How to Gain Control

Did you make a New Year’s resolution? If you did, and you’re like me, you may have had a variety of motives for doing so. But, the main reason was to gain control of something.  We all, to some degree, make resolutions, set goals with deadlines, or create task lists. We all have a basic desire to be in control. It’s normal. Being in control often brings confidence, a sense of direction, hope. 

But, to really be in control requires that “you know the numbers.” 

• To be fit, you step on a scale to check your weight. You keep records, at least mentally, of how many reps of “whatever” exercise you are doing. You make note of how many times you work out each week. 
• To be healthy, you get labs done to check your glucose levels, cholesterol levels, and so on. Your doctor takes your blood pressure and checks your pulse.
• To be financially well, you need to know the amount of money coming in and how much money is going out each month.

The same is true with education. You have to “know the numbers” to truly be in control. One way to “know the numbers” is through an achievement test. An achievement helps answer the following questions: 

 How does my child compare with students at his or her grade level nationwide?

Is my student gaining the skills and knowledge typical of children at his or her grade level?

 If my student is not progressing as they should, what do I need to focus on? 

 Do I need to rethink the curriculum I’m using and consider something different?

Knowing the answers to these and other questions can make the second half of the school year productive and rewarding. Not knowing the facts can leave you with a false sense of assurance and lead to a disappointing outcome. 

If you’re curious about the progress your student is making, an achievement test is one tool you can use to confirm that the educational course you’ve chosen is working. It can help you “course correct” and make changes as needed. 

For the month of January, our achievement test options are discounted. To take advantage of the discounted price, you simply need to registrar and pay for testing this month. You may schedule to test anytime in 2021 and get the discounted price. Beginning February 1^st, prices go up. 

To take advantage of this offer, click here. The 2021 prices can be found on this page. If you register in January, last year’s prices will be applied after you register and go to pay. 

Know the facts and gain control. 

That’s Wednesday’s home schooling tip!

Curt Bumcrot, MRE