Portfolio Evaluation FAQ

FL Homeschooling Portfolio Evaluation FAQ

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Where do the homeschool evaluations take place?

--I prefer to meet at Books-a-Million in Sanford (in the cafe).

What must I bring to the evaluation?

At the minimum, I need to see what the State of Florida requires:

1) a log of educational activities that is made contemporaneously with the instruction and
that designates by title any reading materials used

This means the list of reading materials used should be integrated into the log of educational
activities if possible, and all entries should be clearly dated. Some parents save their library
receipts as part of their "list of reading materials used" throughout the year. Remember that
older children are old enough to keep up with their own reading lists.

Think outside the box when keeping your log of educational activities. You can use a
calendar or teacher's planbook to record or plan your child's activities for the day. You may
also use software such as Homeschool Tracker. Remember to include non-traditional
educational experiences--not just assignments from textbooks and workbooks. Include
some note of field trips, classes, science experiments, nature excursions, and other
experiences that enhanced your child's learning.   Photo albums are helpful but certainly not
necessary.

2) Samples of any writings, worksheets, workbooks, or creative materials used or developed
by the student.

I prefer to see a little of each subject so I can get a good picture of your approach to
homeschooling and your child's progress.I ask homeschooling parents to provide work
samples that show *growth* because this is what the State asks me to look for during the
evaluation. I must confirm that your child has made growth "commensurate to his/her ability"
in the letter or form that you'll submit to your county. I am comfortable with kids who are
"unschooled" but, as with any child, I need to see evidence of their learning in order to
complete the evaluation.

Pictures of projects, brochures from trips taken during the year, lapbooks, stories, pen pal
letters, and so forth are all examples of "work samples" that may be included when a child-
led, hands-on approach is used. Remember that no two portfolios are alike!

What does the evaluation process entail?

Relax! The evaluation is based on the child’s portfolio and any other documentation provided
by the parent. I'll spend forty-five minutes or so going over the portfolio with the parent,
asking for clarification when necessary. A brief interview with the child will be conducted as
well, but this will not be a test or quiz on content. It will simply be a conversation about the
child's experiences or a particular project.   As a homeschool consultant, I will also answer
any questions you might have and help point you in the right direction if you have specific
concerns.

What is the fee for the evaluation?

1st Child: $40     Additional Children: $20 (cash or Paypal, please)

Who submits the form to the county office?

YOU DO! If your county provides a form for the evaluator to sign, please bring it with you.
Otherwise, print this one instead. If you can't print for some reason, be sure to let me know
before the appointment so I can make arrangements to bring one.

What if I don't live in Central FL?

I will try to help you locate a homeschool evaluator in your area. If you absolutely can't find
one to meet your needs, I am willing to do a long-distance evaluation via phone, email, and/or
snail mail.

What if I'd like to have my child evaluated for special needs?

I highly recommend calling Alicia Braccia at the Center for Health, Learning & Achievement.
She is an educational psychologist who works with a fantastic team of occupational
therapists, speech therapists, tutors, and more.

What if I want help choosing curriculum, finding local groups, and/or meeting my
child's individual needs?

Just call me or send me an email. I do face-to-face meetings as well as phone consultations.
My fee is $40 per hour.

DISCLAIMER: It is the parent's responsibility to know the FL laws regarding
homeschooling and what is required of them.

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Don't forget to check out Time 4 Learning! It's a interactive
site that's aligned to national standards. In fact, it's used in
schools over the country. And now it's available to
homeschoolers everywhere! If you end up signing up for the
site, please remember to let them know I sent you.

Recommended Group for
Homeschooling Newbies in Orlando:
Home Educators' Network of Central FL

Helpful FILES and
RESOURCES
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