Items Required in Portfolio:
-Few samples of the subjects completed during the school year (can be photos, drawings, schoolwork, anything to show what was completed) If a student wrote a favorite story, has a favorite art project, field trip, book, etc. these would be great to include just to help start conversation during the evaluation.
-Book/reading log – list of resources (books, videos, curriculum) that was used for completed subjects throughout the year. This list can be as short or as long as needed. There is no requirement on how many things should be listed.
-Testing – if the student is in 3rd, 5th or 8th, testing results need to be present in the portfolio
In Person Evaluation –
Items in the portfolio can be presented however you wish as long as they are organized. (In a binder, folder, in a pile, etc).
Remote/Distant Evaluation –
Remote Evaluations are available if needed. If possible, I would prefer the 1st evaluation with a family to be in person.
Ways to complete a remote evaluation:
- Share a Google Doc or Google Photo Album with pictures, samples of work, etc. Send the link to the email – willowdale285@gmail.com, at least a week before the evaluation date.
- Private Facebook Group – you can have a private group where you can upload pictures and work samples. Allow me to join the group within a week’s time of the evaluation to look things over.
Evaluation will either be completed over Zoom or FaceTime.
Documentation of Evaluation –
Families will receive a signed documentation of the evaluation if everything is complete to hand into their school district. Distant families will receive a copy through email as well as an original through regular mail.
Sign up for an Evaluation –
Sign ups will be for returning families at the end of February. New families will be able to sign up around mid March. Links for sign ups will be put on the page.
Evaluations can take place at my house (with no extra charge), student’s house or at a local park, coffee shop, etc. if desired (with a travel fee).
- Travel Fee
- 15 miles or less – $15
- 16 to 40 miles – $15 for the first 15 miles, then 50cents per mile after the first 15
Travel Fee is per location – if numerous families decide to do their evaluations together on the same day, same place, only one travel fee will apply.
Transcripts –
Transcripts are not required by the PA Homeschool Law. Transcripts however, are necessary if your student plans on attending college. I highly encourage making transcripts if there is the slightest chance that your student may be attending college in the future. They are the easiest to complete one year at a time. Start in 9th grade keeping track of grades. You can put one together at the end of 12th but it is difficult at times to remember everything that the student has completed.
Starting in 9th grade, transcripts are included with evaluations.
There will be a $15 charge if we need to begin and compile transcripts starting in 11th or 12th grade.
Cost of Evaluations:
$30 for the first student
$20 for each additional sibling
Travel Fee: $15+, see details above
Payment is expected at the time of evaluation by cash, check, PayPal (JamieKoppenhaver@yahoo.com) or Venmo (@Jamie-Koppenhaver-1)
Districts in which I can Evaluate:
As an evaluator, I fall under the “other” category mentioned in the law. With this category, I need to be approved by the school district superintendent in order to evaluate in their district. I am currently approved in:
- Central Dauphin School District
- Cumberland Valley School District
- Derry Township School District
- East Pennsboro Area School District
- Elizabethtown Area School District
- Harrisburg School District
- Lower Dauphin School District
- Mechanicsburg Area School District
- Middletown Area School District
- Northern York School District
- Shippensburg Area School District
- West Shore School District
Approval in a district is usually very simple. If you are in a district that is not listed above and would like to use my services, I can easily guide you on how to submit my information to your district for approval.
