Homeschool Evaluations

Important Homeschooling Guidelines in Florida

Portfolio Compilation and Review

According to Florida law, homeschooling parents are required to compile a portfolio for each homeschooled student and retain it for two years. While this regulation is clear, there’s an opportunity to streamline the process by using these portfolios for annual evaluations.

Annual Portfolio Review Services

At Building Bridges Educational Services, LLC, we specialize in conducting virtual, online, or cyber annual portfolio reviews and standardized assessments for homeschooling families. Our services ensure compliance with annual evaluation requirements. For detailed information and pricing, please explore our offerings here.

Notice of Intent

It's crucial to adhere to the statutory guidelines regarding the Notice of Intent. Although the law stipulates a 30-day timeframe for filing, we recommend submitting the notice promptly upon initiating your homeschooling program. This proactive approach minimizes potential conflicts between homeschooling and truancy statutes.

When submitting your Notice of Intent, address it to the Superintendent of your school district. To ensure timely delivery, opt for hand delivery or certified mail with a return receipt. This provides evidence of filing in case of any discrepancies.

Student and Parental Rights

Understanding your rights and educational choices is paramount. As a homeschooling parent, you have the authority to tailor your child's education to meet their unique needs and preferences.

STUDENT AND PARENTAL RIGHTS AND EDUCATIONAL CHOICES 

What is needed in a portfolio?

Streamlining Your Portfolio: Focus on Essentials

Navigating the requirements for a homeschool portfolio can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be a source of stress. Even amidst the excitement of hands-on learning, ensuring your portfolio meets the necessary criteria is simpler than it seems.

Essential Components according to Florida Statutes:

• Curriculum List: A comprehensive overview of the educational resources and materials used throughout the academic year.

• Reading List: Documenting the books and texts utilized in each subject, providing insight into your child's reading journey.

• Activity Log: Track the diverse range of activities and experiences that contribute to your child's holistic education.

• Work Samples: Capture tangible evidence of your child's progress and achievements in various subjects through samples of their completed work.

By focusing on these key components, you can build a robust portfolio that showcases your child's educational journey effectively, without unnecessary paperwork or stress.

Conversation Information

During our scheduled conversation, I'll touch base with you to ensure the students are available for a brief chat. I'll inquire about their favorite book and the most intriguing thing they've learned in the past year. Given the number of families on my call list, I may contact you at any point within the designated time slot. Each conversation typically lasts around 15-30 minutes, but this may vary depending on the number of students in the family. 

 Conversation Tips:

1. Reassure both yourself and the students that there's no need to stress, let them know about my impending call, and feel free to show them my picture from the About page if it helps them feel more at ease. 

2. It might also be beneficial to discuss our conversation topics with them beforehand. 

3. Keep in mind our chosen method of communication (Google Meet) and the agreed-upon time slot.