Thank you for booking your evaluation! (haven’t booked yet? Book here)
Evaluations are a chance to celebrate all that you and your student have accomplished this year! WOOHOO!
This article can give you an idea of what to exect when you book a homeschool evaluation.
Homeschool evaluations can look very different from family to family. I wanted to share what you can expect on the day of your homeschool evaluation with Dallmeyer Learning.
In an evaluation I am looking to see progress from the beginning of the year until now. It is not an evaluation to discuss “grade-level” or to see if your child has met “benchmarks.” They are only being compared against themselves.
I offer three types of evaluations:
In Person Homeschool Evaluations
When you schedule an in person evaluation we will choose a meeting location and we will meet in person. These can take place at a library, home or other location.
I will probably start the conversation by asking how the year has gone. Then I will review the work samples and discuss the year.
I generally ask to see:
- A list of books read in the year (as a family or independently)
- A writing sample from the beginning and end of the year
- Math textbook table of contents OR samples of math work
I will also ask about the types of activities or curriculum you used for social studies and science.
During this process I will be filling out the Evaluation Interview form that will be given to you for your records at the conclusion of the evaluation.
When we have discussed the year I will ask the following questions:
- Are there any concerns you would like to discuss?
- Do you have goals for next year?
- How can I support you and your family in planning next year?
After the interview I will send you the Proof of Progress letter as a PDF to be submitted to the school district. I will not send anything directly to the school district.
The PDF will contain contact information for me if the school needs to contact me.
Virtual Evaluation
A virtual evaluation will take place over Zoom or Google Meet with the student and parent.
I will start the evaluation by asking how the year has been going. My goal is to celebrate the year your have just completed!
When possible, I ask that photos of relevant work be sent ahead of the virtual appointment so that I can look over the samples and so we can discuss them when we meet, but I can be flexible with the timeline here.
Please send copies of:
A writing sample from the beginning and end of the year
A list of books read (together and independently)
Table of contents of any Math curriculum or a list of topics explored or any work samples
During the interview we will discuss any Science and History work you have done in the year and any other learning experiences you have done.
When we have discussed the year I will ask the following questions:
- Do you have any concerns you would like to discuss?
- Any goal for next year?
- How can I support you and your family this year?
During the interview I will be recording the information in the Evaluation Interview form that will be given to you for your records.
After the interview I will send you the Proof of Progress letter as a PDF to be submitted to the school district. I will not mail anything directly to the school.
The PDF will contain contact information for me if the school needs to contact me.
Portfolio Review
A portfolio review is another way to get your evaluation done if meeting is not possible.
A portfolio review is when a parent submits work samples, pictures and other information about the school year and the evaluator reviews the information to determine if progress has been made academically over the year.
You can submit your portfolio after scheduling an evaluation and sending the following information:
A brief overview of what was covered in Math, English, Social Studies and Science.
Each section should be organized chronologically to show growth over the school year.
A portfolio should include 5+ work samples for each subject area and should demonstrate that the child has progressed in skill during the year.
Be sure to include:
A list of books read during the year (as a family or independently)
A writing sample from the beginning of the year and the end of the year
A list of math topics covered and work samples
Pictures from field trips, clubs or activities
Tests and quizzes are not required, but if you use them in your homeschool you may include them.
In Virginia you do not need to submit work samples to the school district, so the portfolio will be for my eyes only. I will not submit any work samples to the school district.
Portfolio reviews may require some back and forth communication for clarification, but remember evaluators are looking for progress not perfection.
When I have reviewed the portfolio I will send a PDF of the Proof of Progress Evaluation Letter to your email. I will not submit anything to the school district.
Have Questions?
Evaluations can be stressful, if you have any questions about your upcoming evaluation reach out to Sabina at Dallmeyerlearning@gmail.com
You can also find more information on my FAQ page.
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