Home Schooling Information

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SUGGESTIONS FOR PREPARING THE PORTFOLIO

What is included in the portfolio?

1. a lesson plan or schedule;
2.  list of main texts including workbooks, reference books ,and web addresses etc. used for instruction with a selected list of student reading material;
3. evidence of  students’ independent reading including book reports, summaries, or art work;
4. samples of writing, worksheets,, creative materials, tests ;         
5. adequate work samples( at least one month) for each subject throughout the period of instruction;
6. names and dates on each piece of work with the identified subject area and;
7. sample  assessment  tools that document mastery of instruction.

                                
Optional Photographs, certificates, awards, student journals, and programs may be used to document work.

Organizing the portfolio

1. Use a tabbed notebook or pocket portfolio.
2. Arrange subjects in the same order as indicated on the Home Instruction Review Form.
3. Arrange work chronologically by subject area.
4. Use a composition or spiral notebook for each subject.
5. Work samples should coincide with lesson plan and schedule

 The Review Session

1. This is a face-to-face review. Do not mail portfolios or attempt to deliver them to the office.Students are welcome to accompany the parent/guardian to the review meeting.
2. Portfolios must be presented to the reviewer at the time of your scheduled appointment.
3. All material will be returned at the conclusion of the review session.
4. Plan to arrive at the review session on time and be there for approximately 45 minutes.

Evaluation of Portfolio

1. Acceptable— There is clear physical evidence of the subjects you are teaching, and the instruction is regular and thorough.
   
   
2. Acceptable but Needs Better Evidence of  Instruction— Portfolio does not clearly demonstrate that regular, thorough instruction is being provided to the student(s).  In this case, parents will be asked to make adjustments for future submissions.
   
   
3. Unacceptable— There is no evidence of instruction. The subject area or portfolio does not comply with COMAR 13A.10.01D. Portfolios receiving this rating must be revised and reviewed again within 30 days.

Curriculum

 The general regulations state that instruction should be   provided in subjects “usually taught in public schools to students of the same age”. All instruction should be regular, thorough, developmentally appropriate, and progressive in nature. The following subjects must be included in each portfolio.

English/Language Arts should  include reading, speaking listening, literature, composition, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and handwriting, for grades 1-5; composition, literature, and spelling for grades 6-8; composition and literature for grades 9-12.)

Social Studies
Music (general or instrumental)
Mathematics
Science
Art
Physical Education
Health

Guidelines for Specific Subjects

Physical Education—-Program should be regular, structured, and progressive in nature. Parents may use pictures as evidence of participation in an organized sport or structured activity.

Kindergarten—- Kindergarten is now mandatory in the state of Maryland. Parents are required to submit portfolios to show the student is receiving instruction.  Writing, grammar and spelling are not typically included in the kindergarten curriculum

Middle School—-In grades 6-8, art, technology, and home economics may each be taught on a 12-week cycle. Two out of the following three may also be taught: physical education, music, or any foreign language.

High School—-Students should study at least five of the subjects on the approved list. One must be English.