Little known fact: I only graded 1/2 of our homeschool classes. It’s true that I put a grade next to every course on their transcript, but I only actually gave test grades on math, foreign language, and science. Little known secret: I only graded those classes because my curriculum choices provided a test! There are ways to provide a grade without giving a test! Don’t feel like you have to change the way you “do” your homeschool, just because you want to put a grade on a high school transcript. Instead, keep running your homeschool in the way that works for you, and then figure out what you do NATURALLY to evaluate their work. If you want to see what I did, you can look at my Comprehensive Record Solution. I encourage you, though, to think beyond tests. When I was in public high school, my grades weren’t always about tests! My grades were also based on turning my homework in, participating in classroom discussion, and completing projects. Kids are almost never evaluated by tests alone, even in high school. Give them credit where credit is due!
See how a successful Comprehensive Record is put together. Check out my book!
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Christianbook.com Curriculum Page
Sharon says:
I admit I am struggling with this issue right now. In fact I even caught myself looking at programs to get an “accredited” diploma for my two middle boys. My oldest will be graduating next yr and I feel so up in the air about his transcripts and grades. Torn between does he really need them (It doesn’t look as if he is college bound) and I want to have something to show he is “finished” closure for ME more than anything else.
May 21st, 2008 at 5:28 am
Sharon says:
Just to add, I am not going to go with a program. It was just one of those insecure moments that I am inflicted with on occasion. (smile) You’d think after 12 yrs of this I’d have it all under control!
May 21st, 2008 at 5:31 am
Lee says:
Hi Sharon,
Accreditation can weigh heavily on homeschoolers. Did you know, though, that there are public and private schools that are not accredited? If that’s true, then what does “accredited” really mean?
How about these ideas: if your son is college bound, he will end up going to college and get an accredited college degree. If your son does NOT go to college, AND you still feel concerned after high school, he could take a GED to prove to you that he is done with high school. In our area, some homeschoolers will avoid transcripts altogether, and put their kids into community college during high school. Some of these kids will finish high school with an A.A. degree from community college.
Do any of those ideas fit your family?
Blessings,
Lee
May 21st, 2008 at 5:37 am
Sharon says:
I guess accreditation is not really that important to me. More of just ‘are we done yet’? I always figured I’d graduate my boys the spring they turned 18 but I am NOT looking forward to another yr of academics with my oldest..(17rs). motivation is VERY low. He doesn’t see the point.
College is not an option for 2 reasons. 1) money 2)desire. He doesn’t feel that he should go unless he knows for sure what he wants to get out of it. I tend to agree.
I am uncomfortable about GED because he has thought seriously about military and with a GED he would not be considered as highly as a diploma graduate. So I am pretty sure that we won’t go that route. Although I have nothing against the test itself.
The issue is: motivation is extremely low for academics. My son is going to work with his dad this summer (telecom business). I am thinking of having his senior yr be an apprenticeship yr. Do another yr of math… and work. (he has only completed Alg 1) The work involved will be things like learning to splice telecommunications and installation etc. So it is definately a job that will involve learning more skills.
Ha, I could ramble on and on here. And I have completely left the topic of your post on grades! I’d better quit. Thanks for your encouragement.
May 22nd, 2008 at 8:37 am
Lee says:
Dear Sharon,
Sometimes a job doing physically hard work can be just the ticket to motivate a child. Good idea! I like the math plus work strategy – that’s a keeper. Remember that apprenticeship experiences can be put on a transcript just like math. It sounds like you really know your child and trust yourself, and that’s the winning strategy!
Blessings,
Lee
May 22nd, 2008 at 12:48 pm