As your evaluator, I will help you in every way, but it is also your job to know the law and submit the proper paperwork.


Definition of a portfolio-three things as listed in the law
Home Education Reference Documents
24 PS 1-102 Definitions

(1) A portfolio of records and materials.

The portfolio shall consist of
(1) a log, made contemporaneously with the instruction,
which designates by title the reading materials used,
(2) samples of any writings, worksheets, workbooks or creative materials used or developed by the student
(3)
and in grades three, five and eight results of nationally normed standardized achievement tests in reading/language arts and mathematics or the results of Statewide tests administered in these grade levels.
The department shall establish a list, with a minimum of five tests, of nationally normed standardized tests from which the supervisor of the home education program shall select a test to be administered if the supervisor does not choose the Statewide tests. At the discretion of the supervisor, the portfolio may include the results of nationally normed standardized achievement tests for other subject areas or grade levels. The supervisor shall ensure that the nationally normed standardized tests or the Statewide tests shall not be administered by the child's parent or guardian.

This is directly what the law says, and the only thing I did is add the numbers (in bold) to the list of things listed which says what a portfolio is. Using the commas and common English grammar, you can make that sentence in to a list of three things. They are a list of books used, samples of work and test scores if a testing year.
The log is defined as keeping a list of what books you are using by titles the reading materials used. No where does it say you need to list what pages or chapters to topics were read or studied. People are reading more into the law than what is says. It only says titles of the materials. And, you track either days or times, again not page or chapter.

Study the law-Act 169 of 1988 for yourself.

Beware of the difference of charters and cybers!

I found this ad for California Home schools, but when you read the information, it says:" The California Virtual Academies (CAVA) are WASC-accredited, state-approved public charter schools."

this is public school at home; not, traditional homeschooling.

Beware. Lots of misleading ads. watch for the difference of home ed vs public charters or public cybers at home. VERY different!!!

respect the law's deadlines

If you did not already file your affidavit......
reminder Homeschooling affidavits must be filed by August 1.


The first year you begin homeschooling you can file your affidavit anytime,
but second year and beyond affidavits must be filed by August 1.

other dates to KNOW
June 30! as well as August 1

Evaluators are busy in the spring. All the reports are due to the school district by
June 30. So don't wait until June to ask for an appointment! Actually, I prefer to have all the appointments set up in January or February! Call in January and I will put you on the calendar for April, May or June.
If you call after May 15 or so, there might not be any time slots left for you.
I think this is true for most evaluators.

consider your evaluator's schedule

The final reports from the evaluator are due to the school district by June 30 each year. It is best to set up your appointment for the spring during the month of April, May or June. You can set up a time earlier and BEFORE your 180 days are done. My first appointments are usually in February.

It is better to call and set up an appt in Jan or Feb for that spring. Please do not wait to call in May as most evaluators are booked full by then. If you cannot get an appointment with me by June 30, call your school district and ask for an extension; that you can't get am appt and you will have the report to them by July 30. All you need to do is ask!