If you are one of the many Florida homeschooling families loosely following the district calendar, you are also probably starting to think about year-end evaluation options for your children, too.
What evaluation method will you choose this year?
Are you in need of a certified teacher? A tester?
How many children do you need to evaluate this time around?
Just in case you're a little bit rusty from last year, a quick review of your responsibilities plus some additional tips may be in order:
1. Only children who are homeschooled using the "Letter of Intent" require a year-end evaluation. Children enrolled in public or private school situations do not. If you have children in both categories, evaluate only those registered with the school district through Letter of Intent.
2. Teacher portfolio reviews and testing are the two most common year-end evaluation approaches. However, there are others you can choose. Consult the homeschooling laws to read what they are. Then, ask a trusted homeschool advisor if you need help with any of these additional options.
3. Year-end evaluations are due on or before the homeschool anniversary date for each particular child. This date can be found on your copy of your original Letter of Intent for each child. If children have different start dates, evaluations may be due at different times of the year.
4. A homeschool year does not have to begin in August/September and end in May/June. If your homeschool year is still in full swing and may not be ending until July or August, do not feel pressured to evaluate now. Wait until you feel that the majority of the schoolwork has been completed so you'll get an accurate measure for that year. No sense doing it early just because other families are. Evaluators are usually available all summer long.
5. If in doubt about anything, consult homeschool laws, read additional information from trusted sources, and ask families in your area who have experience with what you may be trying to do. Homeschoolers have access to many resources and a great deal of support in the state of Florida -- free help is availalble for the asking.
For additional details about homeschooling evaluations in Florida, THIS ARTICLE contains a comprehensive list of questions & answers. Information about Florida laws may be found HERE. You are also invited to browse the other articles here at Jacksonville Homeschooling Examiner to learn more about the finer points of homeschooling in Florida.
[Dr. Marie-Claire Moreau can also be found at Quick Start Homeschool, where broader homeschooling topics are explored along with curriculum information, a wide variety of printables, and information about all of the other aspects of the homeschooling life.]
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