Keeping a homeschool profolio: Ideas and Guides

With a quick review of your state's homeschooling laws, you will most likely find out that reporting to your local superintendent goes beyond just sending your child's name and address. In addition to sending your info, most states will require you to submit a collection of all the work you have been doing with your child, otherwise known as a portfolio.

This collection will include things like:

• Progress reports for each subject
• Copies of tests and quizzes with grades
• Attendance sheets listing what was done on each day
• Writing assignments such as essays and poems that show your child's writing ability.
• Standardized test prep scores
• Projects that students have completed throughout the year
• Textbooks and other teaching material used to instruct students

Keep in mind, porfolios are used as evidence that you are keeping the laws such as attendance requirements, subject requirements, curriculum requirements, grade level requirements. If your state requires standardized test taking, your evaluator may also use your portfolio to advise you on whether your student is being properly prepped for the exam.

Knowing your state's laws will give you a better idea of what should be included in your portfolio. If your state requires a certain amount of days for homeschooling instruction, developing an attendance log will most likely be included. If your state requires certain subjects to be taught, you should include graded material on each of the required subjects. Your portfolio is proof that you are keeping the laws.

When in doubt, include everything. Nothing will seem trivial to your evaluator and you will want to present all the proof possible to show that you are adequately teaching your child and that he is progressing.