Make The Switch

Time Is Running Out

 

Choosing the right option for your child’s education is a big decision. You want to find the perfect learning solution to help your child achieve academic and emotional growth—in a safe learning environment.   

   We understand that making a schooling switch can be stressful, confusing, and time-confusing. Getting the real scoop from other parents currently involved in virtual schooling can be a valuable part of your decision-making process so we've compiled some enlightening feedback from Texas Connections Academy @ Houston (TCAH) parents. Here's what some parents had to say:                                                          

    

“As a parent, I am thrilled to see my daughter’s enthusiasm for learning return! As she says, 'It’s as if something blew up in front of me!' She acknowledges learning more than ever before and being exposed to information never before introduced. She has grown in responsibility for her own learning and spends a great deal of extra time on projects. The flexibility and freedom to explore, research, and simply think according to her interests, through the programming offered by Texas Connections Academy @ Houston, has redefined what it means to 'go to school' for her. Learning is fun and uninterrupted." ~ Angela, Connections Academy parent

 

“The difference Texas Connections Academy @ Houston has made for us is hard to overstate. I have everything I need to be the Learning Coach and I have caring professionals who know their subject very well, if I have questions. We start our day when we're ready to, so school never gets in the way. I am not at all opposed to traditional schools—it just wasn't working for us. But, I am so grateful to TCAH and all the parents and educators who worked to bring Connections Academy to Texas.”
~ Jackie, Connections Academy parent

 

"My son had been physically bullied in a brick-and-mortar school. It was heart-wrenching! Since we joined Connections Academy two years ago, I have watched my son transform and excel. The teachers are great with the students and sincerely care about them. Everyone has been friendly and helpful from enrollment to tech and learning support. Connections Academy has been a blessing for our family. Thank you for your dedication and hard work!"
~ Kelly, Connections Academy parent

 

 

 

                                                                                           



Texas State High School Graduation Requirements

Graduation Requirements

• English units:
• Minimum program: 4
• Recommended program: 4
• Math units: Recommended program: 4, incl. Algebra I and II and geometry. Fourth credit must selected from specified math courses higher than Algebra II.
• Minimum program3, incl. Algebra I and geometry
• Social studies units: Recommended program: 4
• Minimum program: 3. Same as recommended but students choose between 1 unit World History Studies or World Geography Studies
• Recommended: Must include 1 unit World History Studies, 1 unit World Geography Studies, 1 unit U.S. History Studies Since Reconstruction, and .5 unit each of economics and U.S. Government.

Science units:

• Recommended program: 4, incl. biology. Two add'l credits must be chosen from
  • (i) integrated physics and chemistry;
  • (ii) chemistry; and
  • (iii) physics or Principles of Technology I. Fourth unit to be chosen from state-approved lab science courses.
• Recommended program, eff. Class of 2016: 4 units, with 3 selected from one of each category:
  • (i) biology;
  • (ii) chemistry;
  • (iii) physics or Principles of Technology I. Fourth unit to be chosen from state-approved lab science courses.
• Notes/Citation: Recommended: Biology credit must be taken in biology, Advanced Placement Biology or International Baccalaureate Biology. The other two units must be chosen from (a) Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC); (b) Chemistry, AP Chemistry or IB Chemistry; and (c) Physics, Principles of Technology I, AP Physics or IB Physics.

P.E./Health units: Recommended and Minimum programs: 2. Must include 1.5 units p.e. and .5 unit health education.

Arts:

• Minimum program: 0
• Recommended program: 1

Foreign language:

• Minimum program: 0
• Recommended program: 2Notes/Citation: 2 units in 1 foreign language

Electives units:

• Minimum program: 6.5
• Recommended program: 3.5. "All students who wish to complete the Recommended High School Program are encouraged to study each of the four foundation curriculum areas (English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies) every year in high school." Minimum: Must include 5.5 general electives and 1 unit "academic elective" chosen from World History Studies, World Geography Studies or any state board-approved science course.

Other units: Recommended and Minimum program: 1.5. Must include .5 unit speech credit ("Communication Applications") and 1 unit technology applications.

TOTAL # units:

• Minimum program: 22
• Recommended program: 26

Important Note: State Graduation requirements are not necessarily the best guideline for homeschoolers to use. They have been included here as a guideline for what a typical public school student would need to complete in order to graduate.

A more important guideline may be the College Entrance requirements for where your student would like to attend college. While colleges have differing requirements, there are many colleges that publish requirements for homeschool graduates.

PSAT's.

The TCAH Counseling Department will be hosting a series of grade level Parent Information Sessions to discuss important information regarding student academic progress and postsecondary preparation. Topics will include:

Credits & 4-Year Plans

Grades, GPA, and Class Rank

PSAT, SAT, ACT

College & Career Planning

TAKS & STAAR

Personal Learning Plan

The following is the schedule for each grade level Parent Information Session:

11th Grade: Monday, 9/24 at 6:00 pm

10th Grade: Thursday, 9/27 at 6:00 pm

9th Grade: Monday, 10/1 at 6:00 pm


Each session will take place at the following URL: www.connectionslivelesson.com/tcahhsglis
We will have 100 seats available for each session. Please login only once per family to allow us to accommodate as many families as possible.
We look forward to the opportunity to meet you in these sessions!

Planning you Day

Well it's time again! Getting your kids ready can be a very difficult task,especially if it's your first time homeschooling. The great thing about homeschooling is all the support recieved by so many willing to share their experiences with others. They make you feel that you are not alone and that's an awesome feeling!

"How to plan for your planner" 

I have searched for new ideas on planning your day across the web and found so many helpful sites. I will be posting these sites that I have found throughout the week to help others. Sweet Phenomena is one of my favorites so please enjoy!

Homeschool Prom 2012

Getting Ready!

Texas Connections Academy conduct a variety of events for prospective families and students to learn more about our innovative education program.

Join them in person for a chance to meet teachers, administrators, and fellow parents face-to-face at one of our free events:

• Info sessions
• Parties
• Open Houses
• And more

Or attend a Parent-to-Parent meeting to ask questions of a current parent in a casual setting.

Online events allow you to meet with teachers and school staff online. You can ask questions and get program details from the comfort of home.

Click on the link below to find an event in your area or online. We look forward to meeting with you!

Getting You Connected!

Silencing The Violence

Bullies who terrorize,bullied kids who are afraid to tell,bystanders who watch,and adults who see the incidents as a normal part of childhood. It's the deadliest deadly combination that form around our youth today!

                                                          

It astounds me how so many parents are numb to this bullying trend. Either they are too busy with work and life or they are just blind to the world around them. Not all parents are oblivious as many,but it shocks me on the amount around me in my own neighborhood.

Do we not see what a hold the media have on our kids? Can we not control our own homes?

We as parents play HUGE roles in the amount of garbage that we pack into our kids minds. With the research that I have done I have a few pointers to help with some of the defects that society have pushed on us to the point of choosing sanity or pleasing kids.

For Video games,which play important roles on how kids relate violently with each other:

• Use Parental Control
• Follow the Ratings
• Set limits of play Time
• PUT YOUR KIDS ON A MEDIA DIET!!!
• Watch what you Kids Watch and Play what your Kids Play!!!

Most parents use video games as something your child can do while you do whatever. The result of this will eventually lead to the question: I don't know what's wrong with him?

We must take control because society,media,and school already have the upper hand in raising our

kids.