Congratulations! You’re a Guidance Counselor

Your Job Description As your child’s high school guidance counselor, you will take on one of the most exciting aspects of your child’s homeschool experience. It’s at this stage of their education where you’ll start to see fruit.

As with any job, your level of motivation and attention to planning will determine the level at which you implement my strategies; and as with any child, their ability and motivation will intersect with your plan at a level unique to him.

Let’s break down the 6 specific tasks you’ll master as your child’s guidance counselor. These are numbered for efficiency, not by priority.

Know and follow the laws of your state. Being legally compliant with your state’s homeschooling laws are essential because your teen’s education is legal and valid as they go through life. Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states, as long as you follow your state’s laws. If you’re unsure about your state’s laws, visit Homeschool Legal Defense Association and ask for guidance. http://www.hslda.org
Know the graduation requirements in your state. Most states don’t have graduation “requirements,” but they have “suggestions.” You’ll want to know yours.
Plan your teen’s diploma. As we work through the Homeschooling for College Credit book, you’ll find a lot of exciting ways to inject college credit, and in some
cases even help your teen complete a degree. That said, remember your primary focus in high school is first helping them earn a high school diploma. Even if they are earning college credit right now, you’ll need to issue your teen a high school diploma.
Maintain a transcript. Maintaining a transcript is probably the number one fear parents tell me they have! We’ll go through the process here, but in short, your transcript is a simple document you write on your computer that lists their courses, grades, and credits earned.
Select and provide the curriculum. High school curriculum, or in some cases college curriculum, is widely available. In fact, if you’re motivated, I’ll show you how to DIY your own college-credit curriculum in Chapter 5.
Arrange standardized testing if it’s needed to meet yearly legal requirements or college admissions.