Welcome to VA Homeschool Evaluator! In alignment with Virginia homeschool law (as a certified teacher, holding a master’s degree) for establishing proof of progress Mel writes Evaluation Letters based on the analysis of student portfolios, as well as an interview.
Great question! Whether you are 3 months into your home instruction program, 6 months in, or nearly finished with your school year, it’s a great time to compile evidence in Math and Reading and Language Arts that might be used to establish academic progress.
There are all sorts of ways that you can provide proof of growth in math. You, of course, could include work samples of traditional math tests and quizzes from your curriculum. Additionally, you might consider any projects that required the student to demonstrate their math skills (such as a science project, cooking opportunity, or building project). Perhaps your student is in charge of planning a family trip and involved in making calculations of costs, portions of food, route/miles, etc. Keep a copy of their planning and strategies. You might also consider any games or competitions where your student was required to use mathematics. Find some additional ideas here.
Reading and language arts is such a broad category you could apply it to almost any subject matter. Any type of report would qualify, as well as letters and cards your student may have written this year. You might include book reports, reading lists, poems, checklists, movie reviews, articles, spelling tests, or samples of handwriting. As you are putting together your Reading & Language Arts portfolio, consider the following categories: handwriting, spelling, grammar, writing, reading and literature. Find some additional ideas here.
The reason for only including Math & Reading and Language Arts in the Evaluation Letter is because verifying proof of progress in these two areas satisfies state law.
You will need to gather samples from the academic disciplines of reading and math (as listed above) and provide them during our scheduled interview. After meeting with you and your student, if it is evident that there has been an adequate level of academic growth, I will compose an Evaluation Letter. An invoice will be sent to your inbox and once that is paid, your student’s Evaluation Letter will be emailed. You are responsible to email this letter to your local superintendent by August 1 st . If you are interested in these evaluation services, feel free to sign up here. Reach out if you need additional time slots to those listed and we will try and work around the schedule (mel @ vahomeschoolevaluator.com).
I am available to schedule appointments throughout the year, which works well for those who follow a year round schedule. Basically, evaluations may be scheduled once there is adequate evidence of progress from the previous academic school year. If you observe a traditional school year schedule, feel free to reach out and schedule early in the school year to be sure to secure a spot. This is especially important with larger families and co-ops.
My current rate is $55 per family for the first child’s evaluation. Additional siblings are $45 per evaluation. Special pricing is available for co-ops and for homeschool families with 5+ children. If you have any questions about this evaluation process, please write to mel @ vahomeschoolevaluator.com.
Yes! Virginia home instruction statute provides parents with the option of submitting student’s scores for standardized testing to the local school district. If you are interested in reading about these guidelines in greater depth, this is a great summary article.
Virginia code requires all students to participate in compulsory school attendance. In lieu of school attendance, homeschooled students may be taught according to the guidelines described here. Additionally, a family member may use correspondence schools. Private schools may offer a distance learning program or a home education correspondence school option. This legal organization and this Virginia homeschooling organization provide help to homeschooling parents trying to navigate homeschooling in Virginia.
Basically, when a local school division superintendent looks at evidence (such as test results or a letter of evaluation from a teacher with a current teaching license) they want to see adequate progress. An evaluation is a helpful tool, because a portfolio provides an overview of student growth over time.
On the other hand, when a student participates in standardized assessments, they are primarily being measured by the state standards, which correlate specifically to a grade level. Students can fluctuate in their knowledge, able to read on one grade level and working on math at an entirely different grade level. We are all unique and learning different subject matter at different paces. In addition, It can be argued that this approach to annual assessment is really testing whether or not a student knows how to take a test. Regardless, it is worth considering alternative approaches.
In order to identify the true knowledge of the child, it is important evaluate educational progress in addition to grade level. Students progress at different rates and may or may not have special needs. One of the beauties of homeschooling is having the freedom to tailor education to a student’s needs and gifts. If a child is struggling with math, at home you can slow down, give more examples and model, and continue to practice until they understand. If they are excelling in science, you can provide more and more resources to propel them in that pursuit. The homeschooling model really does afford a context to cultivate student growth and enable them to thrive.
In summary, you need to prove that your student has grown from their understanding and level of development last year as compared to this year.
As you plan for the upcoming year, consider what required evidence of progress best suits the needs of your student. For some, standardized assessment is the most practical and the best fit for their academic goals and future careers. For others, an evaluation may provide a more restful context in which to demonstrate an authentic assessment of their overall education and growth.
