HomeSchool Easy Records -Why should I keep records?
   
 

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Perhaps the two most frequently asked questions by new homeschoolers are "Do I need to keep records?" and "What records should I keep?" In fact, it is not uncommon for us to get calls from homeschoolers asking us those questions (and more). We believe that recordkeeping is extremely important.

Why keep records?

  • Helps keep the homeschool organized.
  • Lends credibility to your homeschool.
  • Allows feedback for the student.
  • Provides proof of planned and actual instruction.
  • Provides historical perspective - what did and did not work.
  • Provides consistency.

What records should I keep?
If you have looked at the HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association) website, you have seen the recordkeeping requirements for each state. Although some states require "no" recordkeeping, they may still require that certain subjects be taught or that a prescribed number of hours or days of instruction be completed.
It is easier to maintain records throughout your homeschooling experience than it is to re-create records when you feel overwhelmed, stressed, and buried in paper. Recordkeeping products differ from paper to computerized programs (see "Choosing a Recird Keeping System") but there is certaily one to meet everyone's needs.
So what are the absolute minimal records we think should be kept?

Immunization/
Health Records

Nearly all states require proof of immunizations. It is unnecessary to type the immunization records into another format - just have your shot record ready, or any other record of immunizations that has been signed by your healthcare provider. You may not want to have your child immunized, and in nearly all states there is a provision for such objections. If you object, just obtain an Immunization Waiver from your local health department and have your healthcare provider complete it. Keep a copy of the waiver on file in yur homeschool records and your physician's office.

Some states require a school physical be done at pre-determined intervals. In addition, you student may need sports physicals before participating in a school sponsored sport. Keep copies of the physicals on file.
Attendance Most states require attendance records. It is always a good idea to track days of instruction and hours. Be aware of your state requirements. For example, the State of Colorado requires 172 days of instruction, averaging 4 hours a day. ** Remember that not all instruction takes place during "formal" hours of school.
Courses

Since many states require that certain courses be taught, it is a good idea to keep a record of the courses, the objectives, and a list of curriculum and supportive materials.

If you have a college-bound high school student, try to match your course descriptions and content to those that colleges expect to see.

Student Portfolio Keep a few samples of work for each student - each subject. This includes the results of achievement testing. Set up a file for each student and label them by year. You can create files on your computer or use a file cabinet. If you have a scanner, you can scan work samples into the computer and place them in the file.

There is no better way to show your student's accomplishments than through a portfolio.
Grades Keeping grades is optional in most states; however, if your student plans to attend college, high school grades are necessary. Many (most) colleges use a formula for figuring acceptance and it is based on a number of items -- grades being one of them.