I’m testing in an unusual way.

 I’m trying something different this year in my Genetics unit.  Each student is doing a different test according to his or her interests: poultry, horses, or humans.  Each student has different problems.  I asked the teens to give all of us some background on equine genetic factors, or topics such as Achrondoplastic dwarfism.  I’ve advised homeschool families to let their children’s interests help shape their education.  Now, I need to apply my own advise.

 This year, I’ve been tailoring my assignments in Composition to each student.  Let me tell you about the Formation paper.  One teen is discerning to the priesthood.  He’s writing a paper comparing different college programs which help prepare men who are discerning to the priesthood.  He’s evaluating different programs such as minor seminary or pre-theologate programs at colleges.  Another teen is researching studies conducted about college students who have kept their faith, while over 70% of college students lose their faith.  One teen, a senior, is writing about factors to consider when choosing a college, in terms of formation.  Lastly, a teen who is ambivalent about college is writing about life-long formation in faith: selecting the right friend group, going to Mass, receiving the Sacraments, etc.  We work together to edit papers and have had engaging discussions.  But each student is writing about formation differently.  I’m excited for every class.  I don’t know how I could use this approach with a large class.  But, this course has been so enriching, I’m excited to try!