Homeschool World Forum

Here in Oklahoma we do not have to report anything either but we still keeps record of everything we do just incase we ever need them. Right now we use the basic(free) version of Homeschool Tracker. After the initial setup, we spend about 15 min each evening entering grades for the day, reading log, attendance etc. and enter the assignments for the next day. If our plans change or we do something spontaneous, it is quick and easy to go in and change.

As the kids get older we will be switching over to the full version so that we can do transcript. If anyone is interested in trying it, you can get it at http://www.homeschooltracker.com

Our state doesn't require much record keeping either if you choose an annual testing option. Nonetheless, I keep a daily lesson plan book. I just quickly jot down what we do as we do it. In addition, workbook pages get rubber banded and thrown in a storage box each year. I'm just worried somewhere down the road some college or some state will make me prove my child was educated.

I'm actually going to start some sort of record next year. Just in case. Nothing too complicated though.

It's obviously important to know your rights according to where you live, and ensure that they are respectfully protected. While I respect any inspection thoroughly intended to ensure that children are being educated and cared for, I resent implications that parents ensuring that their children are educated as individuals are suspect. We all know that there are almost as many reasons for homeschooling as there are homeschooling families, so this pigeon-holed suspicion is getting tiresome.

As for keeping records, tiresome though it might be, I think it is important. Not only does it give you and your child a map of where you've been and where you are heading on this journey, but you may find yourself in a situation where suddenly records are required or rules have been changed. Entry into the university of your choice, if so desired, might even be dependent on it!

In most cases a simple estimation of time spent per day/week should suffice, with the work undertaken as proof. With scanners, computers, hard-drives, etc, if you are including digital mediums in your study, you won't even be burdened with reams of paper records.