Home School Testing –
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Finding the answer, may be as simple as looking at your state's home schooling laws.
In some states, testing is required. You can easily visit your government's website to find out if testing is one of the homeschooling requirements for you.
If it is not required, why would you want to test your home school students?
Here are a few reasons why parents choose to test in their home school:
To see how your child is mastering areas of study.
Administering tests may help you see how well your child comprehends, remembers or has mastered subject material.You will know if your child is ready for the next level or needs more time to focus on an area, before moving on.
However, don't rely solely on tests to gauge your child's ability. Some children do horribly at written tests, but do well with oral tests.
Test-taking can affect your child's self-image negatively. Children can easily feel like their performance on tests correlates to their self-worth.
Home school testing should be a positive, enjoyable experience for you and your child.
Use tests as a tool.
Don't get hung up on tests and scores. Your child's character is more important than good grades, a high IQ or perfect test scores.
To discover any learning or comprehension weaknesses.
Home school testing may reveal areas of difficulty for your child. Tests aren't always a good indication though. If you feel like your child has learning disability or comprehension problem, consulting with a professional or doing some research will provide better answers.Your child may just not do well with written tests. Oral quizzes, or assessments done via the computer, either through a software program or online, maybe a perfect solution.
Don't forget that children develop differently. If your child is young, you have lots of time to worry about their test-taking ability!
Look at other activities in their education as a measuring gauge. Projects, oral review, ability to listen and follow directions, and their interaction with you and others can indicate that your child is learning and progressing in their educational and character development.
Your child may get all the answers correct on a test, but still not know how to apply their knowledge to everyday situations.
To discover gaps in your child's education.
Perhaps a test shows that your child has no knowledge in a discipline. Use the test results to guide you in your home school planning and fill in any gaps.Remember that you can be more relaxed in your schooling if you decide to home school for a longer period. You don't have to wait to cover certain subjects in a specific grade.
You may study the solar system a year earlier than required or a year later... usually it doesn't matter.
Please Note: If you are only going to home school for a short time, following your district's scope and sequence is recommended, so that your child will be on track when they enter regular school again.
To measure your child's progress each year.
Having a concrete way to verify your child is progressing encourages both child and parent. Children like to know that they are doing well. Most like to share what they know and see improvements.Remember to remain positive when looking at test results. Use them to motivate your child, never to compare them to others or discourage them. You want your children to love learning and know they are special and unique, no matter how well they do in school.
Many famous people failed in school but went on to lead very successful, extraordinary lives.
Who you may ask?
Over 716 people, as a matter of fact - including eight presidents and ten Nobel Prize winners!
Parents want affirmation that their homeschooling is effective and they are doing the right thing. Home school testing certainly can serve as a confidence booster, but there are many ways to gauge how you are doing at home schooling.
Using tests to build your confidence is one way, but don’t discount your child's character, attitude and other abilities that tests can't measure.
Share Your Test Taking Tips!
Do you have some test taking tips? Or a great story to share? Has your student ever struggled with tests and then found success?
Please share your story and tips to help others!
Homeschool Tests and Assessment Apprehension
Do homeschool tests cause your child stress? Find four simple solutions to help reduce your child's test-taking anxiety and enjoy stress-free homeschooling.BJU's Homeschool Testing and Evalutaion Services
Fully authorized by test publishers, Bob Jones Homeschooling Tests and Evaluation Services help you assess and measure your child's knowledge and skills, and better meet their needs.Home School Requirements and Laws...
Just beginning to home school? You will want to learn about the home schooling laws and homeschooling requirements for your state or country.Return from Home School Testing to Homeschool Testing
