Essential Guide to Florida Homeschool Evaluation Resources and Support
- Meagan Shahin
- Oct 1
- 6 min read
Need some tips on wrapping up your yearly homeschool evaluation?
No matter if you're a seasoned or just getting started, prepping for the evaluation can seem a bit daunting. This guide simplifies the whole process, giving you everything you need for a smooth and easy experience.
In Florida, you have five options for completing the annual homeschool evaluation:
Individual evaluation of a portfolio by a Florida-certified teacher of your choice.
A nationally normed student achievement test administered by a certified teacher.
A state student assessment test.
A psychological evaluation, typically utilized for students with special needs.
Alternatives agreed upon by the parent and the superintendent.
Choosing the right evaluation method for your child is important. In the sections below, we break down each option, discuss portfolio requirements, and offer advice for organizing your materials effectively.
Explore Your Homeschool Evaluation Options in Florida:
Complete an Individual Evaluation by a Florida-Certified Teacher using your child's portfolio
In Florida, a popular way to evaluate your homeschooler, and my personal favorite, is to have a certified teacher check out your child's work. This gives a more personalized look at how your child is doing. You're required to keep a portfolio of your child's work, even if you decide to go with something like testing for their annual evaluation. Parents need to hang onto this portfolio for two years, and be prepared to present to the school district's superintendent within 15 days, if requested. So, utilizing a teacher to evaluate the portfolio helps to explore how your child is performing, and helps to ensure that your portfolio is prepared to meet state standards if requested. The portfolio has certain requirements and guidelines, and it needs to show student progress.
Required Items to Include in the Portfolio:
Educational Log - A log of the curriculum/learning plans, work/tasks completed, books/resources used, standards/ learning goals accomplished, and the dates that they were accomplished.
Standardized Testing results for recipients of the Step Up PEP scholarship
Samples of your child's work- Samples of school work may include worksheets, science projects, art projects, writing samples, completed scavenger hunt pages, dioramas, science fair boards
If you would like to learn more about Florida Portfolio requirements, gat ideas to help organize yours, or find a checklist to help ---see our blog Florida Homeschool Evaluation Portfolio Made Easy: Tips to Keep it Simple
What to Expect from the evaluation process:
The evaluator will review your child's portfolio with log, work samples and test scores, and may conduct an informal interview. For example, if your child has been learning about ecosystems, the teacher might ask them to explain what they learned through hands-on experiments.
You can choose a teacher who shares your educational values, assisting in a more comfortable assessment process.
Pros:
Customized feedback that reflects your child's learning style, learning disabilities, and progress.
Opportunity for detailed discussions about your child's academic journey.
Cons:
Finding the right evaluator may require extra time and effort.
2. Nationally Normed Student Achievement Test
Another option available to all Florida homeschoolers, is to use a nationally normed student achievement test. These tests compares a student's learning to other students in a large sample, to measure average standards of learning progress. This is a requirement in addition to maintaining a portfolio, for those participating in the Personalized Education Program (PEP). These tests measure your child's performance in relation to national standards, and are identified by the Florida Department of Education. If the parents of students participating in PEP would like their child to participate in a statewide, standardized assessment to fulfill this requirement, they may arrange with their school district to have their student test at a district location.
**To locate a list of approved norm-referenced assessments, please click HERE.
What to Expect:
A certified teacher must administer the test, providing a clear evaluation of academic standing. Parents may also coordinate with the school district, for their child to complete an approved exam that is being offered at a local private or public school.
For example, if your child takes the Stanford 10 test, the results can indicate how they score compared to peers nationwide.
Test results are useful for tracking progress over time, showing improvements in particular subjects.
Pros:
Standardized results provide a useful benchmark.
Easily interpreted data to help assess your child’s growth.
Cons:
The test may not represent your child's full learning experience.
State Student Assessment Test
Florida offers standardized state assessments as another option for evaluation. This is NOT required, but is an approved option. These tests follow state guidelines and measure students in various subjects. State tests like the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST), the Florida Standards Alternate Assessment (FSAA) and other course-specific assessments that are approved by the Florida Department of Education, monitor learning progress.
What to Expect:
The test must be administered by a certified teacher and completed under testing conditions agreed upon by the school district. These tests are structured and familiar to many students.
Results are filed with the state, adding a layer of official documentation.
Pros:
Similar format to other standardized tests your child might encounter.
Recognized by state officials, facilitating record-keeping.
Cons:
Results may not capture the complete scope of your child’s learning journey.
Psychological Evaluation
For some children, a psychological evaluation is an appropriate assessment method. This option is especially useful for children with learning disabilities and for those that require alternative learning styles.
What to Expect:
A licensed psychologist will assess cognitive and emotional development, providing insights beneficial for educational strategies.
This evaluation often leads to tailored approaches that cater specifically to your child’s strengths and challenges.
Pros:
Offers a comprehensive understanding of your child’s needs.
Results can lead to personalized educational strategies.
Cons:
This option can be time-consuming and may incur additional costs.
Other Methods Agreed Upon by Parent and Superintendent
Lastly, parents can opt for any evaluation method decided upon with their local superintendent. This option promotes creative, personalized assessments.
What to Expect:
Options may include project-based assessments, creative portfolios, or performance evaluations. For example, a child might create a science project that is assessed based on creativity and understanding.
Open communication with the school district is crucial to ensure all parties are aligned.
Pros:
Evaluations can reflect your child’s unique learning style.
Creative assessments can enhance engagement and motivation.
Cons:
This method often requires more planning and coordination.
Finding an Evaluator
As you look to hire an evaluator, here are a few key points to consider:
The evaluator MUST hold a valid, regular Florida certificate to teach academic subjects at the elementary or secondary level.
Some questions to ask of them:
What are your educational credentials?
How much experience do you have with evaluations?
Do you have experience with special needs student evaluations?
Have you evaluated homeschooled students?
What are your evaluation criteria? (Each evaluator has different criteria for determining learning progress.)
What will you need me to provide?
How do you prefer records be provided? Digitally? Physically?
How long is the session typically?
What do you charge?
How soon do you need the evaluation, to have it ready to turn into the district on time?
Where can I find an evaluator?
If looking for an evaluator in your area, try these routes:
1- Florida Parent Educators Association's (FPEA) website - https://fpea.com/homeschooling/evaluators
2- Association of Florida Evaluators-
3- Social Media
There are homeschool groups on facebook and other social media sites, that provide networking of resources and recommended evaluators.
Commonly asked questions:
When is the annual evaluation due?
-- Your annual evaluation is due on the anniversary date of your letter of intent submission.
What happens when my child and I pass the evaluation?
--The school superintendent will legally accept the evaluation and the report goes into your child's file. You can then continue homeschooling for the next year.
What happens if we do not pass the annual evaluation?
--If the evaluation is not sufficient, the superintendent will notify you in writing that your child is on a one-year probation period. You must provide corrective instruction to your child, and then be evaluated again to ensure progress has been made.
Embracing the Evaluation Journey
Preparing for your annual homeschool evaluation in Florida can transform from a stressful endeavor to an empowering experience. By understanding your evaluation options, curating a well-structured portfolio, and leveraging available resources, you can approach the evaluation confidently.
The evaluation aims to recognize your child's growth and ensure they are on the right path. With thoughtful planning and organization, you can turn this process into a positive experience for both you and your child.
As you prepare for your evaluation, take time to reflect on the learning journey shared with your child. Homeschooling is more than academics; it fosters a love for learning and nurtures your child's unique talents.
With the right preparation and mindset, you can navigate the evaluation process with confidence. Happy homeschooling!
Resources:
Florida's Department of Education Norm-Referenced Assessment list, as required for PEP scholarship recipients --
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