Record keeping and what to bring to your review

[mdhomescool]

For those of you who choose to review with the school board this is for you.

Regarding record keeping.
It does not matter what county you reside in. The state of Maryland regulates homeschooling not the county. Here's a link stating this fact (s7-301 The Annotated Code of Maryland): http://www.mhea.com/legal.htm. Pay attention to letter F.

Keep everything and anything that your child does regarding the subjects (math, English, science, social studies). I keep all of my son's paperwork in a folder according to subject. When it comes time for my review I pull out the most significant things that he's done since the last review and put them in a binder to take with me. Just a simple one binder or folder of the things your child has done will do. There won't be enough time to go through everything during the review. I also include s7-301 The Annotated Code of Maryland with my binder just in case my reviewer decides to pull a fast one on me.

What to bring with you to the review.
You should receive a "review of home schooling program" worksheet with your appointment letter. Use that as a guide. It lists the subjects: English/reading, health, math, science, social studies, other, art, music, and physical education. All subjects do not necessarily have to be covered but the more the better. Also your appointment letter should tell you what you need to bring with you to the review. Usually sample work, lists of textbooks, workbooks, reading materials, formal or informal assessments, and a sample of your weekly schedule. I also include pictures of my bright and energetic son hard at work for my reviewer to see. I can't say that all reviewers like pictures but mine does!!

Feel free to post questions and comments.

How do you document Time4learning at the review? Can it serve as a stand alone curriclum, or must the kids have textbooks?

[mdhomescool]

I just had my review this morning.

I printed out the reports of the lessons my son did and brought them with me. The reports show what skills were learned and how well he did. I discuss the results with my reviewer.

I'm an electic homeschooler so I use whatever works at the time. It doesn't answer your question but you should use what works for your children be it Time4Learning, textbooks, or a combination of both.

I hope this helps. Free feel to ask more questions as you have them.