1)  How do I teach history and science to my elementary students, and how often do I have to teach these subjects?  First, according to the law in PA, you do NOT have to teach them every day or every year.  It  says that they need to be included in K-6th grades, but it doesn't say every year.  There are other subjects listed in the home education law that you will need to cover, but I'm clarifying that some subjects in elementary do NOT have to be every day or year.  The 3 Rs (Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic) should be taught most days and every year as those are the core subjects in elementary.  Fire safety is to be taught every year.

2)  What are some curriculum you used?  I'm an eclectic homeschooler.  It means that I used the best methods for each of my students.  I used a variety of methods from different sources and made up my curriculum from different publishers.  If it works for people to buy a boxed curriculum, then that's wonderful as I'm supportive of what works for each family.  The important thing is that you are seeing your students learn, and you as the teacher are satisfied with what you are using.  I used more of certain publishers as my students became high schoolers.

I understand all curriculum and how families use it, as I have seen a multitude of methods that are effective.  Please realize that I am open minded and flexible.  There are many methods that can work.

3)  What are the best math/reading programs, and so forth?  The tried and true programs are the ones I gravitate toward, but that doesn't mean there aren't other good ones.  Saxon and MathUSee work for a lot of people, but there are other good programs.  Alpha-Phonics and "How to Tutor" are good places to start for reading and writing.  The best answer is to understand your child's needs as the student, and your needs as the teacher.  If you are still confused, consider coming to one of my workshops, or having a private consultation.

4) How many credits or classes do I still need for high school?

In the PA Home Education law, you are in high school starting in 7th grade.  Yes, that means you have to start recording what each student takes at 7th grade.  I expect the parents to know what their children take and record the subjects at that grade as I have to sign off on a diploma from the state of PA that certain subjects were covered starting at 7th grade (speech, civics, PA History, Algebra 1, or foreign language levels 1 and 2 are sometimes taken in 7th and 8th grades).  The basic courses in 9th-12th are:  4 English, 3 Math, 3 Science, 3 History, and 2 Arts and Humanities.  Credits aren't listed in the law, but 1 year of study means 1 credit basically for creating a transcript.

5)  What can I count as credit from daily life?  You can count life skills (home economics, building a chicken coop) as credit.  Just count hours and describe what was completed.  Have the student write about it, and show the hands-on finished projects.  So, for school you can count days, and for year-long curriculum, please just count it as a credit.  For electives, please consider counting the hours unless you know the publisher says the amount of credit it is worth.  50 hours is about .5 a credit, and 100-120 hours is 1 credit.

6) Can I count work study as credit?  Yes, please record the hours the same as already described.  Describe the work in a few pages, and show any projects.

7)  Should I count volunteer work?  Yes, please record the hours in the same way I described.  Describe the work in a few pages, and show any projects.

8) Does mission work count?  Yes, it can count for credit toward Social Studies or under Humanities on a transcript.  Record hours, and describe in writing and pictures what was done.

9)  Can I bring younger children?  Yes, but please take them out if crying as we have to be able to hear ourselves talk about the portfolio and what is said for the interview.  If you have an older child or adult who can come along, that would be ideal if you bring younger children.​

10)  Do you give discounts?  If paying for a regular in person high school or elementary evaluation, and you have more than one child, I give you $5 dollars off after the first child until the end of May.  I also offer large family discounts in person and online, and group or co-op discounts in person all year long.  My rates are competitively priced, but if families cannot afford evaluations due to financial difficulty, they pay what they can afford.

11)  What grade do I test my child, and how do I know what grade to choose or what test to give?  The child is tested in grades 3, 5, and 8.  There are different tests you can choose listed on the PDE's website.  I usually recommend the CAT as it is easy to buy and administer or take online.  The law only requires you to test the reading/language arts and math sections.  Also, remember it cannot be given by the supervisor or parent/guardian.  It can be given at home by another family member or friend.  It can be untimed or timed.  You decide what grade level your child is in as to when your child takes the test.  I can give the test to your child or children as one of the services I offer. 

12)  What do I bring to an evaluation?  I answer this in the general services page.  A quick list:  your child, payment (if not done online), and your portfolio (materials or digital copies- list of books used, 3-5 samples of each subject, any test scores for grades 3/5/8, and your calendar or log of days/ or hours).  Please do NOT have cell phones turned on or in use.

13) Do you evaluate students with an IEP?  Yes, I have often evaluated students with an IEP.  According to the PA law, I can evaluate the student with an IEP, but cannot approve the objectives or write them for you as I am not a psychologist or special education teacher.