Academic plans for homeschoolers are the groundwork for the transcripts, complete and concise records of courses taken throughout the high school years. The compilation of these two pieces will need to be accompanied by other documentation that is pertinent to the homeschool experience.
Homeschool Academic Record Keeping
The first step in the record keeping process depends on researching the requirements of the state in which the homeschooler resides. The Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) is a nationally recognized non-profit organization that supports homeschool families and has resources available online for checking the laws and regulations of each state. Typically, academic records should include several key pieces of information.
Some information to be included are standardized achievement test details, including test names, dates given, and scores received. Keep records of these throughout the years, as many testing vendors either do not retain that information or charge extra for duplicate reports at later dates.
Also keep records of any communications with school districts, including reporting forms and letters of intent to homeschool. Certain states may have other formal requirements for homeschoolers, so parents need to be sure to research state guidelines for these. These might include report cards submitted to the school district by the parent.
Homeschoolers who have taken distance learning courses or other formal classes outside of the homeschool environment should keep records of these and include them in the academic record.
Tracking Homeschool Courses
Perhaps the most inclusive and time consuming portion of academic record keeping for the homeschooler is tracking course information. Details that need to be included in each subject area are:
- Course name
- Book lists
- Description of course content
- Descriptions of major assignments
- Descriptions of relevant projects
- Scores for quizzes and test
- Grade earned
- Number of credits earned (Each state also has varying ways for determining credits earned. Homeschoolers can refer to resources such as HSLDA or other local organizations to find more information.)
Creating Homeschool Transcripts
Transcripts are typically short in length, but filled with details. The transcripts of homeschooled students are similar to those of their public schooled peers. Usually not more than one page in length, HSLDA recommends the following information be included in high school homeschool transcripts.
- Details of the homeschooled student including name, address, phone number, email, date of birth, and Social Security number.
- Courses taken, credits received, and final grades (including grading scale used).
- Grade point average (GPA) for each academic year, and cumulative GPA.
- Date or expected date of high school graduation.
These homeschool transcripts can be signed by the homeschool parent as acknowledgement of and responsibility for the information provided.
Providing Additional Documentation for Homeschool Records
One final element of the homeschool record keeping system is the addition of other documentation. This can be as simple as medical records and letters of reference kept on file for future use. Other items to be included are extra awards and honors received, including dates and other details, and any certification or training.
Homeschool students should also keep records of employment experiences, volunteer work, and other extracurricular activities. These can include music and theatre lessons and experiences, sports, and club activities.
During late elementary and junior high years, homeschool students and parents can work together to create academic plans and goals. These can include a plan for four years of high school and include typical courses to be taken as well as electives. Planning ahead will save time and avoid surprises.
Homeschooling families can also check with various college admissions offices for requirements of high school credits per subject. General college preparation courses will include those covering English, Math, History, Science, Foreign Language, Physical Education, Fine Arts, and Electives.
Homeschool Record Keeping and Transcript Resources
Homeschooling families can begin preparing for high school in the late elementary years. Creating academic plans, compiling records, and developing transcripts can be done as a progession instead of an overwhelming task. There are many free online resources for creating transcripts and samples made by veteran homeschoolers.
Becky Cooke and Diane Kummer of HSLDA both graduated children through their homeschools and developed guidelines and tips for homeschoolers across the country to aid them on this journey. More information can be found at their Homeschooling Thru High School website, a division of HSLDA, or by attending one of their many seminars at homeschooling conventions.
Chris Oldenburg - The homeschooling mother of four children, I am also a freelance technical writer. After more than 10 years of homeschooling I enjoy the ...
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