Question 1

How do I choose an evaluator?

Accepted Answer

There are no “state-approved” evaluators or requirements for evaluators. Any person who has a valid teacher’s license from any state or a master’s degree or higher in an academic discipline may write a letter of evaluation. However, the superintendent still has the right to determine whether the evaluation letter constitutes adequate proof of progress.

For more information on choosing an evaluator, see Choosing an Evaluator.

Note: The law does not directly address whether parents with valid teacher’s licenses or master’s degrees can write letters of evaluation for their own child. However, as this option is at the discretion of the superintendent, a parent-evaluated letter may not be deemed acceptable, since schools strongly prefer independent evaluation. VaHomeschoolers recommends considering this when deciding who is to evaluate your child.

Question 2

What is a typical evaluation like?

Accepted Answer

Evaluations vary depending on the evaluator. Some include testing, some use portfolios, and others may use a combination. Most include an interview (or conversation) with the student. The evaluator will write a letter attesting to the “educational progress” of your child. Most evaluators are looking for what your child has accomplished rather than what they have not done. They recognize that an education extends beyond the workbooks.

Question 3

What subjects do I need to cover in my evaluation?

Accepted Answer

The law does not define what subjects should be covered in the evidence of progress; however, some nationally normed standardized tests cover only math and language arts and as those tests are acceptable under option (i), they may be the only subjects required.

As a result, most school divisions have come to request evidence of progress in only these two subject areas regardless of whether you choose option (i) or (ii). Since subjects are not specified in the law, superintendents could ask for evidence in other subject areas if you choose option (ii).
You may wish to contact experienced local homeschoolers to determine what is commonly accepted in your school division.

Question 4

What is a typical evaluation letter like?

Accepted Answer

There is no minimum or maximum length for a letter of evaluation. Whatever is submitted has to be sufficient for the superintendent to make a judgment. We recommend that the letter of evaluation include a copy of the credentials of the person doing the evaluating, verification that the evaluator has actually met with the child and/or reviewed their work, and information that indicates that the child is achieving an adequate level of educational growth and progress.

You are not required by law to teach to the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs), nor are you required to reference the SOLs in an evaluation. Some professional evaluators believe that letters which reference the SOLs are more likely to be accepted by school divisions; other evaluators choose not to mention them in their letters. Before hiring an evaluator, talk to him or her about what role the SOLs play in their assessments and how that might affect your family.

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Considering Homeschooling?

Considering Homeschooling?

Evidence of Progress - Evaluation or Assessment

Read the complete text of the law:

Read the complete text of the law:

How do I choose an evaluator?

What is a typical evaluation like?

What subjects do I need to cover in my evaluation?

What is a typical evaluation letter like?

Portfolios

What should I include in a portfolio?

Tips for organizing and assembling: