Now in its fourth edition, this classic resource has been used all over the world to simplify the process of planning and record keeping as you homeschool high school.
The book comes in a print edition or as an e-book and was originally written by Janice Campbell after she had created a transcript for her oldest son as a way to help others avoid the trial and error she had been through. Janice has since created successful transcripts for other homeschooled high schoolers, extensively researched the college admissions process, delineated post-high school options for those who are not college bound, and teamed up with experts to co-author portions of her newest edition of Transcripts Made Easy: The Homeschooler's Guide to High-School Paperwork.
As a result, the fourth edition of Transcripts Made Easy: The Homeschooler's Guide to High-School Paperwork is tried-and-true, partly new, and carefully put together to offer you clear, practical ideas and tools for streamlining paperwork and navigating your high schooler toward a successful future..
Why I Chose to Get This Book Even Though My Oldest Is Only 13
My oldest is but 13 years old. Yet, he is already thinking about his future.
At present, he wants to increase his skills and knowledge enough to begin - and finish - high school early, not so that he can go to college, but so that he can expedite the beginning of his adult life. Frequently, he voices a desire to be more in charge of his day-to-day life and to be able to do work which will allow him to pursue passions while providing for himself.
Behind my eldest come two other children. One has some yet-to-be-formally-diagnosed learning blocks and is currently undecided about the future. Another is interested in college for one reason only at this moment: he dreams of joining a football team, and, then, playing both in college and professionally.
Three different children. Three different sets of needs. Three different learning styles. Three different ideas about the future. But just one set of parents who wish to guide them through their education in a way that will best prepare them for whatever their adult lives may hold.
Indeed, whether my children's current dreams come true or whether new promptings in their hearts lead to new goals in their minds, my aim is to help them be as prepared as they can be. This is not an easy task some days, and it can become a concerning one when I stop to think, How can I best do this? What do I need to consider to ensure that my children are doing whatever we need to do now in a way that will allow them to obtain the right "tickets" to their futures?
That is where Transcripts Made Easy: The Homeschooler's Guide to High-School Paperwork comes in!
In the past, I had heard wonderful things about this book, so when given an opportunity to review a pdf e-copy of it, I jumped at the chance. I thought the resource might help equip me to better navigate the official ins and outs of homeschooling high school and guide me in a streamlined approach to effective documentation so whatever end my children have in mind, I can support them and ensure they are ready for their next steps.
I was not disappointed. I have read Transcripts Made Easy: The Homeschooler's Guide to High-School Paperwork from e-cover to e-cover and found it to be a fantastic resource - chock-full of ideas to inspire, tips to think about, clear steps to take, and tools with which to get down to business.
What Makes This Book So Helpful
If you're preparing to homeschool high school like I am, the fourth edition of Transcripts Made Easy: The Homeschooler's Guide to High-School Paperwork will help you quickly be able to understand:
- which approaches you can take to planning and scheduling high school learning.
- what your student needs to study in high school whether college-bound or otherwise.
- when to take specific steps and tests, such as PSATs, SATs, ACTs, and more, if your child is college bound.
- what alternatives to consider with your non-college-bound child.
- how to successfully keep records for launching your college or non-college bound child into a successful future.
- what college freshman need to know.
If you are nearing the end of your homeschool journey, or want to begin the high school portion of it on the right foot, you will also find straightforward, sage guidance to help you navigate how to:
- keep simple, accurate records using included reproducible record keeping sheets.
- follow step-by-step instructions if you wish to create your own effectively designed records.
- select a transcript format that best highlights your student's achievements.
- create a credible, professional transcript using software that you already own or can acquire for free online.
- issue fair grades for transcripts regardless of your homeschool style and if you regularly utilize quizzes, tests, and grades.
- grant credits for traditional classes, unit studies, work experience, and other activities whether you are a "boxed curriculum" sort of homeschooler, an unschooler, or somewhere in between.
- award extra credit for exams, honors classes, and dual-credit classes should your child wish to pursue such options.
- calculate a grade point average with or without weighted grades.
- tailor records and transcripts for special needs students.
Seriously, the 130-page Transcripts Made Easy: The Homeschooler's Guide to High-School Paperwork
is a treasure trove of wisdom, practical guidance, and fill-in forms that you as a homeschool parent - and even your homeschooled highschoolers themselves - can benefit from when approaching planning and documentation.
I am delighted to have this resource at my fingertips and having read through it once myself, am now planning to use it in partnership with my oldest son as a resource for planning his high school career and beyond.
I am delighted to have this resource at my fingertips and having read through it once myself, am now planning to use it in partnership with my oldest son as a resource for planning his high school career and beyond.
I have also found myself recommending the book to others.
In fact, one day, a friend asked me a question, and, the very next day, I saw a clear answer to it in Transcripts Made Easy: The Homeschooler's Guide to High-School Paperwork. So before I had even finished the book, I found myself pulling it up on my computer to show a page or two of it to my friend, who appreciated how clear the book is and how easy it makes finding answers.
Since then, I have also recommended Transcripts Made Easy: The Homeschooler's Guide to High-School Paperwork to others in my homeschool circle.
Just this morning, I was talking to friends about how the book is a perfect blend of practical helps - such as sample forms, printable record keeping documents, and step-by-step instructions for creating your own documentation - and been-in-the-trenches counsel. I was raving about how the book is not too long, is well laid out, clearly conveys important information, and, - my favorite part - speaks to all homeschoolers.
Whether you are an unschooler, a relaxed homeschooler, an eclectic one, one who uses an all-in-one, boxed curriculum, a homeschooler with a special needs child, one with a college-bound child, or one with a child who has alternate post-high school plans, Transcripts Made Easy: The Homeschooler's Guide to High-School Paperwork speaks directly about why a transcript is important, how to make one, and, more importantly, what's behind the transcript: the unique education of your child.
Straightforward, helpful, and practical, Transcripts Made Easy: The Homeschooler's Guide to High-School Paperwork holds inspiration and helps so that you can avoid floundering and getting caught in pitfalls when planning high school and producing quality transcripts. With the resource in hand, you can keep your focus on preparing your child for a positive future
In fact, one day, a friend asked me a question, and, the very next day, I saw a clear answer to it in Transcripts Made Easy: The Homeschooler's Guide to High-School Paperwork. So before I had even finished the book, I found myself pulling it up on my computer to show a page or two of it to my friend, who appreciated how clear the book is and how easy it makes finding answers.
Since then, I have also recommended Transcripts Made Easy: The Homeschooler's Guide to High-School Paperwork to others in my homeschool circle.
Just this morning, I was talking to friends about how the book is a perfect blend of practical helps - such as sample forms, printable record keeping documents, and step-by-step instructions for creating your own documentation - and been-in-the-trenches counsel. I was raving about how the book is not too long, is well laid out, clearly conveys important information, and, - my favorite part - speaks to all homeschoolers.
Whether you are an unschooler, a relaxed homeschooler, an eclectic one, one who uses an all-in-one, boxed curriculum, a homeschooler with a special needs child, one with a college-bound child, or one with a child who has alternate post-high school plans, Transcripts Made Easy: The Homeschooler's Guide to High-School Paperwork speaks directly about why a transcript is important, how to make one, and, more importantly, what's behind the transcript: the unique education of your child.
Straightforward, helpful, and practical, Transcripts Made Easy: The Homeschooler's Guide to High-School Paperwork holds inspiration and helps so that you can avoid floundering and getting caught in pitfalls when planning high school and producing quality transcripts. With the resource in hand, you can keep your focus on preparing your child for a positive future
Wonderfully Written with ALL Homeschoolers in Mind
Undoubtedly, no two homeschool families are exactly alike. In fact, if my family is anything to go by, no two homeschoolers - even in the same family - are alike.
Each family - and each child within a family - has a unique blend of setbacks, skills and styles, not to mention individual passions and plans for the future. Thus, it is important that a book on homeschool transcripts, planning, and record keeping recognize this fact and offer information that breaks out of the typical high school box and includes relevance for both college bound students and those that seek other pathways to living out their life's calling. Transcripts Made Easy: The Homeschooler's Guide to High-School Paperwork does just that.
The resource also offers many thought-gems that had my head nodding in agreement, my e-highlighter going, and my mind firing with connections.
In order to glean all the wisdom contained in the book, of course, you'll need to get a copy yourself.
In order to use the nuts-and-bolts, easy-to-follow record keeping and transcript forms and samples in it, you will, too.
However, to get a taste of the writing style, content, and inspiration, just keep reading. I would like to share some of the passages from the book I highlighted:
"The supreme end of education is expert discernment in all things— the power to tell the good from the bad, the genuine from the counterfeit, and to prefer the good and the genuine to the bad and the counterfeit."
Samuel Johnson
page 7
This well-chosen quote drew me in right away as it wonderfully aligns with my own thoughts and let me know Janice and I have similar aims in mind.
Janice drew me in further by acknowledging, up front, that there are many types of homeschoolers and that her book was created to help us all - even eclectic, sometimes relaxed, sometimes unschooly ones like me.
Even if you are a relaxed homeschooler or an unschooler, your teen will eventually need a transcript. Since I am sure you would rather spend your time on people, rather than paperwork, I created Transcripts Made Easy to make planning, record-keeping, and transcript-making easy.
page 8
That's my kind of mission!
Then, Janice went on to keep making me nod my head and smile - and, later in the book, offered very practical tools for everything she talked about - reproducible record keeping sheets, handy charts, on-point lists of links and resources for more information, etc.
She also spoke right to my heart in saying:
As you prepare to homeschool high school, you have a chance to create an educational experience that not only sparks a lifelong interest in study, but also:
- Fits the student’s aptitudes, interests, and goals
- Cultivates cultural literacy and an interest in many subjects
- Encourages positive, healthy habits of mind, spirit, and body
- Becomes increasingly self-directed
- Meets or exceeds the requirements of law
- Meets or exceeds the requirements for entrance to the college or vocation of the student’s choice
- Provides opportunities to acquire practical skills
page 19
- Prepares the student for life as an adult
I could not have said it better myself.
And, speaking of well-said, I loved the following succinct which I am going to use when discussing my 13-year-old's desire to begin high school early:
A student who is old enough to do high school work is old enough to plan time wisely. One basic academic planning skill is learning to look at project due dates and create intermediate deadlines for each step.
page 24
My son struggles with executive planning skills and, sometimes, his desire to do something and his time management skills do not match up. Thus, given that he wants to begin high school early, I plan to use this thought-nugget as something we can chew on to see how he plans to improve his time management skills and how I might support him.
I want to give him an opportunity to prove his capabilities, exercise his strengths, and unwrap his future while also being cognoscente of of his unique brain wiring, his preferences, and the styles and needs of the rest of our family as we plan and schedule high school.
With planning and scheduling in mind, Janice's words below echoed some of my own:
Fortunately, you can choose the type of scheduling that best fits your student and your lifestyle. The four years of school and six subjects per year, one hour per day schedule is easy to use, but there are other options that can help you teach some subjects more effectively. In fact, by the last couple years of school, it can be a good idea to present lessons one week at a time, allowing students to decide when and where to do the work. It is excellent preparation for managing time in college!
page 25
She, then, of course, goes onto give concrete examples of how to approach scheduling, such as this idea which I appreciated:
A similar option is what a nearby military academy calls the “One Subject Plan.” The school year is divided into five seven-week terms, and during each term the students study only language arts and math plus one other subject. This intensely focused immersion style of learning is what our family used for independent or deadline-focused learning. It is especially useful if you are preparing for a major trip and want to do an in-depth study of the history, culture, and language of your destination. I have also used it for academic, business, and home-centered subjects, and the boys have used it to learn about subjects ranging from World War II to classical music, computer programming, HVAC, and novel-writing.
page 26
Ooo, and for fellow Charlotte Mason-inspired homeschoolers, she described:
When we were doing school with the boys, we followed Charlotte Mason’s advice and did short, focused lessons that gradually increased in length as they grew older. By high school, we found that daily short lessons were still most effective for problem-based subjects such as math, but a college- or block-style schedule was often more interesting and effective for classes in the humanities and sciences.
For much of high school, we did math daily and focused on the humanities on Monday and Wednesday; the sciences, including labs, on Tuesday and Thursday. This balance seemed to work effectively for all of us, and was a good preparation for the longer classes they encountered in college.
page 27
This example got my brain tick-tick-ticking...
Thus, as you can see, before I was even very far into Transcripts Made Easy: The Homeschooler's Guide to High-School Paperwork, I was finding wisdom and inspiration which affirmed my developing inclination to partner with my oldest child to plan his high school with a mind for his unique personality and future.
As my eldest and I began our discussions, he said he didn't want to go to college, but may change his mind depending on what he discovers as we continue talking and researching what he'll need to launch into the adulthood he imagined. So, just in case he pivots to a college-bound attitude, I appreciated this idea:
Consider (different options), talk them over with your child, and share them with other family members or friends who have a college background. See what kind of a response you get.
Along those lines, encourage your child to solicit as many stories about “mistakes” in college as people are willing to share, because, despite how it seems, children do take in what they are told.
And remember, Mom and Dad’s voices may not be at hand every day to guide and guard, as they so long were. But the years of nurturing and training, plus the collective wisdom of those who have trodden this path before them, can resonate in students’ ears. And every time it does, there is a good chance an avoidable mistake will be avoided.
page 38
Further along, as I thought about how unique my children can be and how different from homeschooling-from-a-box our approach is, I completely appreciated this:
Students who follow a traditional curriculum do not usually have much trouble naming classes. However, if you have put together your own curriculum, or if you are a relaxed homeschooler or an unschooler, one challenge you will face is translating unconventional learning experiences into descriptive class names. Once you get going, however, you will find that it is easy, and can even be fun.
page 60
Other quotes that struck me included this one which speaks so well to the fact that while Janice believes a transcript can serve any child, she does not believe college is the only means to a successful future:
If you have students who maintain they do not need college, do not want it, or do not understand the purpose and meaning of education, it is probably not the right time for that student to go to college. It is better to wait until they are ready than to rush off right after high school and incur debt for an education they will not appreciate. They can go to work, start a business, work on the family farm, or do something else. If they eventually need college, it will be there.
page 39
Similarly, she points out that academic and vocational skills are not mutually exclusive:
My husband and I encouraged our sons to cultivate both a white-collar head skill and a blue-collar hand skill, not just to have backup career options, but for wholeness of spirit. Although each has a bent toward one type of skill or another, having experience in both has been a personal and professional plus for each of them.
page 32
I love this idea and am now more focused on doing the same with my own children.
Getting back to high school planning and record keeping, Janice also explained:
You can also record activities such as hobbies, sports, or vocational training, as well as academic events (science fairs, debate club, and so forth), for nearly everything is worth at least some credit. Remember that public schools give credit for choir, journalism, band, independent living (formerly home economics), typing, and other classes that are not strictly academic in nature. Learning is learning, and it is all valuable.
page 54
She, then, went on with examples and how-to's for doing this.
She also did not hesitate to state a truth that I have been wishing more fellow homeschoolers realized:
Although home educators are a diverse group, the actions of each of us affect the reputation of homeschoolers everywhere. Each time a college admissions counselor encounters a homeschooled student whose performance meets or exceeds the expectations created by the grades on his or her transcript, that counselor is likely to gain a more positive impression of homeschoolers. However if a student presents a straight-A transcript but has abysmal test scores and struggles in the classroom, the impression is much different.
page 68
I whole-heartedly agree with his. For, even though I am not big on grades, it frustrates me when I see some homeschool friends "graduating" students who are not prepared for life after high school or inflating grades. Doing so, I believe, just doesn't serve the graduates and also can hurt other homeschoolers.
I agree that as individual as we homeschooling families can be, what one of us does certainly affects how others of us are viewed, and, therefore, when assigning grades, we need to do so with credibility, and I love how the book does not shy away from this truth.
I also appreciate that the book does not ignore special needs considerations. In fact, this tip spoke to me loudly:
Keep in mind that most require appropriate documentation that has been done within three years of admission or testing. Counselors want to ensure the student did not suddenly develop a special need to give him or her a better chance for success in college admissions!
page 63
Is There Anything that Would Make This Resource Better?
Honestly, I think Janice and her expert co-authors have put together a wonderfully helpful book that is as practical as it is insightful, so there is very little I would suggest for future editions save one thing: a way to enter data into the printable record keeping forms, so that those who do not wish to handwrite on them nor to follow the clear, step-by-step instructions for creating their own documents, can just type, print, and go.
With the way it seems Janice truly takes reader feedback into consideration when putting out new editions of her book, I would guess the next edition will have this feature.
If You Choose Just One Resource for Planning / Record Keeping through Homeschooled High School Choose This One
I knew I would like Transcripts Made Easy: The Homeschooler's Guide to High-School, but had no idea how much I would.
For, while I read it more for general knowledge as I kick off the high school years with my eldest and field questions from friends in the homeschool groups I admin and lead, I discovered both appreciated inspiration and specific information that I can use right now and continue to use right up through when each of my children graduates.Transcripts Made Easy: The Homeschooler's Guide to High-School takes what could be a boring and even intimidating topic - transcripts - and walks you through each step clearly and concisely while also offering ideas that can help you shape your child's entire high school career and beyond.
I cannot say enough about how well written this resource is and recommend it here online just as I have been doing every day while reading it to in-person friends.
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