Homeschool Portfolio Evaluations
Conducted by Liz Colantuonio, M.Ed
Contact Information: liz.ed.consult@gmail.com
Overview: I am a Certified NH Teacher in Elementary, Special Needs and Instructional Technology with over 30 years of teaching experience.
My Background: I have been teaching in MA and NH for the last 30 years, working with all ages groups in both general and special education settings from preK-12th grade. I am currently working for an online public virtual school MA as a Special Education teacher and I also teach as an adjunct faculty member through the Virtual Learning Charter School (VLACS) in Kindergarten through Adult Ed and at UNH Center for Professional Studies.
My Fees: I am comfortable with structured and less structured homeschooling methods, including unschooling, as long as the parent is able to provide evidence of growth. I charge $75 for a portfolio review, with a sibling discount, for basic form letter acknowledging that your child has made progress commensurate with ability, and charge $150 for a portfolio evaluation with a letter chronicling your child’s achievement throughout the school year.
I am now conducting online evaluations only. This means that you will need to submit your child's portfolio to me electronically. My preferred method for this is either a shared Google Drive folder or Seesaw, an online e-portfolio web site. If you are not familiar with Seesaw, I would highly recommend that you check it out. With this free online tool you can easily take photos, upload files, use voice recordings and more to demonstrate student growth. In order for me to complete your child's evaluation and provide a letter, you will need to submit documentation of student growth or progress across all subject areas.
Portfolio Overview: To put it simply, I am looking for student progress. I like to see that your child is progressing across all subjects. A book list is also required. Regardless of whether your child is performing above or below grade level, I want to see evidence of growth since September. I love to see examples of what your child is reading, either independently or what you are reading aloud together. Work samples, progress reports from online learning programs, curriculum lists, photographs, field trips, awards, projects, etc. I am looking for progress in your student by viewing his/her work samples.
Please include examples of anything that will help me get to know your child better.
Possible items to include in your portfolio:
Curriculum used
Information on unit studies covered
Book lists
Field trip info (brochures, tickets, pamphlets from theatre shows, museums, festivals, concerts, historic sites, etc.)
Photographs
Information about extracurricular activities
Community service
Worksheets
Writing samples
Lists of computer software used
Lists of videos watched
List of achievements which could include awards, certificates or community service recognition
Anything YOU feel would help me to understand your child’s year