Homeschooling Portfolio Checks By A Certified Teacher?

Question

This is my first year being homeschooled, Im in 10th grade and i have been using the Abeka program. I was told that i need to have a portfolio check at the end of the year by a certified teacher, so my question is what should be in my portfolio? What will they ask? I would love to just hear anyones expierences on it so i know what to expect. Thank you.

I am currently homeschooling in ohio for anyone who was wondering..

Answer 1

I just looked at the Ohio homeschooling laws on HSLDA (link below).

Here is what it says:

Submit an annual notice of intent to the local superintendent

Recordkeeping:  None

Testing:  Submit with renewal notification either: 1) standardized test scores, or 2) a written narrative showing satisfactory academic progress, or 3) an approved alternative assessment.

It may be that you are being misled.... or it could be that they mean either #2 or #3 above.

I'd say that you need a transcript of all your classes and grade, lesson plans, and example work for each course completed.

Hopefully you will get some answers here from other Buckeyes.

If you are part of a local homeschool group you should ask around and get some local advice.

Answer 2

A portfolio is a sample of the work you have done, a sample of your tests, just a sample of what you have learned and studied.

I would talk to other homeschoolers in your area to see what certified teacher they use.  Usually it is just another homeschooling mother who understands what homeschooling is and how children learn. The biggest number of homeschooling mothers are certified teachers-- some think 25% or more. Teachers are the largest profession that homeschool their children.

Answer 3

Here is a link to a basic outline of OH homeschooling laws, in case you are curious: http://www.hslda.org/laws/default.asp?St...

As to your portfolio (I've been doing this for about ten years so you can trust me on this!): the evaluator will want to see examples of what you have covered and learned during the year. It doesn't have to be extensive coverage (using a one-inch binder is good); good things to put in are vocab lists, examples of good tests, photos/descriptions of science experiments, an English composition or two, history notes, etc. Another good thing to do if you have the time is list all the extra things you did (maybe even do a 'diary'/photos/scrapbook pages of them!), such as field trips or camping, as those can often count as school and show that your year was well rounded out. Be creative and show off a little!