The document discusses choosing the right curriculum for homeschooling. It notes that choosing a curriculum is one of the biggest challenges for new parent-educators. While there are many packaged programs available, the document argues that these programs do not constitute a full curriculum. A true curriculum addresses worldviews, goals, needs, philosophy and teaching methods. It cautions that packaged programs often leave families disappointed because the full curriculum is unknown. It recommends that families identify their child's learning needs and thoroughly research any potential curriculum programs.

1. WHAT CURRICULUM
AREYOU USING?
By Nichole Lambert
Education Consultant, CourseWriter and Producer

2. ■ Most common question in the homeschool community
■ Perhaps the biggest challenge for a new Parent-Educator
■ Many and varied packaged programs available ranging in price
– Structured in the form of organized lessons
– Progression from least difficult to more challenging
– Answer keys
– Other resources and administrative support

3. • Why is it so difficult to choose the right learning program?
• Many Parent-Educators change their learning program almost yearly
• Many use a mix of programs
• Wouldn’t it be nice to find the right K-12 Program from the start?

4. Does your “packaged program” publish the details of the curriculum?
Curriculum is an intricately detailed framework with various elements for consideration. –
Planning
Designing
Developing
IdentifyingObjectives and Outcomes
Outcomes
The most important for the Learning is Outcomes which is dependent on careful consideration of all the
other elements.

5. Perhaps now you have a better understanding of that the package programs we purchase for homeschooling our
children are not curricula.The curriculum is what was designed and developed to create the lessons and
in the package.
The curriculum often addresses a specific worldview, learning goals, defined needs, educational philosophy and
teaching methods.The curriculum is unknown and hidden to the consumer of these learning programs.
Not a good fit for your family!
The A,B,C. (Abeka, Bob Jones and Charlotte Mason) packaged programs that we buy often leave us
disappointed and disillusioned.

6. ■ Culturally specific
■ Does not account for individual strengths
■ Does not create interests
■ Lack of rigor
■ Lack of valid assessment
And many other reasons, all important, but perhaps none as critical as the need for cross-
cultural appeal.

7. 1. Identify what your child’s learning needs the curriculum
2. Create a list of the learning programs that may address the learning needs you have
identified
3. Research the publisher
4. Read reviews of other users
5. Request a copy of the actual curriculum