How to Test Homeschool Children

Testing homeschool children is a very important subject that should not be taken lightly. There are several issues involved like what test to use and when to test and whether to test at all. A homeschool parent is already busy enough with life; so here are a few quick ideas to sort out the facts of how to test homeschool children.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Decide whether you want to test at all. Many states do not require a homeschool child to be tested at all. Many parents have pulled their children out of school to avoid this very issue. But there are advantages to testing. Testing gives you an idea of where your child is compared to the rest of similar aged students. Testing may be a prerequisite for later schooling. So decide whether testing is right for you and your child.

2. Choose which subjects you want to test your child on. The Stanford Achievement test tests, word analysis, language, listening, reading skills, reading comprehension, spelling, vocabulary, mathematics and a little social studies and science. The California Achievement Test (CAT) tests fewer subjects such as reading, mathematics, and language. The third most popular test, the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) test, is similar to the Stanford in subjects tested.

3. Determine if you meet the requirements to use a specific standardized test. Bob Jones University Press offers certification to give the Stanford and the Iowa tests. To test using the Stanford test, you must have a bachelor's degree, experience testing, and registered with Bob Jones as a tester. There is also a short course you must take through a DVD which teaches how to give the test and how to interpret the test scores. You may only test your children with two other children in the same grade. The Iowa test can be given to your own children. To use the Iowa test Bob Jones certifies homeschool parents with a bachelor's degree or a teaching certificate. The CAT can be given without qualifications.

4. Order the test well in advance. It can take anywhere from one week to eight weeks to receive the tests.

5. Complete the test within the allowed time. The Iowa test must be completed within 50 days of receipt.

6. Prepare yourself to wait several weeks to get the test scores back. It can take four to eight weeks to get your scores back. Plan ahead so you meet your school district's deadline for reporting scores.

7. Hire a test administrator. If you don't want to test your own children, hire someone who has met all the qualifications to test your children. Many other homeschool parents want a few extra kids to participate with their children. Ask around or post on a yahoo homeschool group.

Resources

• Bob Jones University Press

[isatoy]

on 2/2/2009 I think they have this at my girls school. 5 *

[mamabearof4]

on 5/11/2008 There is a program that is on the net studtyisland.com
It's about $40.00 a year but well worth it. It offers practice on state tests reading math (& science for 5th graders)I pulled my children out of the school system because of state testing & the stress they system puts on tyhe teachers that is then passed on to our children. This program helps to know that you children are at the same level or more than likely a higher level or score than school childen their same age. There are games and it explains the anwswers, lets the children repeat the questions they got wrong, even shows the level your child is at compared to you state. I am not afilated with this program other than a paying patron, but it has made me feel like my kids are doing better than the kids their age, so I am doing a great job as a mom & thier teacher without having to deal with the puplic school system & feeling j