Wednesday, June 15, 2022

Portfolio Season

 Some states require home-school families to have a licensed teacher prepare a letter testifying she has reviewed a large body of sample work for each student in the family.  West Virginia is one state with these requirements.  For a number of years, I have reviewed portfolios for families.  Here are a few tips.  First, create a Slideshow, a digital portfolio.  I include photos of the books, sample work, tests, etc.  Additionaly, I include a few notes about progress in each subject.  When I review portfolios, I write a lengthy letter for the local Board of Education (BOE).  In the first,paragraph, I explain the curriculum and extracurricular activities, such as Scouts, service, sports, etc. The main paragraphs describe each school subject.  Frequently, I add excerpts from essays the child has written.  When I write letters to the BOE, I include facts and the positive attributes of the family’s program or curriculum.  I add any suggestions or recommendations to the family, not the BOE.  Here is a letter I wrote for a family based on a lengthy interview.  Below is a short letter which may be useful for your BOE.



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