Parents of homeschooled children may use norm-referenced standardized tests to comply with the yearly assessment mandate. The test may be graded by the company providing the testing material or the test may be graded by a certified Vermont teacher who administered the test, as long as the teacher is not a relative of the child.
Standardized tests must cover every subject listed in the minimum course of study. The tests must be administered according to the rules set forth by the testing company. It is the responsibility of the parents to ensure that the test used covers all of the required subjects.
The Home Study Office has a list of certified Vermont teachers who are interested in providing yearly assessments for homeschooled children.
A report authored by a certified Vermont teacher can be submitted to the Commissioner's Office on the supplied home study form or a report can be prepared that will cover the same information included on the form. This option requires that the teacher will meet face-to-face with each child they assess.
Students will be assessed in the minimum course of study subjects. The assessment can include interviews with the student, a review of work samples or a review of standardized testing. The assessment must state what the child learned during the current year and progress that has been made from prior years. The report must demonstrate progress consistent with the student's age and abilities. The teacher must list any concerns about the student's progress and if there are any learning or physical disabilities. Students with disabilities will have a modified course of study.
Parents have the option to submit a report of student's progress and a portfolio of work to support the conclusions in the report. One report and portfolio per student is required. The report should include a brief description of the subjects pertaining to the minimum course of study. Student progress should be consistent with the age and ability of the child. A portfolio containing samples of the child's work must accompany the report.
If a homeschool family is using a purchased curriculum through an online or correspondence school, the teacher advisor for the student may compile a progress report. This report can be the same report sent to the parents from the school as long as it details the student's progress and it is not simply a report card. All teacher advisory reports must be accompanied by a portfolio of work created by the student.