FAQ

Q: Does this fulfill the legal requirement for "testing"?
A: Yes! Colorado law allows for evaluation by a Colorado licensed teacher in lieu of standardized testing:
“Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS) 22-33-104.5 (3) (f) Each child participating in a nonpublic home-based educational program shall be evaluated when such child reaches grades three, five, seven, nine, and eleven. Each child shall be given a nationally standardized achievement test to evaluate the child's academic progress, or a qualified person shall evaluate the child's academic progress. The test or evaluation results, whichever is appropriate, shall be submitted to the school district that received the notification required by paragraph (e) of this subsection (3) or an independent or parochial school within the state of Colorado.”
See my Resources page for more information.

Q: Do you come to my home?
A: Due to recent life changes, I am now exclusively using my online evaluation option. Simply provide the same information that you would share in person, but via email. This option allows you to start the evaluation process when it’s convenient for you (although many districts or umbrella schools ask that you wait until second semester). Alternatively, we could schedule a Zoom or FaceTime call if you’d like a more personal touch!

Q: What should I provide for the evaluation?
A: Please provide several work samples and/or parent description each for math and language arts that show your child's progress over the past school year. Please include dates on each!
   Complete portfolios or notebooks are welcome (but not required), in addition to anything else you feel will help convey your child's achievements.
     This is very flexible, so please let me know if you have any questions! See pictures to the right for some "beyond-the-workbook" ideas.

Q: I'm still not sure. Can you give me some specific examples of what to bring (or scan/photograph and email, if doing an online evaluation)?
A: You bet! (See also pictures to the right for some "beyond-the-workbook" ideas. Hover or click on them for details.)
      Math:

Math book, workbook pages, math journal pages
Computer math program (show me in person or send the link, work samples, grade book, etc.)
List of math skills you've worked on over the school year, using a curriculum and/or in daily life
List of math games your child enjoys playing (even online games)

Language Arts:

Spelling, grammar, or vocabulary pages or tests, flashcards, website you’ve been using, etc.
Writing samples. This can include book reports, science or history reports, short paragraphs, letters, blogs, written narrations, copywork, etc.
Cursive samples
List of books (read by your child, audio books, and/or read-alouds). This can even include other things your child enjoys reading, such as comic books, magazines, etc.
Power Point presentations your child has created
Picture or (short) video of your child giving an oral report
4-H or Scouting projects (or similar).
Nature journals
Online tutoring websites your child has used
Attend Shakespeare plays (or watch the movies), and share what you've learned (written or oral)
Picture of a display board from an oral report or project
Lapbooks or scrapbooks from any subject
Pictures of history-related trips, science field trips, etc., along with explanation of preparatory research, what was learned, etc. (This can be from either the parent or the child, and either written or oral.)
List of skills and/or curriculum worked on over the school year

NOTE: It is NOT necessary to bring something from every language arts “category”! Please just bring what you feel will best display your child’s achievements, and enough that I can verify that your child has made good progress over the past school year.

Click or hover on the pictures below for some "beyond-the-workbook" learning sample ideas.

Q: Do you provide evaluations for special needs students?
A: Yes! Evaluations are for anyone, but work especially well for children with special needs or unique circumstances.

Q: Do you provide testing?
A: No, I do not administer any tests. I provide evaluations based on work samples, experience verified by parents, etc.
My approach is thorough, yet not intimidating or overwhelming for your child!

Q: Do you provide evaluations for high schoolers?
A: Yes! I can also provide guidance for your student's transcript, including information on how to calculate the GPA, advice about dual enrollment, etc. (See next question.)

Q: Do you create high school transcripts?
A: No, but I provide basic guidance on how you can create your own. We'll talk about what you need to include, how to calculate the GPA, etc. Templates are available on request. This can be incorporated into an evaluation, or you may request a separate “Transcript Consultation.”

Q: How soon can I get my evaluation results?
A: Once I verify progress and have received payment, you will receive immediate feedback and a PDF of the evaluation form which is suitable for printing or electronic submission.

Q: How in-depth is the report?
A: I do not provide a detailed written assessment of each subject area; only verification that your child has made good progress and is ready to continue to the next level. However I am happy to have general conversations with you about any areas of concern, or just to cheer you on :)