Homeschool evaluations can be stressful for kids and parents, but the goal of a good evaluator is to encourage and affirm.
Be prepared for your evaluation by asking plenty of questions and knowing what to expect.
What if my child is behind?
Behind who?
Evaluations are to determine if the child has made progress during the school year. It is not to compare the child to any other child.
When we discuss your child we are looking to see areas where they have grown.
Every child develops differently and they learn at their own rate. If you are getting stuck in one area, reach out for help to your local homeschool organization for suggestions.
You may also want to talk to other parents to see what has worked for their children.
If you are curious or concerned about your child’s development, have a conversation with your pediatrician.
What do I need to have ready for a homeschool evaluation?
Evaluations are a celebration of the homeschool year that you have had, so be sure to show the work that you and your children are most proud to share!
Most evaluators want to see work from the 4 core subjects, Math, English, Science, and Social Studies.
I ask my families to have prepared:
A list of books read independently and as a family
A writing sample from the beginning and end of the year
A list of math topics covered and samples of the work
That is all I ask my families to prepare, but each evaluator has their own list.
Does Virginia require testing for homeschoolers?
Virginia requires homeschooling families to present proof of progress at the end of each year. Those who file Religious Exemption or Certified Tutor are exempt from providing proof of progress.
Proof of progress can be a nationally normed standardized test like the CAT test, or a letter from someone with a master’s degree or higher or a current teaching license.
I have a current VA teaching license and I provide proof of progress letters for families who sign up for an evaluation with me. You can learn more about what to expect at an evaluation in the linked post.
Can my child fail an evaluation?
An evaluation is looking for progress over the course of the year.
If your child has not made academic progress in a year your evaluator may decline to write a proof of progress letter.
Evaluators are not required to submit a “failure” letter or take any steps but to decline to write the letter.
If this happens you can ask the evaluator what they would need to see to be able to write the proof of progress letter.
If possible, take a few months to work with your child and call the evaluator back to review the progress you have made.
Does a homeschool evaluation include testing?
While every evaluator is different, as a general rule an evaluation does not include any testing. The evaluator will talk to you and your child, look at work samples and ask questions to determine if your child has made academic progress over the course of the school year.
Some evaluators will ask questions based on the state standards and some will have specific academic expectations for your child. Be sure to ask any questions about how the evaluation will be conducted.
Each evaluator can determine how they will evaluate progress.
When will I get my homeschool evaluation letter?
You will need to submit a formal letter that states the evaluator’s findings. This letter may be mailed to you, emailed to you as a PDF, or mailed to the school district.
Your evaluator should let you know verbally or in writing what the evaluator has determined as far as academic progress.
There is a deadline for submitting proof of progress, so be sure to clarify with your evaluator when you will receive your letter.
I email my clients with a PDF of the evaluation in the days following the evaluation.
Does the evaluator submit the proof of progress letter?
Evaluators may offer to submit the proof of progress letter to the county, but it is the responsibility of the parent to be sure that this document is provided by August 1st in Virginia.
Many evaluators offer to submit the letter as a convenience for parents, but some evaluators do not communicate with the school district on behalf of the parents.
I email my clients with a PDF of the evaluation letter in the days following the evaluation.
