What do we need to include in a homeschool portfolio? Gathering your paperwork is simple. Florida law, ss. 1002.41, states that a portfolio should include 1. A log of educational activities that is made contemporaneously with the instruction and that designates by title any reading materials used. 2. Samples of any writings, worksheets, workbooks, or creative materials used or developed by the student. I recommend including a couple of samples of your student's coursework from the beginning, middle and end of the year from each subject that you teach. A list of reading materials you've used and an activity log that you've notated throughout the year. Samples of work can look very different depending on your homeschooling approach. I enjoy reviewing physical work sheets and notebooks, but also love evaluating family blogs with videos of your students and science and art projects throughout the year. If you are in the Lakeland, Florida area, consider a portfolio drop-off or drive up portfolio option!
How are online evaluations completed? Online evaluations are a convenient option for families with small children or those who reside outside of our portfolio drop off or drive up evaluation area. Student must be available over the phone so that I can review the portfolio and hold a brief discussion with the student, as required by law. Portfolios can be scanned and sent to our email address, a GoogleDrive or any other file sharing service. I can also use blog links or YouTube for evaluations if you’d like to make a video of the required portfolio. An easy way to keep track of your portfolio throughout the year is to create a Facebook group or Instagram page (can be a private, closed group) that you post pictures and comments every few weeks regarding what lessons or fieldtrips you may be taking. This will automatically date your work and I can be added to the group to review your year! Its a simple, electronic way of keeping a record. Creating a blog would be the same idea.
How long is the evaluation process? Each evaluation will vary depending on the student and what type of portfolio you've created. On average, evaluations range from 15-30 mins per student for drive up evaluations or a quick 5-10 minute phone call or video call for follow up discussion.
How can we check your teaching certificate status? Making sure your evaluator holds a current teaching certificate in the state of Florida is a vital step in having your evaluation done correctly. Florida law states "a teacher selected by the parent shall evaluate the student’s educational progress upon review of the portfolio and discussion with the student. Such teacher shall hold a valid regular Florida certificate to teach academic subjects at the elementary or secondary level" (ss.1002.41) On the Florida Department of Education website, my name or D.O.E number - 1027269, can be searched and verified along with the current expiration date.
Do you accept the Gardiner Scholarship for students with special needs?
All Gardiner recipients may have their annual portfolio evaluation fees reimbursed with available funding. While I am not a direct pay provider with Step Up For Students, I can issue a detailed invoice to be used for reimbursement. My name is listed in the provider drop down box as Samantha R. Eason. I am so pleased to offer portfolio evaluations for students of varying abilities and have a special understanding when it comes to students with special needs.
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