How to Administer a Home School Test

Many states require homeschoolers to test their children and turn the results into the school board, so that they can assess your child's performance. This is not the case for every state; so be sure that you know your state laws when it comes to testing for homeschooled children. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Portfolio
• Certified tester contact information
• Testing materials sent to you or the certified tester
• Testing materials sent to you
• #2 pencils with erasers
• Timer

Testing by a Certified Administrator

1. If you opt to have your child take a test that is required to be administered by a certified tester (generally someone who holds a BA in any field), make sure you get an appointment on the tester's books. They tend to fill spaces quickly, and you want to make sure that your testing is done in accordance with state law.
2. You will be responsible for ordering and paying for your child's testing materials. Be sure to early these early enough to allow time for them to arrive before your appointment with the certified tester.
3. The Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) is a well-known testing company that tests students in language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. It is a well-rounded test that gives parents a very good idea of how well their child is learning. The certified tester can be a parent or anyone else holding a BA, and has to be approved by the company.
4. Another popular test is the Stanford Achievement Test (SAT), which also requires the test administrator to hold a BA in any field, plus other qualifications. Use the link below to find out more information on this form of testing.

Self-Administration of Testing

5. If you are testing your own child, you must purchase a test that is accepted by your local school board. The California Achievement Test (CAT) is a widely accepted test for this purpose. The CAT includes testing in language arts and mathematics.
6. When administering the test to your child, be sure to follow all of the rules in the test booklet exactly. This will give you the most accurate results on your child's scores. Give yourself at least a week to complete the entire test.
7. When testing is complete, be sure to turn in all of the materials that came with the test, along with your child's completed test. You will receive notification of your child's performance in the mail usually within two to three weeks, and maybe within a month.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep copies of your child's scores for your files before sending them off to the school board.
• Make sure your child has had a good breakfast on testing days, and a good night sleep the night before.
• Make sure that you meet your state board's deadline for receiving test scores, in order to avoid penalties.
• Use a timer to keep track of the timed portions of the test.
• Keep copies of your child's scores for your files before sending them off to the school board.
• Make sure your child has had a good breakfast on testing days, and a good night sleep the night before.