Homeschool Testing Options
Finding the System that Works for Your Children
With so many testing options available for homeschoolers, will you know which one to choose? Here is a basic outline of types of testing to help you make a decision.
It's that time of year when homeschoolers are deciding upon which way they would like to test their children for records. With so many testing options available, how do you choose which one is right for your children? Sometimes it is a trial and error system, while other times you hit the nail on the head the first time. If you are new to homeschool testing, this list may help clarify some question you may have about the different options available.
Standardized Achievement Tests
This form of testing generally takes place in the home and the parents are able to administer the test themselves. They are timed tests. They do not require any special educational requirements of the parents, such as a high school diploma or college degree.
This method of testing is favored by some because of its convenient administration, and the fact that results come directly to the home and not straight to the overseeing Board of Education. The test concentrates only on language arts and mathematics. You do not need to test for history or science. Many Standardized Achievement Tests (such as the California Achievement Test (CAT) and The Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills (CTBS)) allow children to re-take tests, if they have dropped below the acceptable percentile, before forwarding results to the overseeing Board of Education.
Portfolios
A portfolio is a cumulative collection of student work based on different subjects. It provides tangible evidence of a child's achievements throughout the year. A portfolio generally requires that you keep test papers, a sample of reports and worksheets completed, and other information that may be pertinent to the evaluator who will assess the child's progress. It is not necessary to include every piece of paper that a child does throughout the year, but a nice sampling of the main topics covered. Of course, you will want to discuss individual requirements with an evaluator in your area on how they like to receive a portfolio and come up with the list of contents that should be included.
Some favor this type of testing because they feel it eliminates the stress of preparing for a test, since it is gradually completed throughout a school year. Some feel that this method is too daunting because of the organizational skills it takes to complete a thorough portfolio.
IOWA Achievement Tests
The IOWA Achievement Test is a more thorough approach to evaluating a child's progress for the year. It requires that the test be administered by a qualified tester. The tester must have a bachelor's degree or meet the Bob Jones requirements as a teacher in order to administer testing to homeschooled students. Tests must be returned within 50 days of the date that it was ordered, and results go directly to the tester. This method of testing evaluates a child in math, language arts, social studies, science, listening skills, and sources of information.
While the IOWA test is very thorough, some believe it to be stressful for a child. Others like knowing how their child has performed in all areas of schooling, and appreciate this more rigorous testing.
Summary
These are three methods of testing that are common to many homeschoolers. There are other forms of testing that may be accepted on a state by state basis. You need to check with your local homeschool organization for complete details.
