Simmons  and
Simmons Group

 

METHODS OF ASSESSMENT and GRADING SCALE

 

Student performance in the homeschool program is evaluated through a combination of graded assignments, assessments, projects, written work, laboratory activities, discussions, presentations, and performance-based tasks. Course grades reflect the student’s mastery of course content, as well as the ability to apply knowledge through independent work, analysis, problem solving, research, and clear communication.

 

Primary Evaluators. Instruction and academic evaluation are overseen by the students' parents, both of whom hold doctoral degrees and have extensive experience in advanced academic work, research, writing, and assessment. One parent holds a Ph.D. in Ecology from Cornell University, and the other holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of South Carolina. Both parents also hold certifications in academic assessment, including curriculum development and evaluating learning outcomes. Their academic training and assessment credentials provide strong preparation for evaluating student work across disciplines, including written analysis, research projects, laboratory work, data interpretation, oral presentations, and other forms of academic performance.

 

Grading Scale. The homeschool program uses a 4.0 grading scale with plus and minus grades, except that no A+ is awarded. Letter grades are assigned according to the following scale:

 

A: 100–93: 4.00
A-:  92–90: 3.67

B+: 89–87: 3.33
B:    86–83: 3.00
B-:  82–80: 2.67

C+: 79–77: 2.33
C:   76–73: 2.00
C-:  72–70: 1.67

D+: 69–67: 1.33
D:    66–63: 1.00
D-:   62–60: 0.67

F: Below 60: 0.00

 

External Evaluator. At the end of each academic year, an external evaluator reviews Emma and Sarah's assessments, scores, course materials, and academic records. The purpose of this evaluation is not only to verify completed coursework and grades, but also to assess the progress made by Emma and Sarah during the school year and ensure that they are advancing academically. The evaluator also meets with the student and with their parents. Based on this review, the evaluator prepares an end-of-year transcript and detailed report documenting completed coursework, grades, credits, and academic progress. The external evaluator used by this homeschool program holds a master’s degree and has more than 30 years of experience in elementary and secondary education. She is associated with the Pennsylvania Homeschoolers Accreditation Agency, an established homeschool accreditation organization known for its rigorous diploma standards. 

​

Homeschool Association. The Pennsylvania Homeschoolers Accreditation Agency requires that their students meet clearly defined annual academic expectations that exceed those mandated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, complete academic requirements that exceed the minimum requirements established by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, maintain documentation of coursework and academic progress that is reviewed annually by an agency evaluator, and meet graduation standards that surpass state requirements.

​

This additional layer of review provides further assurance that student evaluation is consistent, substantive, and aligned with recognized academic expectations.

​

_______________________________________________________________________

​

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

​

Emma and Sarah’s homeschool program meets the secondary-level graduation requirements established by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the diploma requirements of the Pennsylvania Homeschoolers Accreditation Agency (PHAA).

State Requirements. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania requires homeschool students at the secondary level to complete coursework in the following areas:

• 4 years of English

• 3 years of mathematics

• 3 years of science

• 3 years of social studies

• 2 years of arts and humanities

 

Pennsylvania Homeschool Association Accreditation Agency. The program also follows PHAA’s more comprehensive diploma standards, which require documented coursework, annual evaluation, maintained academic records, and verification that students have completed an academically accountable high school program. PHAA’s core academic areas and review requirements include:

• English/language arts, including literature, composition, research, and written communication

•  Mathematics, including algebra, geometry, advanced mathematics, statistics, or college-level mathematics

• Science, including biology, chemistry, physics, laboratory science, or advanced science study

• Social studies, including history, government, civics, economics, geography, or related fields

• Arts and humanities, including fine arts, music, literature, philosophy, foreign language, or cultural studies

• Health and physical education, including health, wellness, safety, and physical education

• Electives and advanced coursework, including specialized study, technology, engineering, research, or dual enrollment

• Documentation and review, including records of courses, credits, grades, work samples, and annual evaluator review

​​

As reflected in their transcripts, both Emma and Sarah have met the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and PHAA graduation requirements, including required core coursework, electives, advanced study, and dual-enrollment coursework.

​

​