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My one box file represents the last 10 years of homeschool records.Homeschool Records. |
I ended up with one box file containing a folder for each child which represents the last five or six years of their schooling- a folder for each year. This was a huge accomplishment for me.
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| Example of my daughters 8th grade file. |
Top 10 things these folders may contain:
1. The Attendance Record-
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| This attendance record was for a state requiring only 150 days per year. |
It's a good idea to keep an attendance record. Every state has different requirements but generally speaking a school year is 180 days, 36 weeks. This record is for Washington state which required only 150 days/year.
2. The Standardized Test (or some form of progress report)-
This may be a standardized test, evaluation, or "report card". It may even simply be a written statement of what you feel they have accomplished based on the learning goals. This is a great way to demonstrate progress. Some states require it and some don't. In most cases no one will ever see the reports but you. But they can be a good indication of areas where you need to work.
3. The Learning Plan, Goals, or Objectives-
This is a good way to establish your purpose for the year. What do you plan to accomplish and cover over the course of the year for your child? Then at the end it demonstrates what you did. This layout will also keep you focused on accomplishing the objective, not simply finishing the text book or program you purchased. You may find you need to change materials mid year to accomplish your objectives. If you haven't written goals in the past I highly suggest it.
4. The Course Descriptions-
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| Sample Course Description for three 9th grade courses. |
Needed for high school but not necessary for grade school{not legally, but will help when your child enters college and/workforce...so you can state what they did}. These will be helpful when writing up transcripts. For more info on high school read Homeschooling High School: How to Define the Finish Line.
5. Scope and Sequence or Weekly Planner- (if applicable)
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| A Scope and Sequence example for themed units. |
When writing your own curriculum it's likely you have a scope and sequence or some sort of weekly planner which you write for the year. Here are three examples:
6. The High School Credit Hours Record ( high school only)-
This format was best for me using Excel and being recorded daily by my kids. Otherwise it becomes too much for the parent teacher to keep up with. Since most states quantify 1 high school credit by 180 credit hours it's the best way keep track unless you are very good at completing a text in full. For me this was the best option to prove time spent.
7. Samples of Work-
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| Example of a Pre-K File. |
8. Certificates of Completion and other Recognition-
You can include include various certificates for extracurricular activities and or photos of those activities.9. Legal papers
Such as intent form submissions and copies of other documentation of your required correspondence to the state .
10. The Year Plan at a Glance. In summary....
At the very least you should have a record of the text and/or curriculum and what subjects they covered. So you know what you covered that year with your child. Attendance that states what days you did school work would also be good. Please comment and add what you keep, there is no one way..and my folders look different year to year. I 'd love to hear about other ways to keep track. What do you keep?Linked with Angie @ Many Little Blessings.
