Katie C Homeschool Evaluations

Wow! This school year has flown by. For many families, it is already that busy, and sometimes stressful, time of year - your annual portfolio review forms are due.

Many homeschooling parents stress when it's time for a teacher to complete their evaluations. But remember, it does not need to be a stressful time!

Florida law requires that parents maintain a portfolio which includes an educational log, reading list and work samples. Once a year, a Florida certified teacher will look over the portfolio and have a discussion with the child to determine that the child has made progress according to his or her ability. The teacher will fill out an evaluation form that will be turned in to the family's county.

It is that easy! If you are in need of an evaluator, I would love to help.

It's "back to school" time!

I love seeing so many people posting photos of their children on that first day back to school. New books, new crayons, new curriculum- everyone excited for what the new school year will hold.

One of the things that I love about homeschooling is the flexibility. We don't have an official "first day of school'. Instead, we school year-round, finishing and starting new books at different times throughout the year. It's what works best for our family.

What have you found works best for YOUR family? Do you school for 180 days, or do you school year-round?

One of the many wonderful aspects of homeschooling is that we can do it any time, any place. Why read sitting up in a chair when you can read upside down in the car?!

What is your family’s favorite thing about homeschooling?

What must I have ready for my portfolio review?

One of the requirements for your homeschool portfolio is work samples. These can include writings, workbook pages, tests/quizzes, and creative projects. Florida law does not specify how many samples are needed, but to adequately show that progress has been made I like to see a sample from the beginning, middle, and end of the year for each subject. I do not need to see your entire year's worth of work - just a sample!

You also must include a reading list of any materials read. This does not mean only books that your child has read independently. It can include family read-alouds, picture books, magazine, workbooks, textbooks, and websites.

The last thing that must be included in your portfolio is a log of educational activities. This log should be kept throughout the school year, at the same time as instruction. It could be a sample of your lesson plan book, your teacher guides with checkmarks showing what has been completed, or your daily calendar.

Some parents are worried that their portfolio will not "wow" their evaluator. I am not looking or expecting to be wow-ed! It does not need to be Pinterest-worthy, or look like what you may see on a perfectly curated Instagram page. As long as your portfolio demonstrates progress through work samples, a reading list and an educational log, you and your child have done a wonderful job and get an A+ from me!

What do you need in order to be prepared for your portfolio review?

1) Work samples - I look for 1 sample from each subject area from the beginning, middle and end of the year. What these samples should be depends on the subject area. It could be a project, workbook sheet, essay, test score, etc. If we are completing the review virtually, one photograph as example is sufficient.

2) Reading list - This could include read-alouds, independent readers, workbooks, magazines, website, etc.

3) Activity log - A log of some sort that was made contemporaneously with instruction. This could include a sample from your lesson plan book, your calendar, a picture of a table of contents with markings showing completion, etc.

If we are meeting in person, you can bring more to show me but the above list is the minimum requirement. If we are completing a virtual evaluation, all you need to email are the above listed items.

Once I have reviewed these items, I need to have a discussion with your child, per Florida law. Do not worry! This is NOT a quiz of all they have learned. I explain why I am talking with them, and just chat about their school year. If they are shy, or do not interact how you hoped they might, it is not a problem. I am not looking for any specific information from them.

After all of this is completed, I will fill out your evaluation form. In order to do so, I need your child’s name, birthdate, address, and parent names. I can fill out the form from your county, if preferred. If not, I have a form that I use.

Portfolio review time is only as complicated or stressful as you make it. As long as you have the above listed items, you have everything you need. If you have any questions, I would love to chat with you!

Whether you are a seasoned homeschool parent or just starting out, it’s important to be knowledgeable about state laws regarding homeschooling. Florida is considered a “moderate regulation“ state, as you do need to send in a letter of intent to homeschool (this is required only once, at the beginning of your homeschooling journey) as well as yearly portfolio review evaluations. The HSLDA is a great resource concerning state laws.

Florida Homeschool Laws Questions about how to homeschool in Florida? Start here for a quick overview: homeschooling laws & requirements, compulsory attendance ages, withdrawal, access to sports & special ed. services, recordkeeping, work permits, jury duty . . .

Welcome to Katie C Homeschool Evaluations! My name is Katie, and I am a State of Florida certified teacher who is excited to conduct your annual portfolio review. I live in Orange County, but am available to conduct virtual evaluations anywhere in Florida. As a homeschool mom, I know that the end of the school year can be a stressful time. However, it does not need to be. Message me, and we can talk about the steps you need to take to be ready for your child's evaluation!