Understanding why you need an evaluation
In order to comply with the state of Florida’s Homeschool Law, a homeschool student must be evaluated annually. There are 5 ways that this can be done. Using our services will satisfy option 1 of the suggested evaluation methods. Our evaluations include a review of the student’s portfolio as well as a discussion with the student. The evaluation will be completed virtually through a video conference with parent and student. Additionally, upon completion of the Portfolio Evaluation, I will submit the proper forms to the district for those residing in St. Johns county. If you live in a different county, I will provide you with an evaluation form to be submitted to your locally zoned school district.
Please review Florida’s Homeschool Law as per https://hslda.org/content/hs101/FL.aspx website:
Complying with Florida’s homeschool law
In Florida, there are three options under which you can legally homeschool. After choosing the option you wish to use, follow the steps listed below it.
Homeschooling under the homeschool statute:
1. File a notice of intent to homeschool.
Within 30 days of beginning your homeschool program, you must file a notice of intent to establish a home education program with the county superintendent. You do not need to file this every year. This notice must include the names, addresses, and birth dates of your homeschool students. HSLDA provides a form on their website that members may use for their notice of intent.
2. Maintain a portfolio.
Throughout the year, you must keep a portfolio of records and materials. The portfolio must contain: 1) a log of educational activities made contemporaneously with the instruction, with a list of the titles of any reading materials used, and 2) samples of writings, worksheets, workbooks, creative materials, etc., used or developed by the student. You must keep this portfolio for two years after it is completed. The district school superintendent or his or her agent can, but is not required to, review your portfolio only after 15 days’ written notice.
3. Evaluate your student annually.
Each student must be evaluated by one of the following options every year:
- Have educational progress evaluated by a teacher holding a valid regular Florida teaching certificate and selected by the parent—the evaluation must include review of a portfolio and discussion with the student
- Take any nationally normed student achievement test administered by a certified teacher;
- Take a state student assessment test used by the school district and administered by a certified teacher, at a location and under testing conditions approved by the school district;
- Be evaluated by a Florida licensed psychologist or school psychologist; or
- Be “evaluated with any other valid measurement tool as mutually agreed upon.”
4. File an affidavit of termination.
If you decide to stop homeschooling, or move out of the county, you should submit an affidavit of termination to the county superintendent of schools within 30 days of ending your homeschool program. If you begin homeschooling again, or begin homeschooling in a new county, you should submit a new affidavit of intent.