In February, while grading my son's schoolwork and updating his gradebook, a reminder alerted me to schedule his Stanford 10 test. In addition to teacher evaluations, I depend on his year-end standardized test results for essential feedback. I have used this method since he was in second grade. Now, having taken the tenth grade test, I reflect on how standardized testing has been beneficial for him as a homeschool student, serving multiple purposes.
Why Standardized Testing
For homeschoolers, testing is a choice, not a mandate. Standardized tests are frequently seen in a less favorable light, but as a homeschooling parent, you have the liberty to tailor your child's education to fit their learning needs. This extends to how you handle standardized testing and the value you gain from it.
Standardized testing isn't commonly linked with homeschooling, yet it's an important aspect that homeschoolers shouldn't overlook. These tests offer benefits ranging from meeting state legal requirements to providing valuable benchmarks for academic progress. They can be instrumental in guiding a successful homeschooling journey. Let me share how these tests can be beneficial by outlining what they offer.
Measures Progress
There are several standardized tests that parents or guardians can use to gauge student progress and ensure they're meeting educational benchmarks. These tests don't have to be a source of stress for students. You can comfort them by explaining that the tests are a way for you to understand their learning journey better, not a means to judge their abilities. Encouraging them to do their best without fear of judgment can make them more open to the idea. Students are assessed in key subjects like math, science, reading, and social studies, depending on their grade level.
These results are key in evaluating your child's learning progress. By tracking their performance over the years, you can see their growth. More importantly, these assessments reveal your student's strong points and areas for improvement. This insight is invaluable for enhancing your child's homeschooling journey. It's a reminder that you have the power to tailor their education to fit their unique needs. Consider this as you make plans for the upcoming academic year.
Provides Feedback Useful for Planning the Next Year
In addition to monitoring my son's progress, I utilize test results to evaluate our homeschooling approach. My aim is for him to not only gain knowledge but also to understand each subject more deeply with every grade. When planning for the upcoming year, I review these results to identify subjects that may require additional attention. It might be necessary to alter teaching methods or reconsider his learning style, which could evolve as he matures. Should the test results indicate areas for enhancement, I'm prepared to adjust our educational plan to fulfill his academic requirements. Any sign of needed improvement is a prompt for me to reassess both our homeschool structure and the effectiveness of the curriculum in catering to his learning preferences.
Complies With Homeschool Laws
In some states, you'll need to show proof that your child has finished the school year and met the learning benchmarks for their grade. Acceptable proof can be teacher evaluations or assessments by a child psychologist. However, besides helping you gauge your child's learning success, you can also provide the education department with your child's test results, which may qualify as evidence for grade promotion, depending on their scores. If your child takes a standardized test, it's a good idea to keep their score report in their yearly portfolio. Not only does this serve as proof of completing the school year for the state education department, but it also fulfills recordkeeping requirements set by homeschooling regulations in certain states.
Helps with Return to Traditional Schooling
Currently, we're not considering a return to traditional schooling for our kids. Yet, as we've seen with the pandemic, life can be unpredictable. If homeschooling were no longer an option, I have documentation to show a public or private school my child's academic level. Typically, a child can rejoin a public or private school and be assigned to the appropriate grade based on their scores. Private schools might also ask for a placement exam. Kids who are accustomed to standardized tests usually handle the pressure well and perform successfully.
Accessibility
Tests that were traditionally administered in-person at local private schools are now accessible online. Our family uses Seton Testing Services for our online and in-home testing options. This flexibility allows students to take tests in the comfort of their own homes, potentially reducing stress. I strongly suggest checking out their website. (I don't receive compensation from Seton for referring them.) They provide a variety of standardized, diagnostic, and ability tests, both timed and untimed. Moreover, their services are available internationally, with test reports delivered via email, complete with score explanations and national percentile rankings.
Like every year, I registered my son for his annual test, which he took in May as our school year wrapped up. I'm now using his test results to guide my planning for his upcoming junior year of high school. Stay tuned for my next article, where I'll share more insights into my homeschool planning journey this year.
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