Monday, December 22, 2014

Homeschool Evaluations

Portfolio Evaluations

 A portfolio that meets the requirements for home education in the State of Florida will include records and materials from their child's educational activities for that year. It can include, but not limited to, logs, reading materials used, samples of writing, worksheets, workbooks, art projects, journals, or projects. Each piece of work should be dated. I personally like to encourage parents and students to have fun with their portfolio, make it into a scrapebook for younger kids and cherish it for years to come. As long as the basic requirements are met there are no specific formates, tables, ect..
For specifics on Florida requirnments visit http://www.hslda.org/laws/analysis/florida.pdf

When I meet with a family to perform a portfolio evaluation I prefer the evaluation to be student led. I carefully allow the student to share their work with me, showing me their sample work, explaining fun activities and projects and even telling me a story or two about something exciting they learned. Afterward I allow time for the parents to ask questions or share thoughts and concerns. My evaluations are very relaxed and I tried to create a comfortable experience for the family.

The entire evaluation can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 90 minutes per student depending upon the needs of the family. 

I do not do portfolios via email or Skype. I believe meeting face to face allows for building a trusting relationship and more gratifying experience overall.  All of my families are very special to me and I enjoy seeing repeat customers and how much they grow over the years.

If you are interested in scheduling a portfolio review you can contact me via email lei101978@hotmail.com or facebook. You may also call me 813-732-4655.

I charge $35 for one child. I do give discounts to families with multiple children.

PIAT (Peabody Individual Assessmeny Test - Revised) 

This is a standardized, nationally normed, individual test and meets the requirements for testing in the State of Florida.

 The test assesses 6 contacts areas: General Information, Reading Recognition, Reading Comprehension, Mathematics, Spelling, and Written Expression. This test is individually administered orally and visually with the exception of the written expression portion. It is for grades K - 12 / ages 5 - 22. Is not timed, however it usually takes approximately one hour to administer. After the test is administered I will score and review the results with the parent as well as answer any questions they may have. 

This is a very popular test. I believe because it is less threatening, not timed, shorter in duration, you get your scores immediately, the score give you a lot of useful information and if you get a good administer, it can be very relaxing (as far as testing goes).

Personally I strive to make the testing environment as comfortable as possible for the students. I don't want them to feel rushed or stressed. 

If you are interested in scheduling a test or if you have any questions you can email me at lei101978@hotmail.com or Facebook.

The cost of the PIAT is $60 per student. Plan for a 2 hour session for each person. 
If you have a large family I can work with you on pricing - so please contact me.

- Leilani Melendez