September 19, 2003
Record-Keeping
I have a very simple system for keeping records. Of course it helps tremendously that the state of Oklahoma does not have strict requirements on home schoolers. But it's wise to keep complete, accurate records regardless of the restrictions. (In other words, always go the extra mile in record-keeping, just in case....)
I have four basic areas of record-keeping:
Attendance (We are required to complete 180 days of school each term.)
Daily Checklist, showing what subjects we covered for the day (One month fits nicely on a sheet.)
Curriculum Planner (This is the detailed lesson plans that came with the curriculum. I mark each subject each day with a check mark as the assignments/studies are completed. Also, any additional subjects or assignments with which we supplement the curriculum can be listed at the bottom of the page.)
Comprehensive notebook file of each student's work (This is categorized by subject and it contains all the work each student completes for the year.)
Finally, just last year we began testing our children with basic standardized tests--partly for our own benefit, to evaluate what they learned over the course of the year, where their strengths lie, and where we might have gaps in our studies. Secondly, this kind of testing not only prepares them for future testing (such as the SAT), but it gives us an additional record that would satisfy those who might challenge our home school.
Legally, I have been informed that if an authority comes to the door asking questions about your home school, all you need show them is the attendance record. Beyond that they need a court order to examine your school. Also, the standard warning is to not let anyone investigating your school inside your home without a court order.
For legal protection, it is advisable to join the Home School Legal Defense Association. For a minimal fee of $100 per year you are guanateed legal representation specific to home school law suits. The added benefit is the legal information they provide regarding each state's home school statutes. The likelihood of a law suit is miniscule, but it doesn't hurt to have this kind of insurance just in case.
Record-keeping doesn't have to be a major headache. Keep your system simple and keep up with it on a daily basis. At the end of the year you'll have everything you need to support your home school legally, plus you will be amazed at how much you and your children actually accomplished!
Posted by at September 19, 2003 08:20 AM
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