A student in a home education setting must be evaluated once a year to demonstrate educational progress at a level commensurate to the child’s abilities. The parent/guardian selects the method of evaluation from those provided in Florida Statute, then files a copy of the evaluation annually in the superintendent’s office. The evaluation must consist of one of the following:

a. A Florida certified teacher chosen by the parent may evaluate the child’s progress based on the review of the portfolio and discussion with the student;

b. The student may take any nationally normed student achievement test administered by a certified teacher;

c. The student may take a state student assessment test used by the school district and administered by a certified teacher, at a location and under testing conditions approved by the school district;

d. The student may be evaluated by a psychologist holding a valid, active license pursuant to the provisions of s. 490.003 (7) or (8), F.S.; or

e. The student may be evaluated with any other valid measurement tool as mutually agreed upon by the school superintendent of the district in which the student resides and the student’s parent.

According to 1002.41, F.S., a parent of a home education student must submit an annual evaluation demonstrating educational progress commensurate with their child’s abilities. “Annually” is defined in Florida Statute as one year from the date of the Letter of Intent, therefore the parent may submit as close to that start date as possible.

Section 1002.41, F.S., requires the parent to provide for an annual evaluation of the home education student. Failure to do so places the home education program in non-compliance and permits the superintendent, after notice to the parent, to terminate the program.

Home Education Programs terminated for non-compliance may not re-open for at least 180 days.