Students will compose a writing portfolio that gets results. 

The instructor has eight years experience helping students win contests, get scholarships and gain entry to highly competitive colleges and university BFA programs. Last year one student, who did not take standardized tests,  gained over 300,000 in scholarship money based solely on the student's writing portfolio which was developed with Mrs, Carter.

Additionally here is her other experience: 

Bio
Cheryl R. Carter is a busy homeschooling mother (of five), author, speaker and a college professor with a passion to help others. Besides teaching, she has written broadly on spiritual growth, education, and special needs She is the author of several books including Organize Your Life, Essential Writing Skills for the College Bound Student, Inspire the Writer in Your Child and Organize Your AD/HD Child.  In addition to writing fiction and poetry in her spare time, she blogs regularly on issues of clarity in written communication, college admissions and the family.  She has a BA in English, a MFA in Writing and has done graduate study in Special Education and College Admission. Active in her local homeschool group, she has taught college-prep coop classes for several years. She has also written numerous literary guides and won academic awards for her writing. Her books have been translated into Japanese, Hebrew, German, Czech and Polish. Carter's curriculum and writing classes focus on equipping students with the vital skills for lifetime communication success. Her curriculum and classes are marked by a sense of depth, yet simplicity that nurture a love of writing in students. 

Homework Offered
Each class will begin with a brief presentation supplemented by an edpuzzle.com video. Then students will ask questions. Some writing websites and other portfolio resources will be shared in class. These topical hyperlinks will be shared with students as each one relates to the weekly goals of the class. Homework will be assigned outside of the class. The exact way to approach the homework will be covered in class. Assignments will be completed independently and then reviewed in class.  

(1):
Students will discuss the purpose of writing portfolios and determine the goal of their writing portfolios. 
Activities: Completion of writing portfolio focus sheets.
	     Potential digital layout of portfolio using suggested resources
 (2):
Students will determine the direction, theme and approach for their portfolios. 
Activities: Completion of form stating theme and explanation of theme.
	     Outline of biography and/or reflective essay.
(3):
Students will collectively compose a theme-based table of contents based on their portfolios.
Activities: Completion of them-based table of contents.
	     Compose first draft of biographies and/or writing prompts
(4):
Students will collectively compose a reflective piece (essay or prose) to connect their writing pieces. 
Activities: Completion of the first draft of the reflective essay and writing prompt
	     Present a mock-up of the writing portfolio including TOC and reflective essay.
(5):
Students will discuss writing contests, BFA college/ university programs, special writing programs.
Activities: Completion of the sample mock-up portfolio.
	     Present a mock-up (pdf) of the writing portfolio including TOC and reflective essay
(6):
Students will review the writing portfolio process as it applies to different schools and the tools used to produce their portfolio. 
Activities: Individual plan to proofread the final portfolio with date for completion.
	     List of colleges, contests and programs students will use their portfolios to gain admission.
	    

2 - 4 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Grades Offered