Is your child on track? đźš‚
How to set goals, measure progress & document learning outcomes. Plus, do homeschoolers get into college? Find out here...
Every parent we ever met, on some level, lives with a deep-seated fear of failing their child.
Sometimes fear can be a tool to help us make changes. But other times, it can hold us back from trusting our instincts and trying new approaches that can deeply benefit our children and family as a whole.
If we want to use modular learning as an opportunity to build a customized education to help our child reach their full potential, the way we evaluate students doing modular learning needs to be different from how we evaluate students in traditional schools.
Essentially, standardized tests attempt to ensure that an “adequate” number of students perform at an “acceptable” level academically nationwide.
In modular learning, we want to ensure that each child is performing at the strongest level relative to their own capacity, and is developing all the social, emotional, and intellectual tools they need to thrive. Rather than thinking about setting goals in stone, we encourage parents to think about creating a framework for experimentation that they can use to build a highly flexible education for their child that has space to evolve as they grow.
There’s also a more practical need to measure progress. Families may want to ensure kids are performing at grade level in case they choose to return to school. Proper documentation is often required for mandatory state reporting; a strong portfolio is necessary for applying to college. In this post, we look at developmental milestones, academic readiness, and how to continually iterate our goals and processes.
We’ll also discuss how colleges view homeschoolers and how to take college and career readiness into account within your framework for evaluation.
In This Post We Cover:
Creating a Framework for Experimentation
Modular Learning vs. Traditional School for Measuring Learning Outcomes
Applying “Design Thinking” to Homeschooling
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Quantifiable Measurements for Success
Assessments and Tools for Tracking Progress and Identifying Learning Differences
Building a Digital Portfolio
When and Where to Find Expert Support
Getting into College
Measuring and Documenting Learning Outcomes
The greatest hope of most parents is to help their children realize their full potential and lead happy, healthy, successful lives. The greatest fear of many parents is failing their kids. Traditional school, with grades and standardized tests, certified teachers, and experienced school administrators, provides a certain level of security for families that they’re doing right for their child.
Families who choose modular learning are taking responsibility for their children’s learning and social-emotional outcomes, as well as their chances of getting into a good college and having a fulfilling career in the future. But there is no universal road map for parents who choose this route.
Since every child learns differently, successful modular learning will look different for every family. By choosing modular learning, you’re making a bet that customizing their education will lead to better learning outcomes than following a cookie-cutter path. Like any artist or entrepreneur, you’re taking a risk in the hopes of making something better.
Fortunately, creating a proper framework for experimentation can mitigate many risks.
Creating a Framework for Experimentation
A good framework for experimentation involves:
Building Hypotheses: Start with what you believe will work best for your child.
Defining Clear Metrics (KPIs): Set specific goals and indicators of success.
Choosing Tools: Select the right tools to track and evaluate performance.
Modular Learning vs. Traditional School for Measuring Learning Outcomes
Standardized tests ensure a nationwide acceptable level of academic performance. However, modular learning focuses on individual growth, tailoring education to each child’s unique strengths and needs.
Applying “Design Thinking” to Homeschooling
Design Thinking involves:
Empathizing: Understanding your child's needs and perspectives.
Defining: Clearly outlining learning goals.
Ideating: Brainstorming creative ways to achieve those goals.
Prototyping: Trying out different learning activities.
Testing: Assessing what works best and iterating accordingly.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Quantifiable Measurements for Success
KPIs can include:
Academic Performance: Mastery of subjects.
Social Development: Interaction and communication skills.
Emotional Growth: Self-awareness and resilience.
Practical Skills: Real-world application of knowledge.
Assessments and Tools for Tracking Progress and Identifying Learning Differences
Utilize a variety of assessments:
Formative Assessments: Ongoing checks during learning activities.
Summative Assessments: Evaluations at the end of a learning period.
Diagnostic Tools: Identifying specific learning needs and differences.
Building a Digital Portfolio
A digital portfolio documents progress and achievements, making it easier to:
Showcase Work: Present projects and assignments.
Track Growth: Monitor improvement over time.
Prepare for College Applications: Compile necessary documents and evidence.
When and Where to Find Expert Support
Seek expert support for:
Specialized Subjects: Subjects you may not be familiar with.
Learning Differences: Addressing unique educational needs.
College Prep: Guidance on applications and admissions processes.
Getting into College
Colleges are increasingly recognizing the value of homeschooled students. Focus on:
Documenting Learning: Keep thorough records.
Standardized Testing: Prepare for college entrance exams.
Extracurricular Activities: Participate in clubs, sports, and volunteer work.
By creating a comprehensive framework for experimentation and continually measuring and documenting learning outcomes, you can provide your child with a personalized education that adapts to their evolving needs and prepares them for a successful future.
