Keeping track of progress.

[Shanti]

I just wanted to share.
To keep track of all the years of schooling, and to have easy access and printing of reports of all kinds, I have been using Home School Tracker (http://www.homeschooltracker.com/) Plus.
I have found it best to have a software program to be able to trace everything your kids have done and to be able to print out report cards and progress reports.
Also for attendance, in Wi, you have to account for all the hours your kids spent Home Schooling.

I like the easy data base backup to of all my kids home schooling and the breakdown of all subjects and courses.
the program I use cost money to buy, one time only. But homeschooling cost money and record keeping is important. Its cost 39.00 (US).
I paid less years ago but have the latest edition as once you purchase, all upgrades are forever free.

If you have a software program you use and like, please share it here.
Record keeping is as important as the teaching. :)

[ladyalpha]

When I was homeschooling in Wisconsin I just used my notebook on the computer. I wrote down when we started in the morning and when we quit for the day and what subjects the girls did. Once a week I would total the hours.
But this program sounds like it would save some time. I did find though that most people there did not keep records since no one checks up on the homeschoolers. I did it though because I liked to keep track of our progress and just incase someone questioned us one day, I would have the proof that we really were working and not just sitting around doing nothing all day.

[Shanti]

When I was homeschooling in Wisconsin I just used my notebook on the computer. I wrote down when we started in the morning and when we quit for the day and what subjects the girls did. Once a week I would total the hours.
But this program sounds like it would save some time. I did find though that most people there did not keep records since no one checks up on the homeschoolers. I did it though because I liked to keep track of our progress and just incase someone questioned us one day, I would have the proof that we really were working and not just sitting around doing nothing all day.
This program is actually time consuming but not as much as doing it by hand and the reports are automatic according to the users specifications. They can be as detailed as you like and even can match close to the academic recordings of schools.
It is made so you can customize everything.
I like having everything my kids have done, down to the resources, recoded.
Every topic picked apart in its detail.
Instead of just having science listed as studied, I like having the specifics like
' anatomy of insects', including what work, what kind of work and what was actually taught. What books were used, what written work, what field work and so on.
Just because its not required by law (in Wi), I think its a good idea so you have a running record of the details of what your kids have learned, especially when they are ungraded like mine are.

And as their studies become more involved and complex, especially the higher levels like high school, I think its a plus to have it all in detailed and at your finger tips.

[ladyalpha]

I did that too. It really seemed like I was doing a lot, and according to those that were in the homeschooling group on line it was way more than was necessary. But, the way I am, I guess is anal..but I wanted to know that we were doing things and what. I would look back and see..yeah we really covered that particular item in whatever subject.
But, we also used another on line resource for homeschoolers so my oldest got report cards from there. I didn't do grades in the sense of keeping track of them for report cards and that, but rather so I would know on each thing I graded that they were actually understanding the information. Now that they are older, I probably would go that route though, if I were homeschooling them. Just so they could have that type of record for themselves.
In Missouri they require testing and things like that, so I probably would use this program just to cover all the bases for the state and my own piece of mind.

[Cat]

I have HS tracker, the free edition not the plus. I don't like it. I had trouble figuring out how to use it, and I couldn't make it do the one thing I wanted--a weekly schedule. I like computer programs to save me time and work by being easy to use, and this wasn't.

[Shanti]

I have HS tracker, the free edition not the plus. I don't like it. I had trouble figuring out how to use it, and I couldn't make it do the one thing I wanted--a weekly schedule. I like computer programs to save me time and work by being easy to use, and this wasn't.On the piad for addition I have no prob keeping a weekly, daily, and monthly schedual.

It does take time to learn, but IMO, its worth the time because it can do so much.
Heck even the kids hours are accounted for, which is required by Wi state law. We have to be able to count for each hour of schooling.

[ladyalpha]

I am curious. Are they starting to check to make sure homeschoolers are teaching for the 875 hours now? I know when I first looked into homeschooling there I went into a panic. 875 hours seemed extreme and I worried about how we would ever be able to get that many hours in. But, after talking to people I realized that it wasn't as bad as I was thinking in my head. And then actually doing it, I really got how easy it was to accure those hours plus some.
But, every one that I spoke to up there that homeschooled, really stressed that the hours weren't that big of a deal. You got them without problems and no one had been called on it ever. So was just wondering if the laws have changed now? Is it becoming stricter and more policing of homeschoolers and what they are doing?
Or are you much like I was and worry about not meeting that magic number? Just for your own knowledge that you met it, or incase someone did decide to call you on what your doing and for how long?

[Shanti]

I am curious. Are they starting to check to make sure homeschoolers are teaching for the 875 hours now? I know when I first looked into homeschooling there I went into a panic. 875 hours seemed extreme and I worried about how we would ever be able to get that many hours in. But, after talking to people I realized that it wasn't as bad as I was thinking in my head. And then actually doing it, I really got how easy it was to accure those hours plus some.
But, every one that I spoke to up there that homeschooled, really stressed that the hours weren't that big of a deal. You got them without problems and no one had been called on it ever. So was just wondering if the laws have changed now? Is it becoming stricter and more policing of homeschoolers and what they are doing?
Or are you much like I was and worry about not meeting that magic number? Just for your own knowledge that you met it, or incase someone did decide to call you on what your doing and for how long?
No its not checked on unless there is a complaint.
I just don't want to take risk.
Its bad enough being an odd couple, my mate and I have 20 yrs between us and society doesn't like that especially when the woman is the elder one.
Then we are of alternative religion, another black mark.
And its so easy for anything gov, to find reasons to stop you from doing what you want. I want to be so squeaky perfect that they would never have a reason to doubt what I am doing with my kids.

It doesn't help when you know your in-laws are against homeschooling to begin with.
They feel it shouldn't be allowed period for anyone. Total anti homeschooling people.
Last thing I need is a family member complaining to the dept of ed. because they would love to see our homeschooling stopped.

So, I do have paranoia under my belt.

[ladyalpha]

Oh, I see. Well I completely understand your reasoning. I would be making sure my ass was covered too. lol
I just thought I would ask because I like to stay on top of things, even though I'm not living there or homeschooling at the time. But, you never know when you might come full circle and end up back somewhere or in the same situation. I was then, and now, very happy to see Wisconsin homeschoolers being so open and ready to answer questions from others. I have found the exact opposite here in Missouri. Perhaps I am not finding the right people to talk to, but I have tried joining homeschooling groups online just to get answers on their laws here to make sure I understand them correctly..only to be completely ignored.
My husband wants to homeschool the kids again (read..me homeschool them..lol) but without those answers there is no way I am touching it. I am terrified that I would screw up and not follow a law right and mess their education up in the eyes of the state.

Good luck with dealing with the opposition. It is sad when people have so much time on their hands that they can live their lives and everyone elses too.

[Ceres]

Its so frustrating that something as fundamental as your right to decide how to educate your children is something we need to be on the defensive about because we as homeschooling parents have chosen to take a greater role.

Its not as if the government run public education programs have such a fanstastic squeaky clean record that they can afford to judge. Sure, there are a handful of cases where homeschooling hasnt been in the best interests of the child, but the numbers of children ill-served by public schools is FAR greater and yet not only does the public in general support them, they actually throw money at them at an appalling rate.

[Ceres]

My husband wants to homeschool the kids again (read..me homeschool them..lol) but without those answers there is no way I am touching it. I am terrified that I would screw up and not follow a law right and mess their education up in the eyes of the state.



Have you tried contacting the Homeschool Defense League? Google them. While they are a christian organization, they do not require that you be christian and they can tell you exactly what your rights are. Your rights are usually way more than you think or the school board lets on.

[Shanti]

I agree with you all. :)

I go beyond the requirements of the state just to show we are serious about our homeschooling.

I dont want to ever loose my right to homeschool.

My kids love it. They do great. They have the desire to learn and socially they are healthy and partake in social activities with other kids, like their TKD and monthly outings.

Our local schools suck. We have Ritalin schools. Not kidding either. :(

[Shanti]

I just go to the Wi dept of public instruction and all the laws for homeschooling and requirements. Its all right there. No reason to worry when the dept of public instruction makes it easy to get copies of the statutes and such.
We also have a few orgs, not religious, to help Wi homeschoolers with questions.

[ladyalpha]

Have you tried contacting the Homeschool Defense League? Google them. While they are a christian organization, they do not require that you be christian and they can tell you exactly what your rights are. Your rights are usually way more than you think or the school board lets on.

No I hadn't. Thank you for that information. I will definitely contact them and see if they can explain things in a more easy to understand way. I think Missouri may have written the laws out in the way they did just to discourage homeschooling. It really kinda talks you around and if your new to it in this state your left wondering how your supposed to do certain things.
My girls are doing really well in the school they are in. But, there are some issues we have and we are contemplating going back to homeschooling. But it is just in the "thinking about" stage right now.

[Shanti]

No I hadn't. Thank you for that information. I will definitely contact them and see if they can explain things in a more easy to understand way. I think Missouri may have written the laws out in the way they did just to discourage homeschooling. It really kinda talks you around and if your new to it in this state your left wondering how your supposed to do certain things.
My girls are doing really well in the school they are in. But, there are some issues we have and we are contemplating going back to homeschooling. But it is just in the "thinking about" stage right now.I found your states dept of education.
Its Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, but their site doesn't exist!!
Are they a state that doesn't like homeschooling?

Ok I found a link for it that works. :)
That was scary.

[Shanti]

Here Missouri homeschooling regs and laws.
http://dese.mo.gov/schoollaw/HomeSch/

Hey, not bad.
1. Any parent may educate a child at home. The parent does not have to have a teaching certificate or meet any education requirements.
2. According to Section 167.031 (http://www.moga.missouri.gov/statutes/C100-199/1670000031.HTM) of the Revised Statutes of Missouri a parent or guardian of a child, between seven and sixteen years of age, shall cause the child to attend regularly some public, private, parochial, parish, home school or a combination of such schools.

3. If a parent decides to home school, he or she shall offer 1,000 hours of instruction during the school year, with at least 600 hours in the basics, which will be in reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science. At least 400 of the 600 hours shall occur in the home location.
4. The school year is defined as beginning July 1 and ending the next June 30.

5. A parent who is home schooling a child must maintain the following records:
a.
A plan book, diary, daily log, or other written record indicating the subjects taught and the activities engaged in with the student.
b.
A portfolio containing samples of the student's academic work.
c.
A record of evaluation of the student's academic progress.
d.
Other written, or credible evidence equivalent to a, b, and c.
6. Handicapped children attending a home school program may receive special education services provided by the local school district, in accordance with Section 162.996 (http://www.moga.mo.gov/statutes/C100-199/1620000996.HTM) of the Revised Statutes of Missouri and State Plan for Special Education.
7. The law is permissive in the area of registering. The statute says the parent may notify the superintendent of schools or the recorder of county deeds in the county where the parents reside. This is to be done before September 1 annually. However, the law says may, and it is not mandatory.

[Ceres]

I agree with you all. :)



I know, I am preaching to the choir....:lol:

[Shanti]

Missouri's statutes are here:
http://dese.mo.gov/schoollaw/HomeSch/statutes.htm

[ladyalpha]

Here Missouri homeschooling regs and laws.
http://dese.mo.gov/schoollaw/HomeSch/

5. A parent who is home schooling a child must maintain the following records:
a.
A plan book, diary, daily log, or other written record indicating the subjects taught and the activities engaged in with the student.
b.
A portfolio containing samples of the student's academic work.
c.
A record of evaluation of the student's academic progress.
d.
Other written, or credible evidence equivalent to a, b, and c.
7. The law is permissive in the area of registering. The statute says the parent may notify the superintendent of schools or the recorder of county deeds in the county where the parents reside. This is to be done before September 1 annually. However, the law says may, and it is not mandatory.

Hopefully I did the quoting right. The issue I have is more about the "A record of evaluation of the student's academic progress". I am curious if that means that they need a "certified teacher" to evaluate the childs progress..or is the parent's view of progress enough?
Before, they had that they had to be tested but I don't see that in the list of laws any more. So apparently they got rid of that particular rule.

A lot of people homeschool in this area but we are right in the belt buckle of the bible belt. The only people I know in the area that homeschool are Christian and homeschool for the religious reasons..the bible says the mother is to teach..or the schools aren't teaching God and the bible, therefore we will.
Now I don't have anything against Christians that follow their beliefs..but I really can't seem to get the ones I have had the chance to talk to in person to get off the fact that I am sending my kids to public school (without getting quoted/ministered to) and just answer my questions. I have no interest in the religious aspects just the facts. lol The last people I spoke to judged me and my son for many different things and I walked away with not so friendly thoughts running through my head.

Oh, forgot to add (I'm bad about that) that I know they say you may contact, but I would just to be on the safe side. This school freaks out if the kids aren't there and they haven't gotten a phone call immeditatly to let them know why. That is good on one hand but the manner of their idea of being polite to parents doesn't match mine. Anyway, that is a totally different rant. lol And this year they seem to be being more polite to me as they don't know what parent sued them last year, so they seem to be being polite to everyone especially "outsiders".