Certified Teacher Evaluation is a process where a qualified teacher reviews a homeschool student's work and progress. It's an alternative to standardized tests required in some states.
Research from the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) shows that homeschooled students typically score 15 to 25 percentile points higher than public school students on standardized academic achievement tests. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), approximately 3.3 million students were homeschooled in the United States as of 2023, representing roughly 6% of the school-age population.
What is certified teacher evaluation?
In some states, homeschool students need annual assessments. Certified Teacher Evaluations are a portfolio-based option instead of standardized tests. A certified teacher, who usually has a valid state teaching license, looks over your child's work samples, education logs, and curriculum materials. They might chat with your child about the portfolio, but it’s more of a friendly conversation than a test. After the review, the teacher gives a signed statement on whether your child is making good educational progress. You then send this document to your school district for homeschool compliance.
States requiring evaluations
Different states have unique rules for evaluations. Pennsylvania has the strictest process—students must take standardized tests in grades 3, 5, and 8, and a certified evaluator needs two years of experience. Florida offers five evaluation options, and certified teachers can evaluate any grade. Virginia lets parents choose between test scores or a certified teacher's evaluation letter. Maine requires current Maine-certified teachers for reviews, while New York needs either testing or a narrative report from a qualified individual.
What evaluators look for
Evaluators focus on whether your child is making progress based on their ability—not just if they meet grade-level standards. This is important for families using different learning styles or accommodating learning differences. Your portfolio should include:
- A log of educational activities kept throughout the year.
- Work samples from at least three subjects showing progress over the year.
- Documentation of instructional hours if your state asks for it. Some evaluators might just discuss the portfolio, while others may do informal skill assessments. It's good to ask your evaluator about their process in advance.
Finding and preparing for an evaluator
Most state homeschool organizations have directories of evaluators. In Pennsylvania, the Homeschoolers Accreditation Agency lists certified teachers. In Florida, the Parent Educators Association helps families find evaluators. Local homeschool support groups are also great for recommendations. Pick your evaluator early in the school year and ask what they want to see. Organize your portfolio well—use dividers or a table of contents. Date all your work samples. Prepare your child for the conversation by explaining that it’s informal and supportive. Most evaluations take about an hour and can happen at home or via video call.
The bottom line
Certified Teacher Evaluations give a well-rounded option to standardized testing. They allow families using different methods to show educational progress in a more personalized way. Evaluators see a whole year of work, not just a one-day test. For families in states that allow this, it often feels more in line with the homeschooling philosophy. The key is to keep records throughout the year—don’t wait until the last minute to gather everything.
