Mass certified teachers to evaluate homeschool portfolios

[yoga2]

Hi, I homeschool my two boys in western Mass and was wondering if anyone knows of a

certified teacher who is open to various methods of homeschooling (relaxed, eclectic), understands that not all learning results in a dated work sample and would be open to do portfolio review for next school year? We're all set for this year but have to submit our

plan for next year. Any leads would be much appreciated.

[Stacey B]

I don't live out there any more but I know there is a pretty strong homeschooling community in the Hilltowns, Hilltown Families is a great resource. Also North Star, an alternative school may have some teachers who review portfolios.

[railyuh]

Do you have to find a teacher to evaluate the portfolio? I'm in MA, but we aren't official with the state yet (since it is not compulsory until DS is 6 next year), but my understanding was that you can choose either testing, dated work samples, or a progress report (is this what you mean by portfolio?) and that you just submit it to your local superintendant. I've never heard anyone here mention finding a teacher to evaluate a portfolio, but I am new to homeschooling here so I could be wrong. You might want to check out AHEM's site for more info on homeschooling in MA, I've never read anything on there indicating that the school can require a teacher to evaluate the portfolio: http://www.ahem.info/MethodsofEvaluation.htm