How to Organize for an Easy End-of-Year
How to Organize for an Easy End-of-Year
Once you’ve determined what your state requirements are concerning necessary documentation, you should consider the least stressful way to achieve that documentation.
A three ring binder is a good place to start. If your child will be doing lots of workbook pages, purchase a large one, say, 3″. If you’re unschooling, a smaller binder will probably suffice.
Next, get dividers with tabs that you can write on and give each of your child’s subject its own space. If you don’t own a three hole punch, now’s the time to get one. As your child completes his workbook pages, simply mark the date on it (a date stamp costs under $5 at office supply stores) and file it in its place.
Separate dividers for Field Trips, Book Lists, Extra-Curricular Activities, etc. are important too in giving an accurate account of how your child spent his school year. Making lists of these items in Word documents is the easiest way to keep current. Start the lists in September (or whenever you “begin” your year), update them as needed, and simply print out the lists at the end of the year just prior to your child’s evaluation. Punch holes in them, file them accordingly, and you’re good to go. (Please note that sometimes field trips need to be documented with ticket stubs or programs; it’s a good idea to hang onto those items, punch holes in them, and file under Field Trips as soon as possible.)
An evaluator would love to see your child’s art projects, science projects, etc. intact. However, many projects end up getting played with or getting destroyed by little brothers and sisters. If at all possible, documenting said projects with a digital camera (as soon as they’re completed) is a smart idea.
Keep in mind that not every evaluator comes to you; you may have to meet with this person away from your home. If you’re able to show her everything little Johnny has done throughout the year via photos or even on your laptop, she’ll have a clearer picture of what your child has accomplished, and Johnny will be quite proud to show off what he probably believes are the milestones in the past year.
If your state requires standardized testing only, (or if that’s the path you’re able and want to choose) your end-of-year is fairly easy to begin with. Be sure to keep copies of any documents given to the authorities with notes that include: to whom you mailed the results and the date you sent them. If you’ll be doing both evaluation and standardized testing, just create another divider marked something clever like, Standardized Tests, and you’ll be set.
Make sure you understand the length of time you’re required by your state to retain your child’s work. For this reason alone, that digital camera will come in mighty handy. Last but not least, don’t forget to keep any documents received from outside authorities as well as any correspondence you’ve had with them.