What Are My Options?- How To Prove Your Child’s Progress Through Evaluation and Testing
As a homeschooling caregiver, one of your responsibilities is to submit evidence of your child’s progress. There are a couple different ways to evaluate your child. Lets take a look together.
Most states will give you the option to keep a portfolio or to have your child take a standardized test.
*Disclaimer- states will differ on when they require this documentation to be submitted. For example: Florida’s evaluations are required yearly, while Colorado’s are due on odd-numbered years.
You can find your individual state’s requirements on your school board website or by calling them directly.
But which route should you choose? Let’s explore both options together!
Portfolio Evaluation-Benefits Of Keeping Your Own Records
Freedom To Include Whatever You Want: This is a great options for all of my creative parents out there! While you are required to include certain subjects (dictated by your state law), you have full control over how you wish to package it.
For each subject you are welcome to include worksheets, photos, and even crafts! When your child looks back on their year of hard work, they can flip through the papers and photos to remind them of the fun they had!
Ability To Include Your Children: Do your children love to create? Include them in adorning their portfolios with their favorite work! Have them cut and paste photos on construction paper to showcase their favorite moments. Add stickers and descriptions that explain what they are doing.
No Test = No Worries: Let’s be honest, does anyone really enjoy taking a timed test? I certainly don’t, and neither do my children. Test anxiety is real folks, and can hinder your child’s confidence. If you have a child that struggles with the pressure of performing, keeping a portfolio may be a better option.
Cost: Keeping a portfolio will mostly cost you your time. Yes, you will need to purchase a binder or folder to keep your work in. If you’d like to embellish it, then it will cost you in whatever supplies you wish to use. The trade off, is you you’ll have a keepsake at the end for your family to enjoy!
Standardized tests are not always free. Depending on who you choose to test your child (teacher or psychologist) the costs may be considerable. Choosing to keep a portfolio gives you the option to cut the cost and the stress.
Standardized Testing-What Is The Benefit?
Space Saving: Electing to partake in standardized testing will undoubtedly save you space. Portfolios are big and bulky, and most states require you to store them for a certain number of years. For those families with limited room, opting to take a test will certainly work in your favor.
Time Saving and Convenient: Compiling work examples throughout the year can be tedious for some. Do you tend to leave your child’s review work until last minute? Did life get away from you? I get it. Not everyone is the poster child for organization. That’s okay! A standardized test could be just what you need, to keep your life running smoothly.
Prepare For The Future: Do you have a high performer? Does you child have big dreams to go to a competitive college? If your child works well under pressure, allowing them to partake in traditional testing methods can benefit their future. Colleges require that your child be able to take timed tests alongside their peers. If you start while they are young, your child will be a pro, come college time.
Takes Pressure Off The Parent: Whether it’s for any of the reasons listed above, or for reasons of your own, having your child tested takes the heat off of you, plain and simple. Homeschooling, especially while facing one of many life stressors, can be overwhelming at times. It’s okay to give yourself a break. After working hard all year, let your child showcase what they’ve learned on their own.
The Most Important Part
Once you’ve decided which evaluation method to use, don’t forget to submit your proof to the school board!
If you choose to keep a portfolio, a certified teacher (there are many) can evaluate it for you. They will then write a letter that states your child is up to speed for the year. You must then ensure that letter gets mailed or emailed to the correct school board member. That’s it!
If you have your child evaluated by testing, you must ensure that the testing facility or organization is accredited. Once your child completes the test, the results will be given to you. Some organizations will send results to your school board and some will leave that responsibility up to you.
Rest assured that no matter which method you choose, you always have the ability to change methods the following year. After all, homeschooling is about having choices!
**Want to know more about the author? Check out my other articles at https://medium.com/@aubhouse for guidance on how to successfully work from home.