Homeschooling High School: Grading

So we started by talking about balancing possible requirements and creating a course of study. We have a transcript worksheet to keep track of everything. But what about grades? How do you evaluate work fairly and accurately when you are so close to the situation?

One of the benefits of homeschooling is the ability to adjust the pace. When a child is in school, they are on the conveyor belt, and it’s moving on regardless of what they’ve learned. But in our homeschools we are continually changing the pace–offering shorter lessons, more practice, changing tasks. These wise shifts help our students retain their confidence and curiosity. Even while they push through difficult or challenging material.

But this mastery approach is not really reflected in traditional grading. Lee Binz suggests another way to record grades that takes into account the student’s interactions with the material and the teacher! She asks if students have met expectations…and how annoyed the parent was. Brilliant! Grading doesn’t have to be intimidating or take our attention from what really matters.

Homeschooling High School Mission #3

  • Read Lee’s article and think about how you have evaluated your student’s work throughout homeschooling. Are there shifts or adjustments that you want to make?
  • Consider talking to your high schooler and hearing their perspective.

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