With high school comes the added responsibility of record keeping. In the elementary years, keeping records of courses, grades, hours, and activities is less important. But in the high school years, clear records are necessary.

 THE DIPLOMA
Many employers and colleges will ask for a copy of the diploma – which  is basically a certificate awarded by an educational institution that testifies to the successful completion of a course of study. CHEWV members have access to more than one downloadable diploma option.
 
WV law 18-8-12 reads:
A person who administers a program of secondary education at a public, private or home school that meets the requirements of this chapter may issue a diploma or other appropriate credential to a person who has completed the program of secondary education. Such diploma or credential is legally sufficient to demonstrate that the person meets the definition of having a high school diploma or its equivalent. No state agency or institution of higher learning in this state may reject or otherwise treat a person differently solely on the grounds of the source of such a diploma or credential. Nothing in this section prevents any agency or institution of higher learning from inquiring into the substance or content of the program to assess the content thereof for the purposes of determining whether a person meets other specific requirements. 
(Emphasis added.)
Note in tbe bold above that inquiries about the content of the high school course in your homeschool are expected. Employers, colleges, scholarship organizations and others will want to know what course of study the student completed.
 
THE TRANSCRIPT
The most common document that certifies the course of study is the transcript. The transcript records the classes taken, credits earned, and grades awarded, along with the date of graduation. To create a transcript, online forms, apps, and even purchased professional transcripts are available.  Home School Legal Defense has several different transcript templates that will help make this process easier.  CHEWV also provides this Transcript Template in Word.  CHEWV members have access to an easy, fillable transcript in the Member Resources.

At times the transcript of a homeschooled student is questioned because it is created and verified by the parent. It could be wise to anticipate that issue and create a transcript that is otherwise verified.  For example, your homeschooler must be either tested or his portfolio of work reviewed by a certified teacher. If testing, listing the composite score for each year on the transcript could help corroborate the GPA. If using the portfolio review, it might be prudent to ask the certified teacher to attest to the credits and GPA awarded.  

OTHER RECOMMENDED RECORDS

    • Course Descriptions

    A page for each high school course that includes the same title as used on the transcript, a brief description of what was covered, textbooks and other resources used, grade and credits awarded, and any major assignments like performances, term papers, labs, or other like completed assignments. If reading was a large portion of the course, a list of books read could be included, noting that they were unabridged and read in their entirety (if that is the case of course).

    • Test Scores

    Consideration may be given to standardized testing for the annual assessment during all or part of the high school years.  These tests show concrete evidence of academic performance in a format that colleges and the general population can readily understand. Results of tests such as the PSAT, SAT, ACT, and CLT should be kept as well.

    • Extracurricular Activities

    Colleges and employers like to see evidence of community involvement.  Listing extracurricular pursuits and accomplishments highlights character and perseverance, along with special talents.   Be sure to include awards, volunteer work, employment, apprenticeship opportunities, leadership experiences, travel, etc. (Note: if hours or activities are used for curricular courses, the activity should be removed from the extracurricular list.)

    • Additional Records

    Include transcripts/report cards from any outside classes taken. This could include community college classes, public school classes taken for any part of high school, or a class or study that received a certificate of achievement.

    ______________________
    The parent essentially becomes the guidance counselor who assures not only that accurate records are kept, but also that deadlines for tests and applications are met so that the student is well on his or her path to success after the high school years.

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