Homeschooling can often be a great way to get your children the educational experience that best suits their needs. One great aspect of homeschooling is that, in many cases, parents can provide their children with an educational experience tailored to their strengths, weaknesses, and interests.
But in Ohio, one vital step parents must take to officially homeschool their children is to have their portfolio of educational evidence assessed by a professional. As such, many parents in Ohio may be curious if certified teachers can do evaluation of their own children’s portfolios. In order to shed some light on the process of portfolio evaluation, we’ve collected answers to 15 questions that often come up in regard to who can provide evaluations and how these evaluations are done.
1. What is a Portfolio Evaluation?
A portfolio evaluation is the process of assessing the educational evidence compiled by a parent who is homeschooling their child. This evidence is usually compiled in some form of portfolio, which contains examples of the activities and materials used by the child while they are homeschooled. The portfolio evaluation is a kind of “comprehensive assessment” that helps both the state and educators understand the educational progress of the homeschooled child.
2. Who Can Provide an Evaluation in Ohio?
In the state of Ohio, portfolio evaluations may be completed by any certified teacher who has been approved by the Ohio Department of Education. This includes teachers who are certified in the district in which the portfolio is being assessed, as well as those who have been certified in another district or state. Parents can also request that portfolio evaluations be done by an educational professional such as a school psychologist or tutor.
3. What Does the Evaluation Process Entail?
Typically, the evaluation process begins with the parent submitting the portfolio to the educator or educational professional. This portfolio should include any evidence of the child’s academic, artistic, or vocational activities during their homeschooling.
The educator or educational professional will then review this evidence, which may include things like worksheets, tests, projects, and journals. The assessor will then make an assessment of the portfolio and provide a written evaluation.
4. Can a Homeschool Dad Who is a Certified Teacher in Ohio Evaluate His Own Child’s Portfolio?
The short answer is yes, a certified teacher who is a homeschool dad in Ohio can complete portfolio evaluations for his own child. However, this process must be done according to Ohio’s guidelines and the evaluation must be conducted by an educator or educational professional who is approved by the Ohio Department of Education.
5. Do All States Allow Parents to Evaluate Their Own Child’s Portfolio?
No, not all states allow parents to evaluate their own child’s portfolio. Some states require portfolio reviews to be done by a licensed educator, such as a school teacher or administrator.
Furthermore, some states even require portfolio reviews to be done by a qualified third party who is not related to the homeschooling family. It is important to check with the state for their specific regulations on who can provide portfolio evaluations.
6. Is Research Required for the Portfolio Evaluation?
Yes, in some cases research may be required for the portfolio evaluation. For example, the evaluator may need to research the student’s previous academic standings and assess their progress over the course of their homeschooling. Additionally, the evaluator may need to research the particular education standards in the state in order to accurately assess the child’s academic progress.
7. Can the Parent Provide Information During an Evaluation?
Yes, in some cases, a parent may provide additional information to the educator or educational professional who is conducting a portfolio evaluation. However, it is important to note that the evaluator should not be swayed by any additional information that the parent provides. Instead, the portfolio must be assessed solely on its merits and the evidence it contains.
8. How Many Times Can a Portfolio Be Evaluated During a Year?
Generally speaking, portfolio evaluations in Ohio should be conducted at least once per year. However, it is important to note that the Ohio Department of Education allows portfolio evaluations to be conducted more frequently if needed in order to ensure the student’s progress.
9. How Long Does a Portfolio Evaluation Take?
The length of time that a portfolio evaluation may take can vary greatly depending on the size and scope of the portfolio being evaluated. Generally speaking, an evaluation process can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
The size and scope of the portfolio, as well as the availability of the evaluator, can both affect how long a portfolio evaluation may take.
10. Is Payment Required for Portfolio Evaluations?
In some cases, payment may be required for portfolio evaluations. Generally speaking, most teachers will charge a fee when they are provided with a portfolio to evaluate.
However, it is important to note that in some cases, portfolio evaluations may be offered for free or at a reduced cost.
11. What Types of Evidence Can a Portfolio Contain?
A portfolio typically contains evidence of the student’s academic, artistic, and vocational activities during their homeschooling. This evidence can include items such as worksheets, tests, projects, journals, and other items that demonstrate the student’s progress. The portfolio should contain documents that demonstrate that the student has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for homeschooling in Ohio.
12. Does the Portfolio Evaluation Lead to Certification?
No, the portfolio evaluation does not lead to certification. Instead, a portfolio evaluation is used as an assessment tool to provide educators and the Ohio Department of Education with an understanding of the student’s academic progress while they are homeschooled. After the portfolio is evaluated, the student will then receive their Ohio Department of Education diploma or homeschooling certificate.
13. Can Homeschool Portfolio Evaluations be Done Online?
Yes, in some cases portfolio evaluations may be conducted online. Many educational professionals in Ohio may offer online assessments, which can be completed with a video or phone call. However, it is important to note that in order to comply with Ohio’s regulations, all physical documents featured in the portfolio must still be submitted to the evaluator for review.
14. Are There Any Special Requirements for Portfolio Evaluations?
In some cases, there may be special requirements for portfolio evaluations in Ohio. For example, a homeschooling parent may be required to submit a transcript of the student’s grades or proof of completion of classes in order to be eligible for a portfolio evaluation.
Additionally, the child’s educational portfolio must be up to date, containing evidence of all of the material that the student has covered while they were homeschooled.
15. How Can I Find a Qualified Evaluator for My Child’s Portfolio?
The Ohio Department of Education maintains a list of approved educators for portfolio evaluations. Parents can search for qualified evaluators in their area by visiting Ohio’s portal for homeschoolers.
Additionally, parents can also search for educational professionals in their local community who offer services such as assessment, tutoring, and consulting.
Conclusion
In summary, a certified teacher who is a homeschool dad in Ohio can evaluate their own child’s portfolio of educational evidence. However, in order to comply with Ohio’s regulations, the evaluation must be conducted by an approved educator or educational professional. Additionally, the portfolio must contain evidence of the child’s academic, artistic, and vocational activities during their homeschooling experience.
With the right information, parents in Ohio can get the assurances they need that their child is receiving a quality educational experience while they are homeschooled.