Proving Homeschooled Completion for GED or High School Diploma

The idea of homeschooling often conjures up a carefree, personalized learning environment. However, one of the more daunting aspects of the homeschooling journey for many parents is ensuring that their homeschooled child has the appropriate documentation to prove their educational completion. Specifically, proving that a child has completed their homeschooling requirements for a General Educational Development (GED) or a high school diploma can be particularly challenging for those who do not have a physical diploma.

Understanding the GED

The GED is an alternative to a traditional high school diploma. It is designed to assess whether or not a person has achieved the academic level of a high school graduate. Passing the GED test is the first step in proving that you have completed your high school education equivalency. However, the GED test score alone may not be sufficient to prove that a student has met the state or country's educational requirements.

Documentation Needed for Proof of Completion

When seeking to prove that you have completed your homeschooling requirements, there are several types of documentation that can be used. These may include:

Home-landed Curriculum and Lesson Plans Records of Attendance Evidence of Practical Learning: including projects, portfolios, and extracurricular activities Results from state or national standardized tests, including Stanford Achievement Test, Maryland College and Career Readiness Assessment (MCCRA), or Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS) Bibliography and reading logs Evidence of Completion of relevant high school courses

Creating a Homeschool Diploma

Given the complexities involved, some parents opt to create a custom homeschool diploma for their child. However, it is important to recognize the limitations of such a document. A self-created diploma from a parent might be viewed with skepticism by employers, colleges, or universities, as it lacks the official certification and verification processes that a real diploma goes through. Therefore, it is essential to combine any custom diploma with the necessary documentation that provides evidence of academic achievement.

Real-life Examples

One parent recounting the story of their child, sharing that they offered to create a diploma for their son headed to college, received the response: "Why? That's a school thing." Similarly, at an end-of-year graduation ceremony for students heading to college, all attendees declined the offer to have a school graduation ceremony, stating, "Why? That's a school thing." These responses highlight the perception that a college degree is sufficient proof of completed education.

The Adequacy of College Degrees for Employment

While a college degree is indeed valuable for employment and a symbol of higher education, it does not necessarily compensate for the lack of a high school diploma or GED completion. Many employers and educational institutions, particularly those that value academic credentials, may require proof of a high school diploma or GED. Additionally, some students may find it challenging to access post-secondary educational opportunities without a high school diploma.

Steps to Ensure Documentation

To ensure that your homeschooled child has sufficient documentation to prove their educational completion for a GED or high school diploma, follow these steps:

Take the GED test and obtain an official GED certificate. Collect all relevant documentation, including lesson plans, attendance records, and standardized test scores. Network with local homeschool support groups or educational advocacy organizations to gather support and resources. If necessary, seek legal or professional advice to ensure the completeness and validity of your documentation.

Conclusion

While personal and local factors can influence whether a college diploma is seen as adequate for employment, it is crucial to provide formal proof of high school completion, especially in certain circumstances. This involves obtaining an official GED certificate, gathering adequate documentation, and possibly seeking support from educational resources. By understanding the requirements and taking the necessary steps, homeschooled students can ensure that their educational achievements are recognized and valued by the broader educational and employment community.