Homeschool Narrative (Portfolio) Assessment FAQs

1. I’m not on Facebook. Will you still be able to be my assessor?

 Yes, absolutely. The entire process is the same except you will email samples to bri9c@aol.com (unless you are coming for an in-person appointment).  I will reply to our email thread with comments, and the form will be attached as a PDF on that thread as well. Be sure to grant access to this email address, if using Google docs/images. 

2. Do you sign assessment forms for unschoolers? 

Yes, hundreds and hundreds of them! 😊 I highly respect unconventional ways of homeschooling and the creative ways unschoolers show progress. Pictures of projects, videos of learning, and often lists of topics studied or books read are some ways homeschoolers show progress. I do ask that you do your best to share some work sample pictures, or share a brief narrative so I can legally uphold my signature on the assessment form that states “I have seen portfolio work samples”.

3. My child has special needs. Can you do assessments for children with learning challenges or differences?

Yes, I'd be honored. I have a special place in my heart for homeschoolers who have special learning needs. I'm a prek-12 intervention specialist, Orton-Gillingham reading tutor, and Jon Peterson Scholarship provider, as well.   Please consider letting me know if your student has special learning needs so that I can do the best job possible for you. 

4. What if we started later in the school year? Do I need to include public school samples? 

Kudos for making the switch to homeschooling! You can include public school samples if you like, but you are the ultimate boss when deciding what to share and how much. Average is 15 images showing progress while homeschooling.

5. We don’t follow a traditional school schedule. When should we sign up for the assessment? 

You’ll sign up on this year's opening date or later, and pick a spring/summer date, just like those who do use a traditional school schedule.  It doesn’t matter when you “start” or “end” your school year because an assessment is for progress, not completion or 9 months of work or any other time length of school. 

6. We won’t be “done” by our scheduled assessment time. Is that going to be a problem? 

This won’t be a problem at all and it’s often true - MOST aren’t “done”, and honestly, are we ever really “done”?  Assessment is not about looking at curriculum completion - it is about progress only.  Progress can be seen in any length of time!  I’ll view the samples you share, comment on progress, and attach your form, easy as that! 

7. Due to a difficult year, we didn’t accomplish our academics but focused on mental/emotional health. Should I be worried about our assessment? 

Please have no worries about your assessment. And please don’t feel that you need to justify this to me. Sometimes progress in mental/emotional health is the most important area to work on, and I understand. Abundant grace will be extended! I do ask that you do your best to share some work samples pictures, or share a brief narrative so I can legally uphold my signature on the assessment form that states “I have seen portfolio work samples”. 

8. How do we show progress when we use an online program?

Most will send screenshots of final grades or screenshots that show progress in the various subjects. Some will include a few “offline” assignments, math computations in notebooks, or field trips or hands-on projects to round it out. 

9. May I schedule now and pay later? 

Pay Later is not an option this year. This is just like purchasing anything from Amazon or online store. Payment upon booking through the website will have you set to go and you will not having to think about it again! 

10. Do you have any examples of a portfolio?

Yes! On my website, you can see a few examples of some ways of putting together a portfolio. However YOU ARE THE BOSS when deciding what to show and how much, and in what format. Some enjoy putting together folders of samples with narrative detail, and some find this stressful, so it is entirely up to you. The examples shown are JUST examples, so no worries if that doesn't fit your style! Detailed portfolio information, including examples and pricing, is here.

11. Does my child need to be present at my assessment or give any presentation?

No, absolutely not. Some children do enjoy presenting a reading or a project they did (either in person or on video, for phone or Facebook assessments) but there is NO requirement about the child needing to be present at an assessment. The portfolio review is a NO-STRESS, no-pressure assessment option. 

12. How will I know if my child passed this school year? 

Assessment in homeschooling is not about grade level completion or passing/failing. It is about showing progress only, so the assessor’s job is to look for progress only. It is the parent’s responsibility, and no one else’s, to advance their child. I won’t declare your child “passed” or provide grade level advancement, because you are your child’s teacher. I’m your support person, not a judge! 

13. Are assessments required in Ohio?

As of October 2023, the requirement for an annual assessment to be sent to the local district with your subsequent notification was removed from Ohio law, therefore an assessment is no longer required for Ohio home educators. However, many have expressed that you'd like to continue assessments for reasons such as:

*wanting the yearly encouragement, 

*receiving answers to questions, 

*friendly and helpful accountability, 

*covering your "bases",

*learning ways to help a struggling learner 

*finding value in my input

*maintaining records for each year of home education.

For these reasons, we plan on continue to offer this valuable service to our beloved homeschool community. A form will continue to be sent following your assessment, indicating your child's progress according to ability.

13. Do I need an assessment for my graduating senior? 

For those states with an assessment requirement to send in, like West Virginia, an assessment is not legally required for a graduate because you are not notifying again. Some will want to go ahead anyway to have the form for their own records. 

14. How do I know which assessment option to choose?  

It's truly your choice.   If you enjoy a phone conversation, sign up for the phone appointment, if you'd rather not speak on the phone with me, then Facebook ONLY would be the better choice.  If you are within driving distance to the Dayton area, and prefer coming to my office, then you'd pick the "in person" appointment.  It does not matter if you are new, or if you have a student with special needs.  Just pick the one you prefer and pricing is the same for all options.