTH these concerns for our family by allowing us to chart an independent course that will ultimately show college recruiters that our student is ready for the next step.
What is CLEP?
CLEP is the "College-Level Examination Program" and is also known by terms such as "testing out" or "credit by examination." Simply put, you use independent study to prepare for a specific college course and then go to a local college to take the computerized multiple choice exam. If you pass, you are issued the credits, as if you had taken the class at the college.
CLEP exams can be used to:
-accumulate dual credit, showing credits that will count toward high school requirements AND, at the same time, count towards a college degree
-shorten the years of study required to attain a college degree, since you are starting in the teen years
-save you money in earning a college degree, as CLEP exams are MUCH cheaper than registering for a college class on campus
-show ANY "brick and mortar" college that your child is capable of performing at a college level, and you'll have the credits to PROVE it!
-avoid "basic skills" classes when entering college by CLEPing college math and freshman english
-give your child the chance to delve into the subject being studied while moving at a comfortable pace for optimum learning
-sharpen your child's independent study skills, which are a MUST in the college environment
-continue to share your "world view" with your child when studying controversial topics contained in many social science classes
-tackle tough subjects ONCE and get the credit the FIRST time around. Why do high school biology and then retake it again for college credit?
SOUNDS GOOD, BUT WHERE DO I START?
A normal college course includes classroom instruction, followed by testing and then the granting of credits earned. Through our FREE lesson plans you will be able to use your child's independent study skills, replacing the instructional phase of the college class process with the appropriate books and videos we've selected as study tools. Your child will prepare for the exam and the college board will issue them credits for passing the test. These credits can be "banked" with the college board and then transferred to the college of your choice in the future.
DO ALL COLLEGES ACCEPT CLEP CREDITS?
CLEP credits are accepted by more than 2,900 schools. The exams are 90 minute, multiple choice format. There are other widely accepted credit-by-examination programs as well, such as DANTES. It's important to check with the colleges on your "wish list" to see how many credits they allow to be "transferred in" from any one testing source. The COLLEGES we have listed are VERY "credit by examination" friendly, some even allowing you to "test out" of your ENTIRE four year degree! Remember too that colleges that have enrollment requirements, such as SAT scores and basic skills tests, often waive them when college credits have already been accumulated by the student.
For more information please go to our website:
Blessings,
Tricia McQ
Current List of FREE CLEP Lesson Plans Available
INTRODUCTORY SOCIOLOGY - 3 credit exam
INTRODUCTORY PSYCHOLOGY - 3 credit exam
COMING SOON
Intro. to World Religions - Dantes
Public Speaking - Dantes
Ethics in America - Dantes
Art of the Western World - Dantes
US History II - CLEP
American Government - CLEP
Educational Psychology - CLEP
Intro. to the Modern Middle East - Dantes
Astronomy - Dantes
Intro. to the History of Film - TECEP
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Feb. 27, 2006 - S. JERSEY - WE GOT YOUR STUFF!! COME AND GET IT!
HUGE CURRICULUM SALE - Saturday, April 22nd
Large gym jammed full of used curriculum!! Come on out and enjoy the FUN!
Hosted by Families United Network Academy
See website for more information - http://FUNCurriculumSale.tripod.com
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Jan. 28, 2006 - To whom do you confide?
Leaders have a special challenge when facing organizational difficulties. When personal hardships strike these can often be shared with close friends who comfort and advise. However, many group conflicts must often remain private so as not to affect group morale. So to whom should you confide for help?
Recently my husband and I faced some struggles with the co-ed homeschool basketball teams we coach. We had a time of challenges on many fronts :
- facility scheduling issues
- players with scheduling conflicts with another popular homeschool program
- parents demonstrating poor sportsmanship at our competitions
- modesty concerns
- an over focus on winning by players and parents
These issues even came between my husband and myself as we were spreading ourselves too thin and operating "in the flesh" when trying to find suitable solutions. At times we felt as though we would burst if we did not vent our frustrations out loud.
Most often there will be families involved in your organization who will share your concerns. It will be difficult not to engage in gossip when seeking solutions. That is why PRAYER is your number one defense.
Prayer gives us something that no friend can give - God's perspective. While a friend can point to God, prayer can give you sustenance FROM God. Once you have HIS perspective it's easier to move forward toward a solution. Do NOT make ANY decisions based only on emotions. Instead, pray until you feel a release from your emotional state and are therefore free to begin problem solving.
After prayer your trusted Godly friend can come in handy. Once you have God's perspective you can have your friend brainstorm with you for solutions to your leadership challenges. What a treasure indeed is a friend who will put aside the desire to hear about all the "players" involved and will instead share from their own experience. I have a special friend with whom I can strategize and I cherish our friendship. We are united in our desire to avoid gossip and to work out solutions. We have leadership experiences that bless one another. A trusted advisor of this caliber can ease the mental load that often comes with leadership.
Lastly, a warning about venting. If you give in to the temptation to pick up the phone and "vent" to a friend you may start a chain reaction that will hinder all your future leadership actions. Homeschool communities are generally tight-knit groups. Word spreads quickly even when said "in confidence." It is so important to address issues directly and decisively without having comments hastily spoken in frustration getting out beforehand. Your decisions will most likely be received with respect if you follow these guidelines.
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Jan. 15, 2006 - NJ STATE INFORMATION - SJ REGION
Interested in NJ Homeschool Law? Click here:
http://clepprep.tripod.com/crosswaycommunity/id8.html
More Information about HSing in Southern NJ can be found at:
http://CrosswayCommunity.tripod.com
MONTHLY EVENTS:
Bowling
Rollerskating
Park day
Recreation Night
Other Activities
Mom's Social Nights/Breakfasts
Various field trips
Art Events
Museum trips
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Jan. 14, 2006 - How to Form your Coop into a Non-Profit Private School
It's finally finished! Please check out my new website with step-by-step instructions on how to form your coop into a private school. Please feel free to share this website with others.
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Sep. 18, 2005 - Angry? Maybe you are Suffering from too much Self-Promotion?
Mark 10:35-45
Maybe some of you leaders out there can relate to the following scenario. As spring was wrapping up and activities were coming to a close for the year, I was well into my planning for the next year. There were dates to secure with our regular facilities, sports registration packets to compile, webpages to update, e-loop calendar reminders to stop and re-schedule for the fall, planning meeting agendas to compile and finally, next years registrations and fees to collect all over again! Throughout the summer I kept looking for a "break" that never came. In the meantime, my husband ended up in the hospital with a kidney stone, which resulted in a long road to recovery that took the entire summer schedule and just threw it out the window.
Now, all of this would have been doable if I didnt get angry. It didnt take much. First, one by one, the gals in our "Academy" began to share that they would be unable to make our once a year planning meeting. So, we decided to go without the meeting. Then, not a single registration arrived by the deadline, which meant our insurance check might need to come from my own wallet again. The final straw was when the class schedule went unfilled and we were only a few weeks from our start up date. A seed of frustration began to grow and I was watering it with my thoughts daily. These families were in summer mode but I was still waiting for my "break."
We ended up having a meeting and at that gathering I shared my frustrations, the good the bad and the ugly. The gals, lovely dear hearts they are, all responded so wonderfully. Volunteers picked up the slack and we made concrete changes that should make next summer much smoother for us all. I felt better but not 100%. My usual perky self was being dragged down by my poor attitude.
You see, I had allowed a seed of discontent to grow in my heart and I needed to take my anger before the Lord. After I poured my heart out to him, He showed me that behind the anger was a whole bunch of "me" blocking the way to peace. I felt slighted, offended, wounded and taken advantage of but I had done it ALL to myself! You see, I gave more than I should have and I expected something greater in return. I expected a place of honor and respect for my efforts. Indeed, it had become all about ME!
In Mark 10 we see John and James allowing their thoughts to drift towards their future fame for their earthly discipleship position by vying for the special places of honor, at the Lords right and left hand, in heaven. Is our goal in homeschool ministry to be appreciated and "known" or is it to become like Christ and be a servant? Are we to be concerned with self-promotion or are we rightly focused on being a support to the homeschool community around us? Does our group have to be bigger, better and more exciting than another for us to be satisfied? Such a heart does not match up with the character of a follower of Christ. No longer will I "give till it hurts." Instead Ill be making regular visits at the filling station by the Lords feet to be sure that it hasnt become all about my own self-promotion.
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Sep. 18, 2005 - What are the Benefits of Non-profit Status???
Is your group a non-profit organization? What are the benefits for a group that becomes a non-profit? What type of non-profit status would be beneficial for your group?
Last year I began a process of turning our learning cooperative into a private Christian school for home-educated students. This road had many twists and turns but the end result was well worth the effort! With just a little additional record keeping, we now have the status of "school" and this has opened many doors for our families. How would you like to be able to issue accredited diplomas, get donations from major stores, be able to "write off" portions of your coop expenses, etc.??
Over the next few months I will be creating a website to share the step-by-step process of turning your homeschool group into a non-profit organization. I'll also be sharing references and links that will help you in the journey.
I look forward to fielding any questions that support group leaders may have and will do my best to answer them for you quickly and thoroughly. Please let me know of your own experiences in establishing your organizations business status so I can share these with others.
Looking forward to the exchange! I will post the website address as soon as it is finished!
Blessings,
Tricia McQ
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Sep. 17, 2005 - September Musings - First Day Poetry
The first day of school
another new year
"Oh no, I cant do it!"
I said with a tear
What happened to summer?
What of the beach and the sand?
It was one thing after another
God had his own plans
I said I would rest
thinking only of me
but that little plan
was not meant to be
But there are the faces
all ready to learn
Minds to be fed
hearts to be turned
I say a quick prayer
with a thankful heart
We get out the books
and agree to start
Another school year
of twists and turns
Science, math and letters
theres so much to learn
The year will progress
the pages will turn
and before you know it
look at all that they learned
How did we do it?
What did we miss?
Is there something important
that we didnt hit?
No need to worry
for as I know
a new year will start
our repeating episode
Rest and relax
enjoy the ride
Pray for the best
and let God be your guide.
Happy new school year everyone....enjoy!
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