|
Basic Homeschooling Information |
Testing Why Test?
Some states require testing, some do not. First, know why you are testing. Is it for your own information, or is it
because you are required by law to test?
Is it to tell grandparents and cousins which grade-level your child
tests at? Is it to practice testing
for college entrance? Don’t test if it
doesn’t fit in with your goals. Check Homeschool Legal Defense Association’s website
for legal information. Some homeschool groups bring in a tester at the
end of the year. This lets kids test
with their friends in a familiar location – a very good idea if you must test
and can’t do it at home. Some testing services will allow homeschool
parents to test their own children.
Ensure that the test you select is one that is accepted by your state. PortfoliosSome states allow students to submit a
portfolio. A portfolio is simply a
sample of the student’s work, and is an excellent way to showcase what has
been learned. If the portfolio will be
evaluated, it is a good idea to find out if there are specific things that
the evaluator likes to see. It would
be appropriate to have one section for every subject. Contents will vary depending on the
subject. Things that you might include
are: ·
course rational (why is this being studied?, objectives,
assessment methods) ·
course syllabus (description, materials, etc) ·
copy of textbook’s table of contents ·
sample student assignments from beginning, middle, and end of
the year to show progress ·
sample lab write-ups ·
end of course tests ·
reports written by student ·
photographs of projects AssessmentsTesting ServicesAmerican College
Testing, Inc. ACT – PLAN – Pre-ACT American
Guidance Service, Inc. PIAT – SAT – Scholastic Aptitude Test I: Reasoning PSAT – Preliminary Scholastic Achievement Test CAT/5 – CDT – CTBS – Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills TerraNova Brigance Harcourt
Educational Measurement MAT/7 – Metropolitan Achievement Tests SAT – Stanford Achievement Test ITBS – ITED – TAP – Test of Achievement and Proficiency The Buros Institute of
Mental Measurements website has a complete list of tests that they have
evaluated – click on a year to view tests reviewed that year (not all tests
are reviewed every year). Visit your
public library to read reviews in Mental
Measurements Yearbook.
|