Evaluation Requirements

Children learn from anything and everything that they see. They learn wherever they are, not just in special learning places. ~ John Holt

 

  • The PA law states that an evaluator must see the following :

    1. Work samples showing growth and progress throughout the year

    2. A daily log

    3. Standardized test results for grades 3,5, and 8.

    In addition to these required items, I will meet virtually with you and your child to talk about your year.

  • The law for K-6 states:

    "At the elementary school level, the following courses shall be taught: English, to include spelling, reading and writing; arithmetic; science; geography; history of the United States and Pennsylvania; civics; safety education, including regular and continuous instruction in the dangers and prevention of fires; health and physiology; physical education; music; and art.”

    These subjects are all required throughout this level, but you get to choose when they are taught. There is no designation of what must be taught each year, so that is your choice. The only exception to this is fire safety, which must be covered each year.

  • At the secondary school level, the following courses shall be taught:

    English, to include language, literature, speech and composition;

    mathematics, to include general mathematics, algebra and geometry;

    science;

    social studies, to include civics, world history, history of the United States and Pennsylvania; geography;

    art; music;

    physical education; health; and safety education, including regular and continuous instruction in the dangers and prevention of fires.

    Graduation Requirements

    The following minimum courses in grades nine through twelve are established as a requirement for graduation in a home education program:

    (1) Four years of English.

    (2) Three years of mathematics.

    (3) Three years of science.

    (4) Three years of social studies

    (5) Two years of arts and humanities.

    I highly recommend keeping a transcript throughout the high school years so that you are aware of what has been covered. This will help you plan each year. I do need to see a transcript from students in grade 12, who wish to receive a diploma.

 

  • The work samples that you share can be very simple or more complex…this choice is yours. Samples should show that progress and growth occurred through the year. Two or three samples from each subject area is plenty. You might share journals, projects, workbooks, projects, brochures from field trips, pictures, etc… There are no rights or wrongs here. You can put this together in any manner that you like.

    Keep in mind, that we will get to talk about your year in addition to the work samples. There are no rights or wrongs and I am open to all styles of learning.

  • There are many interpretations of what this should look like. I am flexible as long as you have kept a log of some sort that shows the books that you have read throughout the year. This can be a sample - you do not have to record each and every book.

    The PA Homeschool Law states:

    Specifically, the state law requires the portfolio to include “a log, made contemporaneously with the instruction, which designates by title the reading materials used.”

  • Children in grades 3, 5, and 8 are required to take a standardized test. The results of this test are only shared between the family and the evaluator. The school district does not get to see the results.

    You may choose the test that you wish to administer. The PDE has approved the following tests as the choices that you have:

    California Achievement Test

    Comprehensive Testing Program (CTPIV)

    Iowa Test of Basic Skills

    Measures of Academic Progress (MAP)

    Metropolitan Achievement Test

    Peabody Achievement Individual Test – Revised Version

    Stanford Achievement Test

    Terra Nova

    Woodcock-Johnson Revised Tests of Achievement III

    Woodcock-Johnson IV

    Wechsler Individual Achievement Test III (WIAT-III)

    The PSSA through your local school district

    The homeschool parent may not administer the test unless you choose an online test where the computer serves as the proctor. For this reason, most of the families that I work with use The California Achievement Test (untimed/online version).

  • When preparing for a virtual evaluation, let your creativity shine. Families send photos via google drive, email, use FB messenger, create social media pages, videos, seesaw, bulb, etc… You could make a project of this and have an older child create an online portfolio. Keep in mind that you can tell me about things that aren’t easily shared when we chat. Never hesitate to ask me if you have questions!