Future of Ohio Homeschool Assessments PLUS Added Services!

 

Hello friends,

I am writing you to tell you about the future of Ohio Homeschool Assessments.  As many of you know the Ohio Homeschool Laws have changed and you are no longer required to send an assessment to your school district.  

I have been thinking through what comes next.  Many of you have written to ask me if I would continue with portfolio reviews.  I have assembled some thoughts below.  

1.  Will you continue to provide homeschool portfolio reviews for families. 

  YES, I will!  

I am now open to now completing portfolio review/assessments  for any family in any state.

2.  Do you think I still need to complete an assessment? 

Yes! I believe it would be beneficial for your  to complete some type of assessment that demonstrates your student has made progress.  As good home educators of our students we need to keep good records and show progress.  

3. Is it really necessary?  I only worried about my district in the past.  

YES! I am seeing the new law as a transfer of responsibility.  Your district kept your homeschool records in the past. They could confidently share that a family was pursuing home education from a notification of intent and that a student made progress from an assessment.  I believe the responsibility is NOW on home school parents to keep records of their students that demonstrate they made progress. 

Children Protective Services(CPS) contacts me about a family several times every year.  (I never speak to them without permission from the family) They ask me if a family has shared work with me and made progress. I have always sent CPS back to the family's school district, because the school district held the student's records. CPS would  then check in with the district. 

As a family you will be responsible to demonstrate that you are home educating and your student is making progress.   I believe now it is  even more important to keep good records and demonstrate your student has made progress.  Please understand this is my opinion.  

I realize there is a low chance that CPS or someone will contact you.  But, I believe as good home educators of our students we want to have record keeping  that demonstrate our students' educational progress. We all care about our students and want the best for them.  

4.  Are you going to continue with assessments for your students?  

 YES!  I believe in good record keeping, and want to demonstrate my students made progress.  (I also have talked to CPS one too many times) 

5.  When and how often should I complete an assessment?

I would complete one yearly.  The advantage in 2023 and beyond is that there is no particular time of year for a deadline.  I will be working year round and now have more of a limited schedule in the summer.  You are able to complete something mid year, at the end of summer, or in the fall.  You control the schedule now!  Do what works best for your family.  

6.  What should I do with my portfolio assessment paperwork after your review?

If you keep physical paperwork, I would keep the assessment with the work samples in a file folder preferably in a fire proof box.  If you are a digital person  I would use Google Drive or OneNote to store the paperwork.  

7. Will you be offering other services? 

YES!  So glad you asked! I am venturing into consulting!  I will be working with families on planning for high school, creating a high school transcript, writing a counselor letter, helping plan your day, planning for the school year, chatting through issues, listening and working through scheduling, academic & learning issues, reading challenges, and homeschool coaching. I am available through email or zoom for coaching.  Click HERE for more information. I will also continue with portfolio reviews.  

8. So if I need more targeted help with home education you can help me?   

Yes!  I am providing email consulting for a fee. Please click HERE.  OR I am also offering Zoom consulting and coaching. Please email me for more information.  

Further Information:  My calendar will be open 2-3 months in advance for appointments.  Please Click here for a portfolio review( assessment)  or email consulting.  Please email for more information on Zoom consulting.  

Thank you for your business the last 14 years.  I look forward to many more years of working with homeschool families.  

Thank you! 

Becky Boerner

Mom to SEVEN  Home Educated Children since 2005

 Including  those who have graduated from College including MIT

Who have jobs. 

THREE still Elementary- High School

Certified Teacher

M Ed. in Reading Education

Homeschool Portfolio Reviewer Since 2010.  

Marvel at the Moon by Levi Lusko with Tama Fortner illustrated by Catherine Pearson and Tim Bradford

 

Review: Marvel at the Moon by Levi Lusko with Tama Fortner illustrated by Catherine Pearson and Tim Bradford is a 90 day devotional book. Each day which is a two page spread contains a topic related to space, a verse, an interesting fact about space and a prayer. The topics included are space facts, famous women and men in space, and what you need to know if you lived in outer space. Fabulous topics for students ages 6-11. Students 9-11 would be able to read on their own.

My eleven year old really enjoyed this story. I loved the format and the beautiful two page spreads. The book is very inviting, and the illustrations are incredible. We are always looking for ways to expand our horizons, and a space devotional is a great way to do that.

This would be a great way to supplement your science curriculum, use a devotional, or wonderful starting point for discussion with your student.   I highly recommend Marvel at the Moon.

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review. 

My picture of the Super Moon August 30

Book Blurb:

Loneliness among kids is on the rise. In Marvel at the Moon: 90 Devotions: You're Never Alone in God's Majestic Universe, author and pastor Levi Lusko uses illuminating stories, biblical teaching, and eye-opening surprises about outer space to show kids that they're never alone, because God is always with them.

The moon is a constant and mysterious presence in our sky! Kids marvel at it, just as adults do, wondering about our big universe. And they'll love learning about the moon and other out-of-this-world discoveries about God's creative cosmos. With insightful, educational, and comforting devotions, kids will discover that God is powerful, He is good, and He will never leave us.

Including fun facts and simple action steps, this 90-day devotional journey will help kids tohandle real-life issues such as loneliness, peer pressure, negative emotions, and more;
tackle truths about God's creation, learn how our universe fits together in perfect harmony, and discover God's love for His children;
learn from courageous people, including Father Abraham, Buzz Aldrin, Neil Armstrong, Katherine Johnson, and many others;
dig into interesting space and astronomy facts, plus scientific findings reinforced by the Bible; and
foster a new sense of wonder at God's magnificent creation as they engage with His promises.

Despite the conundrums kids may face on earth, they'll learn that God defies gravity and is with them wherever they go!

Levi also travels the world speaking about Jesus. Through television, online streaming, and Levi and his wife Jennie’s bestselling books, their ministry reaches around the world. They enjoy family days, getting outside, good coffee and sharing new experiences. The Lusko family includes one son: Lennox, and four daughters: Alivia, Daisy, Clover, and Lenya, who is in Heaven.

Beast Academy Promo Code for Three Extra Months on a Twelve Month Subscription!

 

I have greatly enjoyed using Beast Academy for my son.  Beast Academy if for 1-6th grade.  We have enjoyed the program and it has been a good fit for math. I currently have a coupon code for if you buy a year of the program you get 3 EXTRA MONTHS FREE! What a great deal. If you were in the market for the program this a wonderful opportunity! I have put the code below. Click here to sign-up. Coupon Code: 3MonthsFromSapphireSquirrel21 The above coupon code will expire May 1, 2024. It can be used multiple times. I would love if you used it! Why I like Beast Academy: 1.  The environment is very safe for young learners.  They do not use their real names.  They are only in their classroom.  2.  The problem solving is excellent. So many opportunities for learning these skills.  3.  There are videos that explain how to do problems in multiple ways.  There is also a chance to read the book on the screen or you can buy the book. I like how this fits a variety of learning styles.    4.  The environment is engaging and interesting.  The monsters are cute, funny, and appealing to young learners.   5.  There are a variety of problems for all types of learners.  The students have the opportunity for more challenging problems.   Write me with any questions.  I would love to share my experience.

The Indescribable Activity Book For Kids by Louie Giglio

The Indescribable Activity Book for Kids by Louie Giglio with Tama Fortner is a delightful activity book for kids ages 6-10. This full color book contains word searches, crosswords, games, puzzles, crafts, dot to dot, drawing, and experiments. The Indescribable Kids share science facts and lead you through the book.

This can be used along with the author’s devotionals or as a stand alone. As a certified teacher and homeschool mom I believe you could use the book as a science supplement for fourth grade and up and your curriculum for grades 1-3. It also would work well for activities for kids to do while waiting in appointments, church, during free time, travel, or anytime you need a quiet activity. Kids who like science will probably enjoy this book the most, but the colorful pages and variety of activities will appeal to all kids.

I highly recommend The Indescribably Activity Book by Louie Giglio.

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.

Good Night Dude Perfect by Dude Perfect with Kristin Hilbert.

Good Night, Dude Perfect by Dude Perfect with Kristen Hilbert illustrated by Alan Brown is a good night book in the theme of Goodnight Moon.  The book is a history of the Dude Perfect group, shares some of their tricks, their mascot, inside jokes, and favorite things.  It is rather hilarious.  The pictures are bright and engaging.  The story is targeted towards their 4-8 year old fans. Though, I noticed all of my kids looking through it and laughing.  

What always strikes me as I watch the Dude Perfect videos is that these guys take what they do seriously, but not themselves.  They try to have fun, do goofy things, connect with their audience, and believe in making crazy ideas come true.  The book does a good job carrying through with those themes.  If you are a Dude Perfect fan than you will really enjoy Good Night, Dude Perfect.  

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a review.  

 Here are some activities that go along with the book.  

Through June 3 click here to win a free copy.  

Good Night, Body Finding Calm from Head to Toe by Britney Winn Lee and illustrated by Borghild Fallberg

Good Night, Body Finding Calm from Head to Toe by Britney Winn Lee and illustrated by Borghild Fallberg is a delightful picture book that walks children through how to relax before they fall asleep. The story is easy to follow and takes the reader on a journey of preparing each part of their body for sleep.

My son enjoyed the story and said he used several of the techniques to fall asleep. I tried several as well. I think this would be a great part of any child’s bedtime routine. It may be especially helpful for children with sensory issues, neurological challenges, and those who have trouble letting go of the day. I was thrilled with the variety of children featured in the illustrations and the inclusion of children with disabilities.

I enjoyed this wonderful book that shared fabulous ways for children or really anyone to learn to fall asleep. This is a beautiful picture book that I highly recommend.


I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive.

Here is a link to an activity guide that has more activities from the book.     

Portfolio Assessment Giveaway for 2023!

Contest runs through Wednesday  January 18 at 11:59.  Please enter!  

I  am giving away two FREE portfolio assessments (valued at $45.00 each). These are the Assessments that I complete for Ohio Homeschoolers to fulfill requirement 3301-34-04 Academic Assessment Report Option #2. You may redeem your prize anytime between February 6 , 2023 and July 1, 2023. The prize is non-transferable.  

Use the Rafflecopter entry form below to enter.  Please hurry the contest ends January 18th at 11:59pm 

Please know I verify all winning entries. If you need help, email me: ohiohomeschool@gmail.com  

How to become a Public Follower.

To become a follower, look under: "I would love it if you would follow my blog publicly, Please click on "Follow" below."  After clicking on that button follow the steps. You may use a Google Account, Twitter Account or Yahoo Account to follow. Click on one and follow the steps. In order for your entry to count you must follow publicly.

If you are on a mobile phone... go to the end of this post and click on the words "View web version" (It is under a HOME button) It will take you to a page where if you look in the top right corner you will see the FOLLOW button. Click on that and Follow Publicly.

Please know that I verify the winning entry. If you need help with a step please email me. ohiohomeschool@gmail.com 

a Rafflecopter giveaway