Annual Evaluation

In addition to maintaining a porfolio, F.S. 1002.41 also requires the parent/guardian to provide an annual evaluation of the home education student. Failure to do so places the home education program in non-compliance and permits the superintendent, after notice to the parent, to terminate the program.

The parent/guardian selects the method of evaluation from the list below, then sends a copy to the Home Education Office.

Evaluation options include:

• A Florida certified teacher chosen by the parent/guardian may evaluate the child's progress based on a review of the portfolio and discussion with the student;
• The student may take any nationally normed student achievement test administered by a certified teacher;
• The student may take a state student assessment test used by the school district and administered by a certified teacher, at a location and under testing conditions approved by the school district;
• The student may be evaluated by a psychologist holding a valid, active license pursuant to the provisions of Section 490.003 (7) or (8), F.S.; or
• The student may be evaluated with any other valid measurement tool as mutually agreed upon by the school superintendent of the district in which the student resides and the student's parent/guardian.

A student in a home education setting must be evaluated once a year to demonstrate educational progress at a level equivalent to his or her abilities. "Annually" is defined in Florida Statute as one year from the date of the Notice of Intent.