What you keep in Iowa depends on the instruction option you choose — but a good work record covers you under any of them, and makes the annual evaluation simple if you use it:
What to keep
Work samples organized by subject (the core areas are reading/language arts, math, science, and social studies)
Evidence of adequate progress in reading, math, and language arts, plus science and social studies at grade 6 and up
Your annual evaluation results if you use parent-provided Competent Private Instruction — a standardized test or a portfolio review (completed by May 31)
A copy of the district report if you file one for CPI (Independent Private Instruction requires no filing)
An attendance / instruction record(the 148-day minimum applies only to the licensed-practitioner-supervised CPI route)
Your Iowa filing timeline
At the start (CPI, if you file)Parent-provided Competent Private Instruction may file the district report; Independent Private Instruction requires no filing.
All year longCollect work samples and keep an instruction record as you go.
By May 31 (CPI evaluation route)Complete the annual evaluation — a standardized test or a portfolio review — if you use that option.
On written request (IPI)Provide a report only if the school or state asks for one in writing.