Florida Homeschooling Evaluation Questions

by amber dillard
(desoto fl, usa)

Mom of eight year old daughter has some Florida homeschooling evaluation concerns and questions...

I homeschool my 8 year old daughter and I've just recently had her yearly evaluation. She completely bombed it! I live in Florida and I don't know what to do.

I really don't want to put her in public school and I can't afford to place her in an online program. I have no income. I really need help bringing up her scores. Do you have any advice for me?

Hi Amber,
You have several options for your yearly evaluation. Perhaps your daughter knows more than she is showing through a written test? According to the Florida homeschooling laws, you also have the option for a Florida certified teacher to evaluate her through review of her portfolio and a discussion. I would contact a local homeschooling group to find out more about this option, and if its recommended by other home educators.

I would also spend time working on areas where your daughter is struggling or having difficulty. Perhaps she has a learning disability. Here is a Learning Disabilities Checklist you can use to help guide you as you work with your daughter.

A free online program is TheHeadofTheClass.com. My daughter is eight and enjoys this program. You can customize the curriculum so your daughter is only focusing on the areas/subjects you want her to. You can also include lessons from different grades, depending on her ability and reassign lessons if she doesn't do well. All lessons can be printed off and you can go over them with her as well.

Blessings,
Heather :)

Do you have experience with Florida homeschooling students who do poorly on their yearly evaluation? What did you do? Please share your experience to help other parents. Use the comments link below...