Homeschool Evaluations

Each year, PA law* requires every home education program supervisor (that's you!) to provide and maintain on file the following documentation for each student:

1. A portfolio of records and materials consisting of:

• A log, made contemporaneously with the instruction, which designates by title the reading materials used,

• Samples of any writings, worksheets, workbooks, or creative materials used or developed by the student,

• In grades 3, 5, and 8, results of nationally normed standardized achievement tests in reading/language arts and mathematics or the results of statewide tests administered in these grade levels.

2. A written evaluation of the student’s educational progress based on an interview of the child and a review of their portfolio to certify whether or not an appropriate education is occurring.

NOTE: Appropriate education is defined as a program consisting of instruction in the required subjects for the time required and in which the student demonstrates sustained progress in the overall program. There are no standards or benchmarks you must attain.

*Public School Code of 1949, Act 14, Article XIII (b) Section 1327.1

I am available to evaluate for the following districts:

• Bermudian Springs

• Carlisle

• Central York

• Conewago Valley (NEW AS OF 2025!)

• Dallastown

• Dover

• Eastern Lebanon

• Eastern York

• Hanover

• Northern York

• Northeastern

• Penn Manor

• Red Lion

• South Eastern

• South Western

• Southern York

• Spring Grove

• Upper Merion

• West Shore

• West York

• York Suburban

  If your district is not on this list and you are willing to send a letter requesting me to be approved to evaluate for you, please email me at nikkidonahue@verizon.net!

For my clients, the evaluation process looks a lot like show and tell. We will sit down together, look through your child's portfolio and chat about all the cool things you've been learning all year! I will ask about the progress they are making and what their goals are for the future.

What to bring to the appointment:

Your child :-)

Your child’s portfolio.  This is a folder or binder that includes the following items:

A log of reading materials used. This can include curriculum or other books, audio books, web sites, computer programs, apps, or anything your child has used to learn. Keep a running log throughout the year of the resources you are using. It can be as simple as a handwritten list on notebook paper -- use whatever method that works best for YOU.

Samples of student learning. This can be worksheets, writing, art, field trip info, photographs or other media, or any types of samples you wish to share. In the interest of time, I ask that you do not bring a stack of books for me to look through. Book titles should be listed on the log. If your child uses workbooks, pull out or copy a page or two. Loves to write? One short story is plenty. Uses Teaching Textbooks or another online program? Print the end-of-year progress report. Does lots of art or projects? Put a few photos on a piece of paper and let them tell me about it. Attended a co-op class? A progress report is enough.  Please let your child share what they are proud of.

Standardized test results (Grades 3, 5, and 8 only). The online, un-timed CAT (California Achievement Test) is the most popular and stress-free testing option. It can be purchased at various web sites and results are available immediately upon completion of the test. This can be done at any time during the school year, prior to your evaluation. Simply print out the results at the end and put in your portfolio. Remember, scores do not matter, they just need to be included.

Click here for some portfolio sample ideas.

FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS:

I highly recommend keeping a running transcript for your high schooler.  This is simply a document containing the names of the courses/credits they have done each year.  I also recommend creating course descriptions for each course/credit you are counting.  These are just a few sentences explaining what the student learned or what skills they acquired and what resources they used.  If your child is college-bound or ends up going to any type of post-secondary school or training program, you may need this.  Sometimes they decide at the last minute so it is helpful to do this each year so you do not run into the issue of having to go back and recreate it years later.  

If your student is graduating and you wish to issue the PA Dept of Education Diploma, please bring a transcript or completed diploma checklist to your evaluation appointment.  If you need assistance with these items, please schedule an appointment prior to your evaluation and I’ll be happy to help you!