Nearly half of the states in the U.S. either require standardized testing for homeschoolers or offer testing as one of the options for demonstrating academic progress. Standardized tests measure students’ knowledge of material that is deemed common knowledge for all children in their grade level. These tests are not cognitive or IQ tests. They cover reading, language arts, and math, and some also include science, social studies, and other subjects.
Benefits of Standardized Testing
Many parents use standardized testing even though it is not compulsory in their state. Apart from complying with the law, here are some other reasons to consider standardized testing for your homeschooled child:
● Objectivity: Standardized testing is the most objective form of academic assessment.
● Recognition: Standardized testing is recognized by academic institutions. If your child reenters the traditional school setting after being homeschooled, having some well-recognized test scores may ease the process.
● Grade Placement: If you need, or want, to know what grade level your child is in based on content knowledge, then these tests can be more helpful than specific subject-placement tests.
Types of Tests
There are several options for standardized testing. Check your state’s homeschool laws to see which tests satisfy your state’s laws. Some of the more well-known testing options include:
● The Stanford Achievement Test – A nationally standardized test for children in grades K-12 covering language arts, math, science, social studies, and reading comprehension. It is an untimed test that must be administered by someone with at least B.A. degree. There is an online version of this test.
● The Iowa Test of Basic Skills – Covers language arts, math, science, social studies, and study skills. This test is for children in grades K-12. It is a timed test that can be administered any time during the school year, but it must be administered by someone with at least a B.A. degree.
● The California Achievement Test – This test is for children in grades 2-12 and can be administered by parents and returned to the testing supplier for scoring. The CAT is a timed test that can be administered any time during the year. An online testing option is available. Many homeschooling families prefer the CAT, an older version of the current CAT/5 test. The updated version can be used for grades K-12.
● The Personalized Achievement Summary Survey (PASS) – This test meets the standardized testing requirements in some states, but not all. PASS is an untimed test that covers reading, language, and math for students in grades 3-12. It can be administered by parents and no degree is required.
Choosing the Right Test
Consider these factors when deciding on the right test for your child:
● Difficulty: Some tests, like the Iowa Assessments and Stanford Achievement Tests, have strong reputations for rigor, while others such as the California Achievement Test are considered easier, but still well regarded.
● Timed/Untimed: You might choose a timed or an untimed test depending on the type of testing experience you want your child to have.
● Qualifications: If you are not qualified to administer the test yourself, do you have a friend, relative, or homeschool contact who can administer the test for you?
● Special Needs: If your child has special needs, some tests may not be ideal. You may wish to select a test with particular features or seek testing accommodations.
Where to Take the Test
There are many places where students can take standardized tests. Many homeschooling families prefer to administer tests at home. There are several sources for ordering testing materials or taking standardized tests online. You may want to check your state homeschool support group’s website for information specific to your state. Some popular testing supply options include:
● Seton Testing Services
● BJU Press
● ABeka Testing
● Hewitt Homeschooling
After the Test
It is important to evaluate your child’s test score objectively. Some states require a minimum score, so your child may need to take a retest if the score is below the state-required percentile. Once you receive your child’s results, you can identify the areas of weakness and work on them for improvement. Consider making changes in your curriculum based on your child’s performance in different subjects. For example, if your child exceeded expectations in math but struggled in reading, you have the flexibility to add more reading work into your day-to-day routine.
Whether you’re testing to fulfill your state’s homeschool laws or to monitor your child’s academic progress, these basic facts can help you choose the standardized testing options to best meet your family’s needs.