For a blink of history, government schools have experimented with institutional 'grading' and embedded it into our culture as 'essential' for learning. Yet, for thousands of years, educators have used other methods to evaluate learning that are more individualized and effective than testing and letter grades. Find out more about assessment options, fit, and appropriate use of a broader range of tools. Dr. Dikkers will provide context, examples, and cognitive science to support your move to 'project' and 'conversational' assessments so you can confidently recognize and document your child's learning.

In this episode, Dr. Seann Dikkers talks with the Portals Lesson Planning team about the importance of creating effective lesson plans that go beyond merely covering content. They discuss their approach to designing lessons that are clear, engaging, and adaptable, and how you can assess your student (without testing) to ensure they are understanding and engaging with the material. This episode also offers practical tips on how you can craft meaningful learning experiences across various grade levels and subjects.

In this episode, Dr. Seann Dikkers has a conversation with Alfrieda Baldwin—retired attorney and visionary founder of Laurel Community School. What began as a simple act of service in a local school district soon unfolded into a powerful calling: to create a microschool that was rooted in scripture and brought joy back into education. Though the path was not without its challenges, Alfrieda’s journey is a testament to the truth that when God calls you to something, He also equips you for it. Tune in as she shares the wisdom, faith, and resilience that have shaped her extraordinary mission.

In this episode Dr. Seann Dikkers has a conversation with Dr. Bonnie Houck, literacy consultant and author of Literacy Unleashed. From a young age Dr. Houck recognized the importance of being able to read. It created opportunities for her imagination, gave her pathways for learning things she didn’t yet know, and, most importantly, it gave her access to the Bible. Whether you are just starting to teach your child how to read, working with a struggling reader, or wondering how to help your student develop a love for reading, you’ll appreciate the practical tips and insights Dr. Houck shares in this episode. 

In this episode Dr. Seann Dikkers has a conversation with Tina Hollenbeck, creator of the Homeschool Resource Roadmap. Have you ever walked into an exhibit hall filled with curriculum options, or done a Google search just to be overwhelmed by the number of curriculum options available to homeschool families? For more than a decade, The Homeschool Resource Roadmap has been helping families sort through nearly 6700 homeschool curriculum options, and providing detailed information on each providers' position and alignment with common core standards. If you've ever wondered what common core standards are, or whether you want your curriculum to align with these standards, check out this episode!

In this episode Dr. Seann Dikkers talks to Inder Singh, Director of Traditional Admissions at Crown College. Ever wondered whether your child would be able to get into college as a homeschooled student? This conversation will encourage you, and show you that college admissions teams LOVE homeschoolers. Gain insight into the admissions process and learn about the resources available once your child has enrolled in college.

Our first episode of the Homeschool Insights: Conversations for Educators and Parents podcast series features a conversation with Dr. Douglas J. Pietersma, from the National Homeschool Education Research Institute, summarizing research conclusions around homeschooling—you don’t want to miss it!

As you are wrapping up the year, we wanted to say thank you! 
Here are a few announcements: 

- Email and Dashboard are both getting new features for you to customize next year. 
- 10% less reading load for 2024-5 AND extra readings available via Hub Support. 
- Next Year's Theme: Ancient World History.  2025-6: Modern World History

We want to grow the Portals network next year! 
Also, as you sign up for next year, you can save $50/registration up to $200 savings off of your $250 subscription. If someone signs up and says that you led them to Portals, we will reduce your cost, (or retroactively reimburse you), $50.  If you have friends still in institutional schooling, show them Portals!  

Have a great summer, have many adventures, and be on the look out for summer ideas from Mandy in your email box. 

Blessings,

Dr. Seann Dikkers

As students approach Thinker and Leaders curriculum, you'll find some book choices, videos, articles, and podcasts that are presenting a non-Christian worldview. Why? 

Dr. Dikkers provides the Portals approach to book choices and selections as educators and shares some Biblical reasons why we don't shy away from conflicting ideas and false religions in the curriculum overall.  

Portals sits down with MACHE's Dayle Annand to talk about state organizations, the MACHE conference, and lobbying functions at the state.