How do instructor-graded assignments work?

Some Homeschool Pro classes include optional assignments that students can submit for review by a real instructor.

Unlike auto-graded quizzes, instructor-graded assignments give students opportunities to demonstrate what they have learned through writing, research, presentations, creative projects, videos, and hands-on work. The instructor reviews the submission, assigns a grade, and provides feedback the student can use on future assignments.

Instructor grading is included with Homeschool Pro at no additional cost.

Are Instructor-Graded Assignments Required?

No. Instructor-graded assignments are optional.

If your student chooses not to complete an assignment, they can upload a simple file stating that they are skipping the assignment. For example, the file can say:

I am skipping this assignment.

Submit that file through the assignment page just as you would submit completed work. This allows the student to move past the assignment without completing the project.

However, we recommend completing instructor-graded assignments whenever practical because they give students an opportunity to:

• Apply what they learned
• Practice writing and research
• Complete creative or hands-on projects
• Receive feedback from someone outside the family
• Strengthen future assignments
• Build a collection of completed work
• Add useful material to a homeschool portfolio

Parents remain in control of their homeschool plan and may decide which assignments their student completes.

What Types of Assignments May Be Included?

The assignment format varies by class. Students may be asked to complete work such as:

• Essays
• Research reports
• Short written responses
• Presentations
• Video assignments
• Booklets or brochures
• Scripts
• Posters
• Board games
• Art projects
• Models
• Science projects
• Photographs of hands-on work
• Other creative projects

Some assignments provide several project choices. The student may select the option that best fits their interests, available materials, or preferred way of demonstrating what they learned.

For a video assignment, the student may be asked to record a presentation, demonstration, performance, explanation, or other project and submit the completed video according to the instructions.

See a Creative Assignment in Progress

Instructor-graded assignments are not limited to traditional essays and reports. Some give students an opportunity to turn what they learned into a hands-on project.

In this video, a Homeschool Pro student works on a French Revolution board game project for World History I. The project allows the student to review historical people, events, and ideas while creating something original.

See a Homeschool Pro student create a French Revolution board game for a World History I assignment.

This is one example of the types of projects students may encounter. Assignment formats and requirements vary by class.

Where Can My Student Find Instructor-Graded Assignments?

Instructor-graded assignments appear within the class lesson list.

The student should:

1. Sign in to their individual Homeschool Pro account.
2. Open the class.
3. Look through the lesson list for an item labeled Assignment or Instructor-graded.
4. Select the assignment to open the instructions and submission area.

Not every class includes an instructor-graded assignment. The number, placement, and type of assignments vary by course.

How Does My Student Complete and Submit an Assignment?

Step 1: Open the Assignment

Select the instructor-graded assignment from the class lesson list.

Step 2: Read All Instructions

Review the directions carefully before beginning. If an instruction document is attached, select Download and read the complete document.

The instructions may include:

• The project topic
• Several project choices
• Required length or content
• Research expectations
• Materials needed
• File requirements
• Video or presentation instructions
• Submission requirements

Step 3: Complete the Work

The student should complete the assignment according to the directions.

Depending on the project, the finished work might be:

• A typed document
• A PDF
• A presentation
• A photograph
• A scanned handwritten assignment
• A picture of an art project, model, board game, or other physical creation
• A video presentation or demonstration
• Another file type identified in the instructions

For a physical project, the student may need to take clear photographs or record a video showing the completed work.

Handwritten pages should be scanned or photographed clearly before being submitted.

Tip: Make sure all pages, photographs, and video content are clear, readable, and facing the correct direction.

Step 4: Prepare the Submission

Follow the file type and size requirements shown on the assignment page.

Before uploading, make sure:

• The correct work is being submitted
• All required pages or parts are included
• The file opens properly
• Photographs are clear
• Video and audio are understandable
• The student followed the assignment instructions

If several pages or photographs are required but the uploader accepts only one file, combine them into one document or PDF before submitting.

Step 5: Upload the File

Use the upload area on the assignment page to select the completed file from the device.

If the assignment requires a video, follow the video submission instructions provided with that particular project.

Step 6: Review and Submit

Before submitting, confirm that the correct file was uploaded.

Select Submit Assignment and follow any confirmation prompt shown on the page.

After submission, the student can continue with the next lesson without waiting for the assignment to be graded.

How Long Does Instructor Grading Take?

Instructor-graded assignments are typically reviewed within 3 to 4 weeks.

Turnaround may be faster in some cases. During especially busy periods, particularly near the end of the school year, grading may take longer.

The instructor needs time to carefully review the student’s writing, research, presentation, video, or creative project and provide useful feedback. This is different from an auto-graded quiz, which can display a score immediately.

Important: Students do not need to stop working while waiting for an assignment to be graded. They can continue to the next lesson, chapter, or class.

What If My Student Uploaded the Wrong File?

If the student accidentally submitted the wrong file, an incomplete file, or a document that will not open, contact us as soon as possible.

Include:

• The student’s full name
• The student’s @remotelearning.school email address
• The class name
• The assignment title
• A brief explanation of what happened

Do not repeatedly submit unrelated files unless the assignment page specifically allows another submission.

Does My Student Have to Wait for the Grade Before Continuing?

No. Students may continue through the class immediately after submitting an assignment.

They can:

• Begin the next lesson
• Continue into another chapter
• Complete quizzes and other activities
• Work on another class
• Review the instructor’s feedback when it becomes available

The self-paced format allows students to keep learning without waiting for every assignment to be returned.

Are Worksheets Submitted for Instructor Grading?

Usually not.

Regular worksheets, Study Guides, and Independent Study Packets are generally used for practice and do not need to be uploaded. Families may keep completed worksheets in the student’s folder, binder, or homeschool portfolio.

Only submit work when the class includes a specific assignment page with submission instructions.

Are Quizzes, Tests, and Exams Instructor-Graded?

Most quizzes, tests, and exams are auto-graded by the system.

Instructor-graded assignments are different because a person reviews work that cannot be fully evaluated through automatic scoring, such as:

• An essay
• A research report
• A presentation
• A video
• A creative project
• A hands-on assignment

A test or exam containing an open-ended essay question may also require review before the final score appears.

How Is the Instructor’s Grade Used?

The instructor’s grade and feedback provide an outside evaluation of the student’s work.

Because Homeschool Pro is a homeschool curriculum, the parent remains responsible for the student’s final homeschool grades and records. Parents may use the instructor’s grade as part of the student’s course evaluation, or they may make their own grading decision based on the family’s homeschool plan.

If you have questions about using instructor-graded assignments in a high school course or transcript, contact your Homeschool Advisor.

Is Instructor Grading Included With Afterschool Plus?

Afterschool Plus students may have access to assignments included within the classes, but dedicated instructor grading and feedback are Homeschool Pro features.

Families who are homeschooling and want instructor review, Homeschool Advisor support, transcripts, student records, and other homeschool-focused services should choose Homeschool Pro.

Why Is Instructor Feedback Helpful?

Instructor feedback gives students more than a score.

It can help a student learn how to:

• Organize ideas more clearly
• Support an answer with evidence
• Improve grammar and writing
• Follow instructions carefully
• Strengthen research skills
• Add more detail to a project
• Improve presentation or communication skills
• Recognize academic strengths
• Prepare for future high school or college assignments

It also gives parents useful insight into how their student’s work may be evaluated by someone outside the home.

The Bottom Line

Instructor-graded assignments are an optional Homeschool Pro feature that allows students to submit writing, research, presentations, videos, hands-on projects, and other work for personal review.

Students can:

• Choose from different project types when offered
• Submit written, scanned, photographed, or video work
• Skip an optional assignment by uploading a file stating that they are skipping it
• Continue learning while completed work is reviewed
• Receive an instructor grade and feedback
• Use that feedback to strengthen future work
• Keep completed projects as part of their homeschool records or portfolio

Instructor grading adds a valuable human element to the flexibility of an online homeschool curriculum, while parents remain in control of how assignments and grades are used in their student’s education.