I've decided NOT to go the standardized testing route this year, so the other option is presenting evidence of improvement and education to a licensed teacher or other approved professional. Who here has done this in the past? Would you mind walking me through the process, such as what to include in a portfolio, how to find an evaluator, and any other advice you have?

I could use some help in this matter & it would be greatly appreciated. I don't have a homeschool group here to turn to for this.

Hey Michelle,

I just wanted you to know I'm not ignoring you on this.  Ijust can't find my paper on ideas to include.  I just started it this year also.  But I'll keep looking and see if I can't find the info for you!!

Stacey

I'm not sure how old your child or children are, but I will try to help you a bit.  I haven't done this as a homeschooling parent, but when I was teaching, our students created portfolios to document their growth throughout the year.

I would start by having your child set goals for him/herself and then at the end of the year have them write how they accomplished those goals and what they will work towards the next year. 

I would show work at the beginning of a unit and then at the end.  Take pictures of your child doing science experiments, participating in sports and going on field trips.  Have your child select things that he/she considers their best work and have them write about why they consider it to be their best work.   Keep writing samples throughout the year to show growth.  After a field trip, have your child summarize what they learned.  You may also want to include a skills checklist from different times in the year showing skills that are mastered or in progress.

If your child is old enough, I would include a lot of reflection and self-assessment.  Perhaps this website will help you some; it has some forms for reflection that look pretty good.  link

You could also have an electronic portfolio that is either web-based or on a CD-rom.

I hope this helps.  I know it will be a lot of work, but I imagine it will be well worth it for you and your child.

Thank you all for your input. I'll look into the book you mention, Lynn.

Michelle -

You might also try contacting the state-level homeschool organization in your state.  They might be able to provide contact information for portfolio evaluators.  No guarantee, but it's worth a try.

Here is the link to Christian Home Educators of Colorado.  They have a list of test administrators & evaluators on the site - under "Resources." http://www.chec.org/Index.html

I just took my records of what we had done during the year and a week  out of each month of his work . I also took some of his artwork plus a book to read aloud and I found her on a yahoo group for my area . Ginger