For children outside the comfy norms that standardized tests use how do we show progress? If your child is mentally challenged can you legitimately say that potty training is a worthy educational goal? Are fine motor skills impossible due to spastic cerebral palsy? How do you show the hard work your child is putting in and fulfill the state laws?
First acquaint yourself with your state law. Know clearly what is expected as a form of assessment. Then if you are using a certified teacher as an assessor talk with them and get defined in writing expectations your child’s goals. If you need to have an IEP with the local school goals and objectives will already be written out as part of the IEP process. You will need to be sure that the law is satisfied with your child’s progress so take your time and do it right.
These are some ways to show that your child has progressed:
1. Any work sheets or workbooks pages through the year.
2. Show drawings and the better fine motor control by the end of the year.
3. Take video of your child accomplishing or working on a goal.
4. Have your therapists write a report about the work accomplished during sessions.
5. See your assessor at intervals throughout the year. This way if you need specific help they are right there. Also your assessor will feel more comfortable seeing small amounts of progress as success.
While our desired end result cannot be summed up in a pile of papers or test results. The laws require proof. It is only sensible that we take the time to compile and keep the proper paperwork. Time spent now setting these items aside or having an extra meeting with your assessor may save you tremendously if there is ever a problem.
You and your teen have shown great success when he finally learns to tie his shoe. GREAT job mom and son! Homschooling allows us to learn at a pace the Lord designed our lovely children to move at. Feel assured that you are both working hard and accomplishing much!
Follow the laws and show that your child is working as hard and persistently as they can. Like the exact same child in a public school setting you cannot ask a child/teen to learn something that is beyond them. You can work at their level and work towards a producing a Godly productive adult someday!