Florida Homeschool Evaluations Made Easy and Stress-Free
Are you considering homeschooling your child in Florida? If so, you might be feeling overwhelmed by the thought of evaluations and paperwork. But fear not! I am here to guide you through the entire process and show you how I make Florida homeschool evaluations stress-free.
I will start by explaining the initial step, filing a Letter of Intent. Then, I will delve into the importance of maintaining a child's portfolio and provide helpful tips on what to include. I will also discuss the annual evaluation of educational progress, including different options available to meet this requirement.
Additionally, I will explain other homeschooling options in Florida, particularly the role of "Umbrella" or "Cover" schools. And finally, I'll share how I provide a stress-free homeschooling experience for both you and your child. So let's get started on this exciting journey together!
Stress Free Homeschool Evaluations by a Certified Florida Teacher
There is no reason for your child's homeschool evaluation to be stressful. After all, you are the expert! Only you know what is best for your child(ren).
I am a Florida certified teacher and I would love to make the evaluation process as easy as possible for you. Plus, I only charge $35 for the first child and $25 for each additional child with same day service if you need it!
If your evaluation due date is coming soon or if you just want to get the evaluation over and done with immediately, call me at 727-403-9870. Please leave a message in case I am unable to answer your call immediately and I will call you back ASAP, usually within 2 hours or less. I work from home, but I do online tutoring which is why I may not be able to answer right away.
(I will need to speak briefly with your child, but I ask only simple questions such as, "How do you like homeschooling?" or "What is your favorite subject?"
If the evaluation does not need to be done today, but you want it done at a date/time that you request,
click on "Florida Homeschool Evaluation Form" in the menu
I look forward to hearing from you!
I also write curriculum for homeschoolers:
The Initial Step to Home Education in Florida: Filing a Letter of Intent
If this is your first year homeschooling, completing and submitting the Letter of Intent is one of the initial steps in homeschooling in Florida. It is important to properly fill out the letter and ensure that it is submitted to the district school superintendent's office.
Maintaining a Child's Portfolio
Maintaining a child's portfolio is crucial for the student's demonstration of educational progress. It allows parents to monitor their growth, identify areas that need improvement, and celebrate their unique talents, skills, and interests. Keeping the portfolio up-to-date also helps parents stay organized and prepared for annual evaluations. The portfolio serves as documentation of the student's educational progress and is an essential part of the evaluation process.
What Should You Include in Your Child's Portfolio?
The portfolio should include samples of their work like worksheets and projects. Don't forget to document the curriculum/resources utilized and any field trips. These will come in handy if you choose a certified teacher to perform a review of the portfolio for your annual evaluation.
Florida Homeschool Evaluations: A Homeschool Requirement
Florida homeschooling families are required to conduct annual homeschool evaluations of their child's educational progress. Florida homeschool evaluations can be done through options like portfolio reviews by a certified teacher (the most common option), standardized testing, or having the child evaluated by a licensed psychotherapist.
Options for the Evaluation
Option 1 - The most common option for Florida homeschool evaluations is for the evaluation to be conducted by a teacher who holds a valid regular Florida teaching certificate (that's me!) and is selected by the parent. My stress-free evaluation process is to have you fill out a form, then (A) submit an unofficial transcript if you are homeschooling through an online program or (B) submit 2 samples from 2 different subjects by email, (preferably 2 writing samples and 2 math samples) per child, and to set up a date/time for a very brief consultation with the student about how they feel about school and if they have a favorite subject. It is the parent's responsibility to send a copy of the evaluation letter to the public school district of their county. (In-person evaluations in Pinellas County will be done upon request, but will require an extra fee).
Option 2 is for students to take a nationally normed student achievement test, which is administered by a certified Florida teacher. (I am sorry, but I do not provide testing).
Option 3 - students can opt to take a state student assessment test that is used by the school district. This test is also administered by a certified teacher, and the location and testing conditions are approved by the school district.
Option 4 - students have the choice to have their Florida homes by a licensed psychotherapist in Florida.
Students are not required to be on a particular grade level. They just need to be making educational progress.
Other Options
Florida offers a virtual school option for homeschooling families, providing online courses and curriculum. Joining a homeschool cooperative or support group can provide socialization opportunities and resources. Some families choose to hire tutors for specific subjects. High school students in Florida have the option to participate in dual enrollment programs, earning college credits while completing their homeschool curriculum.
The Role of "Umbrella" or "Cover" Schools
Private schools known as "umbrella" or "cover" schools play a significant role in the homeschooling community in Florida. These schools offer a range of educational services to homeschooling families, including administrative support, record-keeping, and oversight. Enrolling with an umbrella school allows families to still be considered legally homeschooled in Florida while benefiting from the resources provided.
As a homeschool parent, it's important to do your due diligence and make sure the school you choose is in compliance with all the private school requirements in Florida. You can find a list of approved private schools on the Florida Department of Education website. Happy homeschooling!
Homeschool Evaluator: How I Provide a Stress-Free Portfolio Evaluation
Providing a stress-free homeschooling experience in Florida starts with understanding the requirements for homeschool evaluations. It's crucial to prepare and organize your child's portfolio and documentation, ensuring that everything is in order for the evaluation process. As your homeschool evaluator, my stress-free evaluation process is to have you fill out a form, then (A) submit an unofficial transcript if you are homeschooling through an online program or (B) submit 2 samples from 2 different subjects by email, (preferably 2 writing samples and 2 math samples) per child, and to set up a date/time for a very brief discussion with the student about how they feel about school and if they have a favorite subject.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Florida homeschool evaluations can be a stress-free experience when you have the right information and resources at hand. By understanding the initial steps such as filing a letter of intent and maintaining a child's portfolio, you can ensure compliance with homeschooling regulations in Florida. Additionally, exploring different options for annual evaluations and understanding the role of "umbrella" or "cover" schools can provide flexibility and support in your homeschooling journey. Remember, providing a stress-free homeschooling experience requires careful planning, organization, and finding a method that works best for your child's individual needs. I hope this information helps you on your homeschool journey with your child.
Helpful links:
www.floridahomeschoolevaluations.com
www.creativityintheclassroomteachingresources.com/
www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Literature-And-Grammar-Units-By-Cynthia-K-Perkins
www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Creativity-In-The-Classroom
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