<p>@MrMom62
I did kumon for all of 1 month before I quit. I’d like to think that I’ve faired quite well at math qualifying for the usajmo 2x and arml tiebreakers once and my speed was always solid.
Outlining may not be entirely useless but it’s certainly inefficient. I think reading the chapter 3-4 times in the 3hrs it takes to outline, or even reading online outlines would be more efficient. Repetition is good, but don’t you think that that time would be better spent on weaker subject areas? Or how about the time I had to spend copying physics formulas onto flash cards for grade purposes when I already had pretty much all of them memorized already except for 1 or 2 (which I’d remember by looking at them again)?
My point is that grades and learning do not go in hand at all in high school but for all practical purposes grades are more important (and require more effort to achieve). </p>
<p>Clearly you have all the answers, so why we’re bothering to have this discussion is beyond me, since it too is a waste of time.</p>
<p>MrMom62…really, way early?</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.ivyboost.com/homepage/college-counseling/college-planning/”>http://www.ivyboost.com/homepage/college-counseling/college-planning/</a></p>
<p><a href=“How Ivy League Admissions Work | HowStuffWorks”>http://money.howstuffworks.com/personal-finance/college-planning/admissions/ivy-league-admissions3.htm</a></p>
<p><a href=“How Middle School Strengthens College Applications”>http://collegeapps.about.com/od/admissionstimeline/tp/college-prep-junior-high.htm</a></p>
<p>There are a ton more. Of course the world won’t end if he doesn’t wind up in an Ivy league school or similar. All I want to do is give him the opportunity to do so if he puts in the work and stays on the right path.</p>
<p>@MrMom62
Was that satirical?
I’m sorry I came across that way. Perhaps we can agree to respectfully disagree?
I do see some of your point, and in any case the “mundane methods” may possibly serve as good tools for more individualized studying in college (taking notes, practicing etc). I guess i just feel that the grading system is a bit too rigid but whatever.
Again I apologize for coming off as arrogant. Reading back on my post I do see that tone flavor. </p>
<p>@moscott: I read with worry your consideration of hitting the brakes on your upcoming 8th grader’s schedule. He’s about to enter a new world of scholarly genres which up to now, he’s only had a brush pass. Please don’t hold him back so he can be the top 9th grader amongst other 9th graders taking his same courses. If he wants to take HS classes next year, let him do so. If he wants to take accelerated classes 9th and 10th grade and then take dual enrollment courses with stimulating professors, please let him do so. Like I said previously, you might have an extraordinary kid. Don’t just link him with the others in their rat race. I’ve been fortunate enough to interview several kids who were extraordinarily hungry leaners while in HS. They were amazing.</p>
<p>I’d caution that with if there are courses which you don’t think he’ll get an A in maybe keep him from getting ahead there, but if he can forge ahead with a perfect gpa or near perfect gpa then go on ahead.</p>
<p>T26E4…Thank you sincerely for the advice. As was the plan all along it was to let him be more challenged and go ahead. My hesitation came about from reading and hearing from so many about GPA trumping course rigor(as course rigor covers most). He truly is self motivated and has a natural hunger for learning. Ultimately I think we will stay with the original plan and move forward.(We still have some time to decide. However the decision isn’t as cut and dry as before.</p>