The Best Ways to Outsource Grading That Math Test
The Challenge of Math Tests
If you’ve homeschooled your kids from the time they started counting until wherever you are in the homeschooling journey, you know how it goes with math tests.
And how it goes is this: When you start out, you hardly have to think when you’re scoring those math tests. You know that 1 + 1 = 2, 2 + 2 = 4, and it doesn’t take too much brain power to determine whether they’ve accurately traced triangles and rectangles.
But then, math grows increasingly complex. Your kids progress from addition and subtraction to multiplication and long division. Fractions and exponents come along and before you know it, you’re trying to explain concepts involving negative numbers and equations.
And if you’ve hit the high school years, you’re dealing with things like algebraic expressions, linear equations, inequalities, and graphing lines. You find yourself needing to pay very close attention to grading those math tests. The failure to add a single negative term or placing an incorrect digit early on in an equation can make the answer wrong even if every other step is done correctly.
Grading math tests can end up being the single most time-consuming aspects of home schooling. It can also be frustrating if you’re a mom who doesn’t so much excel in higher math skills. (I am definitely one of those moms: I’ll gladly meander through English, literature, and creative writing with my kids but when it comes to algebra and geometry, I wouldn’t say I’m terrible at math, but I’m on shaky ground.)
In short, as math advances, the concepts become trickier, and so does the grading! I’ve heard from lots of homeschool parents who find it challenging to keep up with grading math tests, especially for their middle and high school students.
But here’s the secret: you don’t have to do it all yourself!
Just because you’re a homeschooler doesn’t mean you have to personally take care of every aspect of your child’s schooling. Honestly, it’s unrealistic.
If your son wanted to learn German or Latin (or any language you don’t personally speak) I’m assuming you wouldn’t try to teach him that language yourself. If your daughter decided she wanted to take on gymnastics as an elective, you wouldn’t be the one helping her on that balance bar. You’d leave it to tutors skilled in language or gymnastics, right? It’s important to find the right resources that help you homeschool happily.
The same goes for math! Outsourcing math—both teaching the lessons and grading math tests—can be a huge relief, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your kids’ learning without having to do the number-crunching. Namely, I want to talk about a standout math program: CTCMath.
1. CTCMath: Comprehensive Online Math Program
For many homeschool families, CTCMath has been an absolute game-changer. Designed for students in kindergarten and elementary all the way through high school, CTCMath offers more than just grading math tests.
It is an excellent mastery approach option for homeschool families with children in kindergarten through 12th grades. Whether you’ve got children in middle grades, high school, or early elementary (or all of these combined), you’ll discover that it works for a variety of learners in different kinds of learning situations.
CTCMath is a fully online math curriculum that lets your child learn at their own pace, with video tutorials, interactive questions, and automated grading for every level. This means you don’t just get a “grading assistant” but a resource that actually breaks down each concept, making it easier for students to understand tough subjects like algebra and calculus.
Their online, subscription-based program is a great option for moms who don’t feel all confident doing those challenging math problems and scoring tough math tests for their kids. (They are also offering a terrific half-price deal for homeschool families!)
Why CTCMath?
- Instant grading with detailed reports for both parents and students.
- Self-paced lessons that allow kids to re-watch tutorials until they “get it.”
- A structured approach for each grade, helping students build a strong foundation.
With CTCMath, you get the grading, feedback, and a built-in way for kids to track their progress, which helps boost confidence. And having outside help means you don’t have to be both parent and teacher.
2. Math Tutors and Homework Helpers
If you prefer a more personalized touch, hiring a math tutor might be the right choice. Many tutors are willing to take on the task of grading homework and tests as part of their tutoring services. You can find math tutors through online platforms or tutoring centers in your area. Look for a tutor with experience in the specific math level your child needs, whether it’s algebra, geometry, or calculus.
You might also look into joining a local homeschool co-op, where parents “trade” teaching various classes that they are skilled in. Maybe you get help for your kids in math while you teach literature or science.
3. Online Math Communities and Apps
Some online communities and apps can also help with math assignments and math tests. While they might not offer comprehensive grading for every assignment, they can be helpful supplements.
- Khan Academy: Known for its free lessons, Khan Academy doesn’t grade in the traditional sense, but it does provide assessments and scores. These can give both students and parents a clear idea of where the student stands.
- Some math apps allow students to snap a picture of their problem, and they’ll generate a solution with step-by-step instructions. Though designed to help with problem-solving rather than grading, they’re great for students who need guidance on assignments.
These resources can help your kids troubleshoot homework and give them a chance to practice, offering them an extra level of support as they work through assignments. These can even go hand in hand with a program like CTCMath, giving your kids that added boost and helping them succeed and build confidence in this foundational subject.
Closing Thoughts
Finding ways to outsource teaching math and grading those challenging math tests can lift a huge burden off your shoulders, enabling you as a homeschool parent to focus on the subjects you are more skilled in, especially when math reaches those upper levels. Getting outside help definitely doesn’t mean you’re unqualified to homeschool! With terrific options like CTCMath, as well as support from tutors or homeschool co-ops, you can be confident that your child is getting needed feedback without doing all the work yourself.
Check out this terrific podcast between Trish and Nadim El-Rahi—the founder of CTCMath—for 5 Reasons to Use CTCMath. Or read this comprehensive review of CTCMath from another homeschool mom.