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.