Some states require that homeschooling families maintain a portfolio for every child in the home education program.
In other states, even if it’s not required, many parents do this anyway.
What is a student portfolio?
Simply put, a portfolio is a compilation of materials that represent a student’s learning over some period of time – usually one “school year”. The purpose of the portfolio can be either to satisfy legal requirements or to document and remember the kinds of activities that took place that year.
If a portfolio is legally required, the laws will dictate what must be included.
If a portfolio is being used for any other reason, you can put anything you like inside.
Examples of portfolio materials include:
- samples of student work, dated, from throughout the year
- special projects, like artwork or term papers, that have been completed
- photographs of places a student has visited, or of projects too bulky to fit in a portfolio
- memorabilia, like brochures, postcards, ticket stubs, and anything else worth remembering
- a photo of the child from that year
- certificates and awards earned
- a list of courses taken, grades, transcripts, or schedules if desired
- a list of books read, videos watched, or other educational activities worthy of note
- anything else you’d like to remember, or want to keep track of for future reference
Remember, if a portfolio is needed to meet a legal requirement, be sure that all of the necessary pieces are included. If the portfolio is used more for record-keeping or as a family keepsake, the sky is the limit as to what you can place inside!
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