Tracking Homeschool – Academic Records and More
If you have decided to homeschool your child, you will need to know a lot of information before you start. A few of the things you need to familiarize yourself with are state laws, where you can locate resources, where to find materials, how to plan an effective curriculum, how to keep records, and how to grade your child's work.
Keeping records for elementary school is a lot easier than keeping records for middle and high school. This is because from middle school through high school, you are required to track transcripts for each child, and track course credits.
Before I decided to homeschool, I talked to a lot of homeschool parents about how they kept their records. It seems that everyone had similarities in their approach, but there were a few who had really mastered it. Some of the material resources I use were recommended by these people, and are mentioned here in the article. There are also links that will take you directly to the products so that you can buy them on Amazon for yourself.
Here are the most effective methods for tracking homeschool records, including report cards, academic records, and other important documentation.
What Grades Should You Track?
Even if you think this answer is obvious, the truth is, every state has different requirements about what records and grades you need to track. Check your individual state requirements to see what you will need to hold on to, and what records you can let go of.
Does your state require you to keep attendance records?
Whether they do or not, you will need to record your child's attendance on a daily basis. It is always a good idea to keep these records for your personal review. 
This is my favorite Attendance Book from Amazon.
Lesson records
Most states require that you keep accurate records of the lessons your child is taught, as well as the materials that were used to teach them important lessons. 
While some states do not have this requirement, it is important to keep record anyway so that you can monitor your child's progress. This is my favorite Teacher Record Book, also from Amazon.
Do You Need to Track Everything?
It does not matter whether your state requires you to track and record information, you should still keep records so you can monitor your child's progress. If at any point the school board has any question regarding what your child has learned, and how they have learned it, you can answer them with records.
As a rule of thumb, it is better to have more records than you need, than not have enough records to prove you are providing your child with the best education possible.
Setting Up for Homeschool Record Keeping and Grade Tracking
I believe the best way to track records is by purchasing a Teacher's Planner. Even though you can print out generic planners online, they do not look as professional if the school board calls you in to provide your records. When you are deciding which one you should buy, keep in mind that you will need to track your child's progress.
There are a lot of options to choose from. Here are a few of the favorites among the moms I know that homeschool, and that I personally use, just click on these links to check out the record books.
Because of the things you need to keep track of, you may need to purchase more than one planner book. However, if you are audited by the school board, you will be glad you spent the money on these books.
Homeschool Grade Documentation
In many states, it is up to you how often grades are recorded, and what must be graded. Refer to your state's requirements to find out what needs to be graded, and what can be practice material. Since you are legally the teacher in your homeschool, your state will require you to grade using specific methods. Some schools operate on a pass/fail method, but properly grading your child's work and determining the exact percentage they received on a paper will allow you to determine where they need extra help.
Regardless of the method you use to grade your child's work, make sure it is consistent, and that it is compliant with the regulations your state has in place.
Leave a Reply