Work samples are real examples of your child's schoolwork that show their learning and progress. They can include various assignments and projects and are important for documentation and college applications.
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 are work samples?
Work samples are actual pieces of your child's schoolwork that show what they've learned. This can be writing assignments, math tests, science reports, art projects, or workbook pages. Unlike one-time standardized tests, work samples show growth over time. They're important for states that require documentation, help with college applications, and serve as keepsakes of your child’s education.
States requiring work samples
Requirements for work samples differ by state. For example:
- Pennsylvania wants portfolios with writing samples, worksheets, and creative materials.
- Florida needs samples of writing and worksheets.
- Maryland requires weekly samples across various subjects.
- Vermont expects portfolios showing progress in each area. Many other states also allow portfolio reviews as a way to assess learning.
Organization strategies
To keep things organized, many families use a three-ring binder with dividers. You can add new work to the back and sort it by date or subject, depending on what your state needs. Other options include accordion files or digital storage. Scanning apps let you take pictures of work and save them electronically. Just remember to date everything and keep it updated throughout the year.
How many samples to keep
When it comes to work samples, quality matters more than quantity. Generally, three samples per subject—one from the start, one from the middle, and one from the end of the year—are enough to show progress. Mix different types of work, and don’t hesitate to include less-than-perfect pieces that show real learning. If your state needs weekly samples, try picking one representative item each Friday.
The bottom line
Work samples are a great way to prove learning beyond what tests can show. They capture progress in subjects like art and music, which standardized tests often miss. Even if your state doesn't require portfolios, having work samples is a smart idea. They protect you if questions come up about your homeschooling and create lasting memories. Start your system now and keep adding to it; you'll avoid year-end stress.
