I know it is kind of rigid, but I decided this year to keep track of quarters and schedule a 36-week school year. I know that we will have days when we do nothing and there is lots of stuff that we will cover during the summer months, but with the kids having PS friends so close by us, I like to keep an eye on the PS calendar and schedule our official “work” days around it (sort of).
Anyway, last Friday was the end of our first quarter. I took the opportunity to look at what we have accomplished. It was more than I thought, which is good.
I filled out progress reports for the boys, with comments on their strengths and areas that need improvement. I used this form from About Homeschooling. I converted it into a word document so I could change the fields a little, but over all, this was my favorite form.
It is nice to have the record and I think it will be helpful at the end of the year when it is time for assessments. I think the kids liked getting a “report card,” too.
I like that you are applying rigorous assessment in your homeschool. I too wished the educational system was better in the U.S. But I guess with the pay structure for teachers (no incentive bonuses and low pay), that industry isn’t attracting the best and the brightest. Not to mention, once the best and brightest do join, they don’t get a lot of mentoring and leave way too early.
I won’t be able to homeschool, but I’m seriously considering private school for my daughter when she’s old enough to go to school.