Q
I homeschool my seventh-grader. Is there a resource or guidebook that explains what I specifically need to teach her at this age? I know the basics, but I need a guideline of what else to teach so she can graduate. We also want to find out where our daughter's strengths and weakness lie so we know where to focus more or less attention. Are there reasonably priced tests that we can do at home?
A
The Well-Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at Home by Jessie Wise and Susan Wise Bauer is probably your best choice. Home Learning Year by Year: How to Design a Homeschool Curriculum from Preschool through High School by Rebecca Rupp is also a very helpful book.
I suggest you visit your local library and go to the "parent help" section. I recently found an entire shelf at our library filled with books offering test-taking help and advice, and several newer books that contained sample tests and testing support. Ask your librarian to recommend one that meets your needs.