sroweks Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 Living in Kansas now where requirements to homeschool are very light. We may be moving to northern Maine where you need to file a letter of intent each year (no big deal), but also test or have a portfolio reviewed YEARLY. I would definitely opt for the portfolio, but since I have never done one I'm uneasy as to what they look for, how fancy does this compilation have to be, etc. There is an option to have the portfolio reviewed by a homeschool cooperative group that has an on-site Maine certified teacher to approve -- this concept sounds like a nice option. Are the portfolios graded by pass/no pass or given a grade? What happens if the portfolio review does not meet the requirements? Do they ask us to do summer school (LOL), force public education, force tutoring, or worse, involve social services? I'm sure we would be fine in meeting the requirements, but I want to have all of my ducks in a row before moving there. Oh, one more thing, if we move midway through the school year, does anyone know how they handle the assessment/testing process since my kids weren't in the state the entire time? I will also pose this question to HSLDA. Thanks in advance! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pam in MA Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 I live in Massachusetts but the requirements are the same. We've actually decided it's much easier to just to the yearly testing rather than prepare some portfolio which has no specifications laid out by the state. We just order up an Iowa Test of Basic Skills and do it every year. They don't care how they do on it. I'm not sure why it would matter if you've been there the whole year or not; just send you letter explaining you just moved to Maine (send them a copy of something from your previous state if you have it). Good luck. . . it'll be alot colder!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 (edited) I live in Maine. You have a couple options for the portfolio review. There is the Maine state homeschool association. (Google Homeschoolers of Maine.) They offer a year-end service for reviewing the portfolio. There is a fee and requirements about what they want included. The thing about the state group is that they are following the law. A state certified teacher has to look over the portfolio. So they gather up teachers to do the reviews. I've never sent a portfolio to them. There are plenty of teachers in our town that are quite willing to look over dd's work. I prefer to keep it local because, 1. I'd hate that something got lost in the mail, 2. if there is any question I can easily take more examples to the teacher or explain our methods. So what part of Maine are you coming to? If you make it to the northwest of the state, let me know. A friend and I are starting a NAPS this fall. We moved mid year when dd was in 2nd grade. Since I keep all dd's work because I never know where we will end up I was able to put together a portfolio for the year. If you don't have anything (two examples from each course for each quarter) then I think you can get by with showing what you have done since you actually got to the state. Edited January 29, 2009 by Parrothead Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sroweks Posted January 29, 2009 Author Share Posted January 29, 2009 Do your kids test with the local school kids? Who receives the test results? We would be living on a farm outside the town of Bridgewater, which is near the Canadian border. Wonder what that would be like? Anyone live near the border? >>We just order up an Iowa Test of Basic Skills and do it every year. They don't care how they do on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 (edited) Do your kids test with the local school kids? Who receives the test results? We would be living on a farm outside the town of Bridgewater, which is near the Canadian border. Wonder what that would be like? Anyone live near the border? >>We just order up an Iowa Test of Basic Skills and do it every year. They don't care how they do on it. Testing can be done at home or with the local school. I think including them is up to the school. Some tests dont' require a degree to administer. I haven't tested while we've been here. I'm not sure where Bridgewater is. I'll have to look it up. Currently we are on the western side of the state and 15 miles from the border. Get passport cards. ETA: Bridgewater is on the other side of the state from me. We are trying to get the Presque Isle area. Either there or Vermont. Maybe one day we will meet. Edited January 29, 2009 by Parrothead Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ilovemy4kids Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 a NAPS (Non Approved Private School with another family). It was a very simple easy option. No portfolio reviews or testing. My husband, as the principle sent one letter per year stating that all students were passing. Blessings Sandra A lot of churches in Maine have formed NAPS for their members. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sroweks Posted January 29, 2009 Author Share Posted January 29, 2009 a NAPS (Non Approved Private School with another family). It was a very simple easy option. No portfolio reviews or testing. My husband, as the principle sent one letter per year stating that all students were passing. A lot of churches in Maine have formed NAPS for their members. I did not know what NAPS stood (was going to be my next question) LOL. I read something about having a non-approved private school option, but it was a bit confusing at first read. That sounds like the best way to go. Thanks for sharing everyone. I appreciate it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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