The HomeScholar, Homeschool Consultant

Check out these reviews!

5.0 out of 5 stars Just what I was looking for!! A must have!, April 1, 2010

Karen Stone Striegel (Florida) -

Setting the Records straight is a great book! New to Homeschooling I wasn't sure what to do about High School. I thought it would not be possible to homeschool the high school years and still be able to get them into college. Lee has given me the information and tools I need to create a wonderful transcript that any college would admire. My confidence level has risen. She takes the fear out of it and makes it look so simple. If you are thinking about homeschooling your child through High School, I would highly recommend this book. It is a must have!!!!

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5.0 out of 5 stars, April 1, 2010

"Lori" (USA) -

6 years ago when our family made the decision to home school, high school was tucked in the back of my mind. It seems that one day I woke up to find that I had a highschooler! Home school through high school? Then at just the right moment Lee Binz came into our life! Among the first words of her book, Setting the Records Straight, she reminded us, "You will be successful. Do not be afraid. Take it one step at a time."
Lee's practical approach and her own success in homeschooling high school students into the colleges of their choice (with scholarships!) is encouraging and reassuring. In Setting the Records Straight she outlines the fundamentals for successful transcripts and home school course classes and descriptions to help guide the college bound student to the college of their choice. The chapters include answers to many of the questions that home school families ask, the very questions I myself was asking.

Why make a home school transcript?

What should it look like?

How can we determine and calculate high school credit?

How should grades be assigned?

For each question, Lee has a thorough and detailed answer. She speaks from experience and from speaking to college admission offices all over the country. In Setting the Records Straight, Lee offers samples of academic records by year, subject and in the case of Dual Enrollment. These transcript samples are invaluable!

In the final section of the book, Lee tackles the subject of course descriptions. As homeschoolers the world of course descriptions can be an overwhelming one. She clearly outlines the three steps in compiling course descriptions into language that makes sense. Tackling the core subjects as well as electives and even outlining courses without records, are helpful in making this section of the book worth its weight in gold.

This is not just a book for home school families educating through high school, this is truly a resource. There are extensive appendixes that detail course descriptions so that a home school parent has a reliable guide with which to work from.

This book was the most VALUABLE tool I've seen on the nuts and bolts of transcripts and course descriptions! EVERY question that came to mind was answered in such thorough detail. It's given me the confidence to move into the high school years unafraid. This is certainly a book that I will refer to often. This book is a practical resource for the home school community and one that will alleviate fear in many a home school parent.

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5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Have Resource for Homeschooling High School, April 2, 2010

A. Lobner

I am a busy mother of 6 kids ages 16 years to 5 weeks old and we began our homeschooling journey in 1999. When we first began homeschooling I never really gave homeschooling high school much thought it seemed so far away. Then I woke up one morning and realized that my oldest was in 10th grade and we had absolutely no transcript prepared for her yet. I really started to panic and felt the pressure of the high school years and on many occasions found myself wanting to quit and send her to school. I was completely overwhelmed and did not know where to even begin when it came to high school transcripts, then I found Lee Binz The HomeScholar and her book Setting the Records Straight: How to Craft Homeschool Transcripts and Course Descriptions for College Admission and Scholarships. What a blessing this book has been. I have read many other homeschooling high school books but each one left me with more questions than answers and the feeling of despair. Lee's book is the first one that gave me practical advice that I could use right away. She writes in such a clear, down to earth manner, just what a busy mom like me needs. I am happy to report that I now have a beautiful portfolio for my daughter complete with transcript, course descriptions and work samples. If you can only purchase one book about homeschooling high school, Setting the Records Straight: How to Craft Homeschool Transcripts and Course Descriptions for College Admission and Scholarships, is the one you want.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Definitely Worth Buying!!! Inspirational, Practical, Well-Organized!!!, April 1, 2010

Ann Dunagan "The Mission-Minded Family" (USA) -

As a longtime homeschooling mother of 7 (this year, graduating our 4th homeschooled high school student, and our 3rd university graduate), I'm well aware of the unique challenges, discouragement, and (YES!!!!) JOYS of home education . . . especially if your family decides to persevere ALL THE WAY to the finish line.

Home schooling through high school is not only possible, but it can be completed in a way that will help your teen to achieve admission into a good college or university, with excellent scholarships. But if you're anything like me, you probably could use a bit of help, or advice, or even just a "pat on the back" to keep going.

If so, you should "meet" Lee Binz, The HomeScholar (through her books, online advice, and if possible through her videos or workshops), and begin to take advantage of her outstanding resources for home education through high school. Specifically, in SETTING THE RECORDS STRAIGHT - HOW TO CRAFT HOMESCHOOL TRANSCRIPTS FOR COLLEGE ADMISSION AND SCHOLARSHIPS, Lee Binz will guide you with humor, understanding, and simple step-by-step instructions. You (and your teen) will be encouraged and equipped to consolidate your educational experiences with excellence.

This resource is highly recommended. It's definitely WORTH buying!!!

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5.0 out of 5 stars An outstanding resource!, April 6, 2010

G. Sadoian (USA) -

Many colleges require course descriptions of homeschoolers, but you definitely don't need to fear! You CAN do it with the help of Lee Binz through this excellent resource as well as her other avenues of support.

I am a homeschooling mom of three boys, all high school and junior high school age at this point. My oldest son was enrolled with an oversight school for freshman and sophomore year, but we decided to do it on our own in order to have more freedom and flexibility when he started junior year.

I had already read and browsed through a number of books about homeschooling high school, so as junior year progressed, I knew vaguely that I needed to produce my own transcript and that I wanted to present my son's work and accomplishments in a portfolio or something of that sort. I had been introduced to the Homescholar website and materials through a homeschool forum I read on a regular basis, and in November or December of junior year, I received an offer to purchase the Total Transcript Solution from Lee Binz, the Homescholar, for a very reasonable price. It was the possibility of winning some very interesting-sounding audio and video materials that finally persuaded me to go for it, as I had other transcript solutions in mind before learning of this one.

I didn't win the freebies, but I did receive my transcript ebook and other wonderful audio and visual materials, and a free month membership to Lee's Gold Care Club. I really didn't think I was interested in the Gold Care Club, but thought I would try to get something out of it before the month membership expired.

I printed my transcript ebook and put it a notebook. I learn best if I have a paper manuscript that I can highlight and write notes on, so I did just that as I read through the material. It did not take me long to finish the book, and I was absolutely delighted with the content! As mentioned previously, I had read other books about homeschooling high school, but none was as clear and concise, yet as complete and fun and enjoyable to read. Truly, everything that a person would need to know to grade high school courses and produce an attractive transcript is included in this outstanding book (which is one-third of Setting the Records Straight). Lee's style is warm and encouraging; her text is very comprehensive, readable, and easy-to-understand, and the layout of the ebook is very airy and attractive, with photos on every page.

Setting the Records Straight also includes a copy of Lee's son's Comprehensive Record (including transcript, course descriptions, and work samples). I spent six months working on my course descriptions, little by little, and referred often to Lee's Comprehensive Record, to help with format, content, wording, etc. It is also very valuable as a curriculum materials resource--Lee's sons are extremely intelligent, well-educated young men, and it's always helpful to "pick the brain" of another homeschooler (in the sense of being able to glean ideas from the resources that Lee used in her homeschool).

Lee has a tremendous breadth and depth of knowledge about homeschooling high school and college admissions, including the writing of course descriptions, which is the third component of this product. I could never have done it without her! Since I stayed on as a member of the Gold Care Club, I was able to consult with Lee weekly as I worked my way through my course descriptions and enjoy the benefit of her very professional advice and help. The combination of her general instruction (found in this resource) and the personal attention I received as a Gold Care Club Member allowed me to complete my transcript and a very professional-looking booklet of course descriptions that includes a copy of my son's transcript as well as work samples. My own Comprehensive Record makes a very attractive and complete record of my son's high school accomplishments to be viewed by college admissions officials. My son has received very generous scholarships from all the colleges we've heard back from so far. It is worth the effort to put together a Comprehensive Record.

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5.0 out of 5 stars A "Must Have" High School Resource!, April 4, 2010

Jazzy -

Are you intimidated by the mere thought of preparing a homeschool transcript and course descriptions for your high school student? Check out Lee Binz' Setting the Records Straight!

In her book, Lee shares from her personal experience of creating transcripts and course descriptions that helped both of her sons win full scholarships to their first choice universities. Each transcript was created without the help of fancy software or an expensive accrediting agency. Lee's book provides you with step-by-step tools that can help you do it, too!

Setting the Records contains:

* an explanation of the purpose of transcripts and course descriptions
* information about details that should be included on a home school transcript,
* simple instructions for calculating credit hours, grades and grade point average,
* a planning guide for high school, and
* samples of scholarship-winning home school records

Since I've yet to homeschool high school, I opened this book preparing to be a bit confused. However, the book is written in a friendly, easy-to-understand manner that made the process of preparing transcripts crystal clear. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, the book left me excited about the prospect of teaching my children through high school and preparing them for college.

This book can be used by textbook homeschoolers, unschoolers and everyone in between, and contains an excellent chapter on delight-directed learning and giving credit for courses where no textbook was used.

As a busy homeschooler, you don't have time to spend hours upon hours conducting research about high school. You will find this book useful whether you're at the beginning, the middle or the end of your high school journey.

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5.0 out of 5 stars All You Need to Homeschool Your College-Bound Children!, April 4, 2010

Homeschooling Since Birth "HS Mom2CM" (Dayton, Ohio) -

Lee Binz (The HomeScholar) has created a guide that includes everything you need to know about homeschooling your children through high school with the confidence that you are equipping them with a solid, college-bound education. This should be the first and last book you ever need to buy to help you plan for high school. "Setting the Record Straight" has helped me plan a high school course of study for each of my children, who have very different interests and abilities. This one-guide-does-it-all helped me keep records, create course descriptions, and transcripts for my children. It has helped me keep my records up-to-date so I'll never feeled overwhelmed when it's time to prepare the final version for college interviews and admissions. This tool is user-friendly and explains the reasons behind the method for every decision you need to make for high school, college preparation, and the college admissions process, all in manageable detail. It contains current research and data, along with the author's family's personal experience of the process. This resource is an essential investment and guide all homeschooling parents should read. I often recommend it to my homeschooling friends. If you are comtemplating homeschooling high school, get off to a good start with this book. If you are in the midst of homeschooling high school, you need this tool to help you keep the right records for your college-bound student, while keeping your sanity! It will give you all the confidence and information you need. I cannot say enough positive things about this resource!

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5.0 out of 5 stars Confidence for College Prep!, April 13, 2010

J. Bell -

When I meet parents who are homeschooling high school, like me, I'm amazed how many of them are anxious about keeping track of their student's records, compiling transcripts, and preparing for college. I can honestly say that one of the major reasons I'm no longer anxious about these things is because I've had the benefit of reading Lee Binz's book "Setting the Records Straight," as well as her many other wonderful resources. In this book, Lee equips you to organize and prepare excellent student records, so your student will wow college admissions counselors! Her examples, encouragement, and insights will equip you to translate your homeschooled student's experiences into the language that college admissions officers understand. This book will be one of the best investments you ever make in your student's education. I highly recommend it!

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5.0 out of 5 stars Ditto to all the other 5 star reviews, July 3, 2010

just.a.reader "just.a.reader" (Idaho) -

I just wanted to add my voice (and my 5 stars) to the others above me who rated this book 5 stars!

I have read several similar books and this is far and above my favorite. It is a light, practical, easy, humorous read that has all the examples anyone could need to get started on preparing high school transcripts for their kids.

I found Lee Binz's style to be very easy to relate to and not arrogant or condescending. She has a unique way of giving several varieties of advice and then helping you feel empowered that your own choice will be the best one.

I think anybody who is even considering homeschooling a high school student should read this a year or two before their student official begins! What a time and sanity saver!

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5.0 out of 5 stars Everything you need to know, May 30, 2010

Chris Anderson (MA) -

This book includes all you need to learn how to make your own homeschool transcripts, including plenty of examples and lots of encouragement. Lee Binz breaks the whole process down into manageable steps. From writing course descriptions to awarding grades and credits, everything you need to know is in this book.