Option 3 homeschool law requires you to do semi-annual progress reports. For Palmetto Homeschool Association members, progress reports must be prepared in in your files by January 15th and June 15th (or when you have completed 90 and 180 days of school).
So, what is a progress report?
This is your assessment of the progress of your students in each of the core subjects (math, reading/literature, writing/composition, science, and social studies). It is your homeschool “report card” to use school terminology.
How do I do a progress report?
Short answer: whatever works best for you. You may prepare a “report card” that lists each subject and the grade in each course, or you may prepare a written summary of the progress in each subject. There is no prescribed way to prepare your report, so do what gives you the best assessment of your students. You just need to make sure you have in your files this report of the progress that your students made in each of the required subjects (math, reading/literature, writing/composition, science, and social studies) in your homeschool this year. There is a template that can be used in our Member Handbook, but you do not have to use our form; you are welcome to create your own.
Do I have to assign grades?
For Palmetto Homeschool Association members, you do not have to assign actual grades until 9th grade. Beginning in 9th grade, you have to assign a final numeric grade in each course. For grades K-8, you may assign letter or numeric grades, use a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory/Needs Improvement scale, prepare a written summary of the progress in each subject, or any combination thereof.
How do I determine progress?
If you are using a curriculum that provides tests, it is fairly simple to average the test scores, factoring in any other work like homework, papers, or projects, and assign a grade. If you don’t use tests, or don’t want to assign grades, you can use observation. What were the goals for this subject (what did you want your student to learn this year)? Have those goals been met completely? Partially? Not at all? Record these observations on your progress report.
If you have any questions about the progress report for Palmetto Homeschool Association, please call us at (803) 327-2344 or email director@palmettoha.org.