Standardized Tests for Homeschoolers
"To test, or not to test?" -- a question many parents face with mixed sentiments. Should I test during the year? How frequently? Should I opt-out of end-of-year testing if it isn't mandatory? Although your testing philosophy will likely be reflected in your curriculum choice, state laws are not extraneous.
End-of-Year Assessments
Although requirements vary by state, many homeschoolers are required to either complete an end-of-year assessment, standardized test, or another form of evaluation. State laws can get weirdly specific. For instance, some states require homeschoolers to complete end-of-year testing on odd years from grade 3 on.
Benefits of Formal Evaluations
Even if your state laws do not legally require you to submit formal end-of-year testing, you may still want to conduct a formal assessment. Why? Test results are a method of evaluation and provide guidelines for academic milestones. It is one way to gauge how your children are doing. It may provide reassurance for the parent to know their child is "on track."
On the one hand, it may provide reassurance for the parent to know their child is 'on track.' And on the other hand, other families might experience such evaluations as reminders they have neglected a subject area.
In states where absolutely no standardized testing is not mandatory, "to test, or not to test?" often becomes a question of "at what age should I start?" Students that aspire to attend a community college or university are required to take standardized tests like the ACT and SAT. Students that will only homeschool through middle school will face frequent testing in high school.
Evaluation Choices
Homeschool families in some states are luckier than others when it comes to available methods of assessment. There are three common types of assessment:
Picking the Best Evaluation Style for Your Child
What is the best standardized test for homeschoolers? Because you observe your child on a daily basis, you should already have an idea of subjects at which your child excels, and ones which are more difficult.
You should also have noticed your child's learning style. Your visual learner might enjoy a paper test, but your auditory learner will likely be more comfortable taking a test that incorporates verbal interaction.
If you have several options, also consider which format will best reflect your child’s actual progress.
Standardized Testing Your Homeschooler
Standardized tests are usually identified as the commercialized, grade encompassing, fill-in-the-circles tests. These tests do not evaluate how well your child performs in comparison to a pre-defined expectation for their grade-level. Instead, they place your child on a scale in relation to every other child that took the same grade-level test during the testing period.
1. Pick a Test
List of the Most Popular Standardized Tests
As a homeschooler, you will most frequently hear about the following standardized tests:
- Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS)
- Stanford Achievement Test (Stanford Tests)
- Otis-Lennon School Ability Test (only offered in conjunction with the Stanford Tests)
- California Achievement Test (CAT)
- Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills (CTBS)
- Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT)
Other tests include (but are not limited to):
- PASS test
- Basic Achievement Skills Inventory (BASI) (only for grades 3–12)
- Brigance Diagnostic Inventories
- Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT)
- Woodcock-Johnson
Purchase the test
Always start by checking in with your state requirements and a local homeschool group. In some states, you will need to go through the process of becoming a test administrator. If you do not have a Bachelor’s degree, this process could be more difficult or not possible.
You should be able to easily order the test through an online vendor.
2. Administer the Test
- Take a practice test to ease the pressure.
- Set aside scrap paper and plenty of pre-sharpened pencils.
- Make sure to create an optimal testing environment.
- Tips for special needs testing environments.
3. Submitting and Recording the Results
- Carefully read the test administration directions.
- Most likely, you will need to return every piece of the test, instructions, and materials.
- If your child was required to take a test, submitting the test scores to the correct location is of the utmost importance.
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