What type of portfolios do you evaluate?

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I feel most comfortable evaluating portfolios for families that are well documented. I prefer to see samples of writing, math, and examples of science/social studies projects or labs or pictures of projects. I am able to evaluate portfolios for students in grades K-8. A significant part of my teaching background has been working with students who struggle in academics particularly with learning to read.

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What is a homeschool portfolio and what do I include?

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Simply put, a portfolio is a collection of samples of your child’s work for the year in various academic areas. You can keep this collection electronically, in paper, or in a crate/box. The State of NH requires homeschool portfolios to include a reading list and for the portfolio to show progress that is commensurate with the child’s age and ability. In order for me to determine progress, I find it helpful to see:

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· A reading list (this can be printed from your library checkout history). In order to help me gauge your child’s ability, it is helpful to discuss what was read independently and what was read to your children.

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· Dated samples of work from the beginning, middle, and end of year-could include workbooks, writing samples-dictated by younger students or rough/final drafts for older students, tests, photographs of projects, lab reports, etc. Preferably I’d like to see 3-5 samples from all academic areas taught; samples could be from content area workbooks.

Sample Portfolio Items:

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What does a portfolio review look like?

A portfolio review is a meeting with the parent, or both student and parent in which we discuss and review what academic areas were studied for the year along with the child’s progress in each area, your typical learning schedule, etc. I will also review the samples of work brought along and the reading list. I’m happy to answer any questions and share suggestions. A portfolio review typically takes an hour per child and 40 min. for each additional child.

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As an option at no additional charge, I can also offer the student a 10-15 minute reading assessment during the portfolio review using the DIBELS 8th edition, a nationally criterion-referenced assessment with norms across grades K-5. Parents can keep the DIBELS booklets as evidence of student achievement and to measure progress through the years.

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What is an online portfolio review and how does it work?

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In an online portfolio review work samples and reading lists are submitted electronically through email or Google drive. I review the work samples and a questionnaire from the parent noting each child’s growth and academic schedule for the year or I can review the portfolio samples over Google drive and discuss the portfolio samples with a parent over Google Meets or a phone conversation.

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What do you charge to review portfolios?

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I charge $50 to review the first child and $35 each for any additional children for NH homeschool RSA 193 portfolio reviews.  I charge $60 to review the first child for a NH Education Freedom Account Portfolio and $50 for each additional child as these portfolio letters and interviews are a bit more involved.

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What will I receive at the conclusion of the portfolio review?

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Parents will receive a signed letter verifying progress after the review with a paragraph for each child in the family noting a few details about strengths or interests for that year and extracurriculars the children are involved in. This letter can either be mailed or emailed to you for your records. This letter is typically completed a few days to a week after the review.

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*If I do not feel enough work samples/discussion warrant progress that is commensurate with the child’s age and ability I can recommend another evaluator to review your child’s portfolio.*