How to Enjoy Evaluations

If you are new to homeschooling, the word “Evaluations” may strike fear into your heart. But it doesn’t have to be a scary word. Instead, think of it as an opportunity to celebrate the hard work you and your child have put into the school year, and to allow your child the chance to receive some recognition for it from someone outside the home. A good evaluator should be able to offer “glows and grows”, which are positive feedback for excellent accomplishments and suggestions for improvement in areas of struggle. This is a good time for a parent to ask for ideas in areas that you or your child may find challenging, as well as successes you and your child have had over the course of the year.

                An evaluator does not need to see every worksheet, math problem, paper, and science experiment your child completed all year. She is interested in growth throughout the year, so it is helpful to provide samples of the work from each subject from the beginning, middle, and end of the year so she can see improvement. It will be easier for her to see improvement if she is provided with small samples, rather than overwhelming her with a big stack of papers, unsorted by date, for her to sift through.

                In addition to work samples, there are other pieces of information you will need to include in your child’s portfolio. You should be keeping a record of either the number of days your child has been in school, or the number of school hours accomplished throughout the year. Your evaluator will need to see the record of those days/hours completed. The evaluator will ask to see a list of books your child has read, or that have been read to your child, during the school year. This list does not have to be comprehensive, but a sampling of favorite books is sufficient. Depending on your evaluator, she may want to ask your child questions about one or more of the books. Also, if you have a child in third, fifth, or eighth grade, Pennsylvania requires that children complete some form of standardized testing any time during the school year. A list of approved standardized tests can be found on Pennsylvania’s department of education website. Your evaluator will need to see proof that those tests have been completed by the time of your child’s evaluation.

                Those new to homeschooling may not think to include the following finishing touches. Field trips and family trips are an important part of your child’s education. They build memories and cement ideas in their understanding, through experiences they may not be able to have through reading alone, in addition to expanding your child’s world view. Don’t forget to include a list of these trips, and even pictures and scrap book items that will help your evaluator get a well-rounded picture of your year. Lastly, many evaluators charge a fee for their services. Be sure to ask ahead of time which forms of payment she will accept, and what the fee is, so that you can have her payment ready.

                So don’t fret or worry or stress. Enjoy this time with your child to celebrate your efforts you both have made all year long. If you can relax about it rather than stressing over it, your child will be able to relax and enjoy the experience more as well.