I haven't actually started HSing yet, I'm going to start soon though (late Jan-early Feb, hopefully), and I was wondering how you keep track of grades, if at all? Because, obviously, I want my kids to go to college when they're older, but I know some people don't give report cards or anything, so how would a college look back at your grades and stuff? I know college is like 14 years from now for my girls, but it worries me.
I don't do grades, and I won't do them until 9th grade. They're necessary for high school transcripts to get into college, but otherwise, they're unnecessary. If you just HAVE to submit grades for something (re-entrance to PS, camps or programs, etc.), you can make up a report card and show examples of work. No need to keep an elaborate set of grades unless state law requires it. I don't think any states require grades below 9th grade, though.
Well, that's a relief. Won't have to worry about it for 10 years or so. Unless the girls decide they WANT to be graded, lol.
LOL, they might. I'm giving my son his first report card this week at his request. It is a little bit extra work for me, but not too difficult. I just use a regular teacher's grade book. Oh, and these grades are just for him and they won't be used on any official paperwork ever. I'm grading differently than a normal classroom teacher so it wouldn't be comparable. Half of his grades are based on attitude and effort.
Yes, I agree. My son asks for grades in English and Latin, but nothing else. I give him a "grade", but it's not recorded anywhere, and it's just a guide to tell him how he's doing. (R&S English worksheets and tests come with points assigned, so he wants them, and Headventureland Latin games automatically grade you online, so he likes grades there, too.)
We use grades only for math. As for our records we use Home School Tracker. You can google "HST" for reviews and such. There is a free version to try out and if you like it you can stay with it or pay a little bit to upgrade it for life (and it works with all your existing data). Sometimes it seems more work than I think we need (a planner would probably suffice), but it helps me stay organized, and definitely is now starting to help with DD2's planning.
I don't grade much with younger, but right now, I'm trying to put together some transcripts for Rachael. Things like math and science I have tests for, so there's a "real" grade. History and language is pretty subjective to me.
i just use homeschool tracker, but i only grade quizes and test... my girls like to get report cards.
I use edu-track. It is a great program. You can keep all lesson plans and grades in it and it automatically makes report cards and then when in high school it automatically makes transcripts. My daughter is in the fifth grade and I already keep lots of grades and records on her. I just want to be used to it so that by the time she is in high school I already know what I am doing. Plus, I am just alittle OCD about organization...LOL. I also keep samples of all her work in a three ring binder serperated into sections for each subject. Edu-track also keeps track of attendance and has a ton of forms you can use in your homeschool. I love the book report forms it has. It has things for the youngest to the high school kid. And it has awards that can be printed out along with areas to keep track of movies and literature. You can also make and print chore charts. Anyway, as you can tell. I love it. Be Blessed, Dawn
Wow so much to think about I haven't been 'grading' just marking work as we go along. I think though I may start to give small tests to son who is in 'second' grade (if he were mainstream). That way if he goes back to public school for any reason I have something to show them. I also don't think testing is all that necessary as we see on a daily basis where they are at academically. But good for records I guess. And certainly when highschool age comes about that would help out to get into college/university after.
Sorry I haven't been answering, Ember got sick, and then Raychel got it, and now DH has it, so I've been running around tending to three sick people. Also, starting HS next week and super excited!! Really nervous, but I think it'll be okay. Thanks for the resources everyone, I think I'm only going to keep track of grades for my benefit, and present them to the girls if they decide they want report cards.
My daughter loves getting report cards. She is always asking, "Do I get a report card this week!" I give her a get-out-of-school-for-a-day ticket for every A she gets on her report card. I give the reports to her when the public school kids get their report cards. I also give her the same days off as the public school kids. Hope everyone is having a blessed day! ~Dawn~
We do an end of the year report card becuase our local Family Video has a program for children. For every "A" they receive on their report card they are given a free movie rental. I also like to keep track for my onw records.
I just make my own grade record pages. I do assign real grades for LA and math bc they both have built in grading, but for other subjects I just give a S or US grade.. as long as he tries and has a good attitude then it is satisfactory, if not he gets unsatisfactory. I only do report cards because he asks for them. I think because he has some friends and family in PS that get them so he wants them to.
Dragonflygirl, wow, how do you manage being a single homeschooling mommy? (Sorry, I was reading your signature lol) Not being critical, just curious. Three more days until we start HSing!
