Keeping accurate homeschool records is important to the
success of your homeschooling. Records provide feedback to you as a teacher as
to what works and doesn’t work. Most states have minimal record keeping
requirements that must be met in order to legally homeschool your child in that
particular state. Accurate records also provide a basis for transcripts for
students that are applying to colleges or other educational programs. Lastly,
accurate records can be a lifesaver if your homeschool is investigated by
school authorities.
Record Keeping Basics
Since record keeping requirements vary from state to state, we will cover the basics of keeping records for your homeschool here. It is advised that you carefully review your state laws in regards to the record keeping requirements for your state.
You can find basic record keeping materials online or at your local office supply store. Some have used a notebook to journal the progress for each child, others prefer a more “official” looking approach.
Regardless of how you decide to keep records, there are a few basic areas you will want to cover:
Quarterly reports give a brief summary of the subjects covered and the materials you used to cover them for that particular quarter. You should include a synopsis of any activities the student was involved in that pertained to your homeschooling. Some parents also include a report card or at least a record of letter grades received for each class. Daily or weekly planners are a great tool to keep learning on track and are required by many states.
Goal sheets are where you set goals for each student for the quarter or the school year. Many parents set spiritual, developmental, and behavioral goals for their children as well. Goal sheets are a great way to set a definite course for your homeschooling. Review goals with your spouse, and sit down with each child to discuss goals and concerns they may have for the upcoming quarter or year.
Photos from field trips or other activities your student has been involved in can help give added depth to your records.
Portfolios
Many states allow parents to keep a portfolio as part of meeting homeschoolingrequirements. Some parents keep a portfolio for each year as a way to record academic progress. Portfolios also make a great keepsake for your child to enjoy for years to come.
Please check your state laws in regards to portfolio contents if you are using a portfolio as a means to document your homeschooling.
A portfolio should include:
a cover letter
a brief synopsis of what subjects your student covered each quarter and the materials used to accomplish your goals
a listing of letter grades for each subject, if applicable quarterly samples from each subject studied
a listing of any books your student read independently activities your child is involved in that relate to his or her education
a listing of field trips, many portfolio evaluators enjoy some pictures in this section
Record keeping for your homeschool can be as simple or as complicated as you want, and is a great way to record your child’s accomplishments from year to year.
Record Keeping Basics
Since record keeping requirements vary from state to state, we will cover the basics of keeping records for your homeschool here. It is advised that you carefully review your state laws in regards to the record keeping requirements for your state.
You can find basic record keeping materials online or at your local office supply store. Some have used a notebook to journal the progress for each child, others prefer a more “official” looking approach.
Regardless of how you decide to keep records, there are a few basic areas you will want to cover:
Quarterly reports give a brief summary of the subjects covered and the materials you used to cover them for that particular quarter. You should include a synopsis of any activities the student was involved in that pertained to your homeschooling. Some parents also include a report card or at least a record of letter grades received for each class. Daily or weekly planners are a great tool to keep learning on track and are required by many states.
Goal sheets are where you set goals for each student for the quarter or the school year. Many parents set spiritual, developmental, and behavioral goals for their children as well. Goal sheets are a great way to set a definite course for your homeschooling. Review goals with your spouse, and sit down with each child to discuss goals and concerns they may have for the upcoming quarter or year.
Photos from field trips or other activities your student has been involved in can help give added depth to your records.
Portfolios
Many states allow parents to keep a portfolio as part of meeting homeschoolingrequirements. Some parents keep a portfolio for each year as a way to record academic progress. Portfolios also make a great keepsake for your child to enjoy for years to come.
Please check your state laws in regards to portfolio contents if you are using a portfolio as a means to document your homeschooling.
A portfolio should include:
a cover letter
a brief synopsis of what subjects your student covered each quarter and the materials used to accomplish your goals
a listing of letter grades for each subject, if applicable quarterly samples from each subject studied
a listing of any books your student read independently activities your child is involved in that relate to his or her education
a listing of field trips, many portfolio evaluators enjoy some pictures in this section
Record keeping for your homeschool can be as simple or as complicated as you want, and is a great way to record your child’s accomplishments from year to year.
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