How to Give Your Homeschooler Standardized Tests

Depending on what state you live in, you may be required to give your home school student standardized tests. Use this guide to help you test your homeschooler appropriately.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Check your state laws regarding standardized testing. This will give you your options. Some states require you use a public testing service. Some require find a qualified official to test your child. Some are unclear. If your state does not require testing at all, you can decide on your own how you will test.
2. If your state requires an official, shop around and get opinions from others who have tested their children. You want the testing of your children to be the best possible experience, so avoid services that others have found unpleasant.
3. When tests are mandatory, prepare your student with practice tests. I realize that by doing this you may feel that you are participating in the worst part of public schooling, which is teaching for the test, but at least you can do it in small doses and try to keep it fun. Just remember that your kids have to be familiar with test taking material and methods before they get to the test.
4. If you are fortunate to have light restrictions around test taking, you can administer the tests wherever your children feel most comfortable. For my son, that means at his desk in his room. For my daughter that means under the dining room table, which as been transformed into a makeshift tent.

Tips & Warnings

• After the standardized test, use the results to guide your continued course of study.
• While tests do not have to be shown to officials in most states, this does not mean you should skip standardized tests.