But the OP has an idea that I've toyed with for a while. We have band boosters and the sports booster clubs, why don't we form academic booster clubs? We could raise funds for academic competitions in the schools, don't limit participation to only the top kids unless there is a limit on how many can participate in any particular event. Then there could be try-outs to pick out who goes.
Geography Bee and Mathcounts are two excellent examples of how an academic competition does not limit participation. And they both resemble regular athletic meets the most. They also tend to appeal to different group of kids.
Originally Posted By: questions
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Anyone old enough here to remember SRA reading? Our 4th or 5th grade class would have reading and each child would go up to the front of the room and grab their color-coded reading pamphlet, answer the comprehension questions and move on the next one and to the next level. Different levels in one room with one teacher. Hmmmm, maybe the answer is in the curriculum thing? Like the Aleks approach to math?
Yes, I enjoyed it. GS9's school uses AR, Accelerated Reading through Renaissance Learning. Same principle, but the comprehension tests are done on the computer. It's a fantastic program, imo. They also have an accelerated math program but the school considers it too costly.
My both kids disliked AR they were forced to do in early grades.The selection of books(and tests) was limited and the program kind of forces you to read what is on an AR list.
