Colleges are highly predictable in how they handle incoming credit, but people are exceptionally creative, and it doesn’t take long before bright parents think they’ve found a loophole. Let’s look at that loophole.
Continue reading “Advising 101: Credit Laundering”
Many homeschooling parents have never shared the role of “grader” with anyone before. If this is the first time your teen will be graded by someone else, here is a primer of what to expect as you think about the differences between high school and college.
Continue reading “Dual Enrollment vs High School”
This is a popular parent question, and a really important one as you plan your teen’s high school schedule. You might hear different numbers, or that it depends on what college they attend, but there is an actual number.
Continue reading “What’s the best amount of credit to earn in high school?”
Massive Open Online Courses, called “MOOCs” are a fantastic opportunity for you to bring college level learning into your homeschool for free. We have a full page about MOOCs, but this post will feature a large Christian MOOC program offered through Hillsdale College.
Continue reading “Christian MOOCs in your Homeschool”
At some point in your teen’s high school sequence, you may start to cross over into language arts topics that are at the college level. This varies by student’s ability as well as high school curriculum of choice, but if parents are aware of this shift, it can result in significant amounts of potential college credit!
Continue reading “Matching CLEPs to High School Language Arts”
If your teen’s upcoming year includes dual enrollment, there are 3 tips that are super-important as you transition from high school to college in terms of schedule, attendance, and GPA.
Continue reading “Dual Enrollment Planning: 3 Tips for Planning Your HS4CC Year”
Welcome to Advising 101. In this series, I’m highlighting a key concept that will help YOU become your teen’s best high school guidance counselor. Institutional challenge exams may seem like a good alternative to AP, CLEP, or DSST, but there are a few things you need to know.
Continue reading “Advising 101: What You Need to know about “Challenge Exams””
Welcome to Advising 101. In this series, I’ll highlight a key concept that will help YOU become your teen’s best high school guidance counselor. For Homeschooling for College Credit parents, this series will help you navigate resourceful high school planning with skill and confidence.
Continue reading “Advising 101: Matriculation”
We are just a few days away from the Advanced Placement exams. The AP exams run on a set schedule, with all students taking them simultaneously. Learn more about using AP exams in your Homeschooling for College Credit plan.
Continue reading “AP Exams Start Next Week”
Residency requirement is a phrase used 3 different ways depending on the department at the college you’re talking to! This Advising 101 post will help you decipher what the college is talking about.
Continue reading “Advising 101: Residency Requirement”
Sophia has been busy adding and developing a lot of new courses and new partner colleges. If you’re thinking about using Sophia courses in your homeschool, I’ve created this planning guide so you’ll know what to take (and what not to take) in 2023-2024.
Continue reading “Sophia 2023-2024 High School Planning”
If you’ve taken my transcript class, you know that I discourage parents from reporting test scores (ACT, SAT, CLEP, AP, DSST, etc.) on their high school transcript. Often parents see this as an advantage when in fact it can be a disadvantage.
Continue reading “Reporting Test Scores on the Transcript”
If your teen is approaching high school in the fall, you’re probably worried that they’ll be ready to start earning college credit! I know I was nervous with my 4 sons, but being on the other side of it, I think these 5 tips will help you transition with ease and success.
Continue reading “5 Tips for Middle School Parents”
If your teen is passionate about Civil Rights, this course from Law Shelf covers the rights to equal protection, due process, and freedom of religion. The course also touches on some other fundamental rights, including rights under the First Amendment. This course is free for high school credit, and only $60 for college credit.
Continue reading “Featured HS Course: Civil Rights Law”
If you’d like to start working with your teen on potential careers, Sophia offers 3 different Career Readiness courses that might want to look at. In this post, I’m going to break down all 3 and show you the pros and cons of each.
Continue reading “Career Readiness Classes @Sophia”
This immersion program offers face-to-face opportunities (finally!) happening in many cities across the country this summer. Startalk is a grant-funded initiative and worth about 4 college credits!
Continue reading “Free College Credit in Foreign Languages this Summer”
Dyslexia and dysgraphia are both learning disorders that don’t reflect intelligence, but do present challenges for regular academic activities like reading and writing. I’m thrilled to share how Liz helped her 13-year old son crush 5 CLEP exams despite his challenges.
Continue reading “Dysgraphia & Dyslexia Hasn’t Stopped Lucas”
We know that the pandemic hit higher education in unimaginable ways. It will take decades to see a full recovery, but this is the 5th semester with demonstrated DECLINE in numbers. What does the enrollment decline mean for your homeschooler? Lots of good things.
Continue reading “What does “enrollment decline” mean for your homeschooler?”
As a homeschooler, you have a lot of freedom to direct your teen’s learning, but one of the most common fears parents have is when it comes to calculating a high school credit. What exactly = 1 credit, and how can you be sure your teen is doing “enough” for you to count it? What about honors? Here are 2 rock-solid options.
Continue reading “2 Ways to Calculate 1 High School Credit”Resourceful high school planning means knowing how you plan to use your teen’s college credits after high school.
For high school students who are interested in taking “real” classes in Law Enforcement, Detective Investigation, Forensics, Law, or Criminal Justice for high school credit. (all online)
You can take 1 course or many – they are open to anyone. Students who complete the bundle of specific courses required by Texas A&M University will receive a certificate. (see credential lists at the bottom) Courses are all delivered online and require online attendance, homework, and passing quizzes/exams. The certificate can be used for high school credit, college application or resume, or personal interest, but this is not for college credit.
| Course Number | Title | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| FSA107 | Basic Property Technician Collecting and storing evidence is a crucial aspect of an investigation. This online course will teach participants how to properly manage and store property and evidence for investigative purposes. Participants will also complete interactive scenarios | $55 | 16 hours |
| FSA113 | Basic Criminal Investigation Emphasis is placed on preparation of affidavits, procurement and execution of search and arrest warrants, interview and interrogation procedures, and rules governing the collection and preservation of evidence. Additionally, participants will learn case preparation techniques and unique aspects of special topic investigations, such as narcotics, property crimes, and crimes against persons. | $75 | 40 hours |
| FSA114 | Death Investigation From the moment a human body is discovered, there are many potential causes, factors, and circumstances that must be considered in completing a thorough criminal investigation and potential prosecution. This online course addresses the procedures for conducting investigations of various types of human death and the investigator’s role throughout the investigative process. | $95 | 40 hours |
| FSA122 | Human Trafficking Human trafficking has been described as one of the most atrocious crimes against humanity. Human trafficking is essentially a form of slave labor or involuntary servitude which involves the exploitation of humans for the sexual gratification of others and/or the exploitation of humans for any form of labor. Law enforcement, non-governmental agency personnel, and victim service providers all play a critical role in combating human trafficking in the state, the nation, and beyond. | $45 | 8 hours |
| FSA115 | Foundations of Fingerprint Comparison Fundamental principles of fingerprint comparison while guiding them through the ACE-V Methodology (Analysis, Comparison, Evaluation, and Verification). Participants will be provided with the history and science of fingerprint analysis and comparison while simulating the role of an expert witness in court. | $55 | 16 hours |
| FSA116 | Foundations of Forensic Photography Photography is a critical element in the documentation of criminal investigations. This course addresses the basic concepts of photography and their application to professional investigative documentation. For the final project, participants have the opportunity to capture photographs at a simulated crime scene, acting in the traditional role of an investigator for the case. | $55 | 16 hours |
| FSA118 | Foundations of Courtroom Testimony Those who conduct investigations or deal with evidence are expected to testify as expert witnesses. This means they must establish credibility the moment they enter the courtroom and proceed to the witness stand to present their testimony. This course provides participants with an understanding of the basic factors that create effective courtroom testimony. | $55 | 16 hours |
| FSA300 | Investigative Tools and Equipment Participants will learn about the twelve different equipment categories, how to properly clean and store equipment, and how to use personal protection equipment to protect against biological hazards while tying together all information into practical activities. | $25 | 1 hour |
| FSA301 | Scene Basics: Security, Searches, and Documentation establish and secure scene boundaries, utilize proper search methods, and scene documentation. Participants will learn case documentation techniques, such as note taking, videography, photography, sketches, and reports while tying together all information into practical activities. | $30 | 2 hours |
| FSA303 | Basic Fingerprint Processing Participants will learn about the powders, brushes, tape, and cards used for developing prints, and how to locate, process, and document prints while tying together all information into practical activities. | $30 | 2 hours |
| FSA304 | Fingerprint Processing on Difficult Surfaces Participants will learn about the three types of difficult surfaces and the associated processing techniques. All information will be tied together in a final activity whereby the participant will simulate the collection of a fingerprint from a piece of evidence identified as a difficult surface. | $25 | 1 hour |
The Forensic and Investigative Sciences Level I Certificate is designed to give graduates a recognized credential that can translate into greater recognition in a future career in forensics. After completing the required courses offered through the Texas Forensic Science Academy graduates will have a foundational understanding of forensics topics. All courses are available online making this a unique certificate!
The Forensic and Investigative Sciences Level II Certificate is designed to give graduates a recognized credential that can translate into greater recognition in a future career in forensics. After completing the required certificate and courses offered through the Texas Forensic Science Academy graduates will have an intermediate understanding of forensics topics. All courses are available online making this a unique certificate!
Welcome to Advising 101. In this series, we highlight a key concept each week that will help YOU become your teen’s best high school guidance counselor. For Homeschooling for College Credit parents, this series will help you navigate resourceful high school planning with skill and confidence.
Continue reading “Advising 101: Locked Catalog”
Yesterday’s new list didn’t attach properly to my post- I’m so sorry!! I think I’ve fixed it, thank you for your patience as we try this again!
Looking for dual enrollment classes that won’t break the bank? My new list has the cheapest of the cheap! These are real college CLASSES (not ACE or credit by exam) open to homeschooled high school students in (almost) every state who can register and take these classes remotely. All colleges on my list are regionally accredited so they are expected to transfer well into colleges that accept transfer credit.
In this post, you’ll see what happens immediately after your teen passes their Modern States prep course. Modern States prep courses are the free online courses you take that award vouchers to take your CLEP exam for free! These vouchers are essential at helping you keep your college credit costs to a minimum.
Continue reading “Passed Modern States: Now What?”
Jennifer and I met with our contacts at Arizona State University in May, and we have some exciting news to share! Drum roll please…..Below you will find the list of NEW courses being added to the Universal Learner program, that we’ve been authorized to share with you all.
Continue reading “NEW ASU UL Courses for Fall 2022 and beyond!”
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