Many times I am asked about tests and testing. Here are some helpful pieces of information that should answer most of those questions.
The law says that registered homeschoolers must be tested or assessed for progress for that school year. Your child may be tested in a group tested privately using a standarized test, or your child may be evaluated. Testing may be done anytime in the spring or summer as long as the results are turned in to the appropriate school system by Aug. 1 each year. Be sure to allow enough time for the tests to be ordered, administered, and the results to be returned to you and then to the school system (at least 8 weeks). The type of test is to be determined by the parent, not the public schools.
Individual Testing:
The Wide Range Achievement Test 4 (WRAT) is accepted by the state and is very
short. (The WRAT-4 was new in 2006.) This test is given individually, not in a group
setting. Sub-tests include Word Reading, Sentence Comprehension, Spelling, and
Mathematics. Though this test is short, it is amazingly accurate. Many schools use this
test as a quick placement test for new students. The scores may be bsed on sthe student's
age, or on grade.
The Woodcock-Johnson 3 is another individual test and is a very
acceptable test. In fact, there probably isn’t a public (and possibly private) school
system that doesn’t use this test. It is a much longer test than the WRAT because it
has more sub-tests. Sub-tests include Word Identification, Calculation, Spelling, Passage
Comprehension, Applied Problems (math word problems and practical applications), and
Writing Samples, and many more. Not all of the sub-tests need to be given to acquire a
good educational assessment of the student. The scores may be based on the
student’s age or grade. This test may be used for gifted programs, special needs,
placement test or achievement test.
Evaluations:
Two non-standardized assessment options that are available are an evaluation and a
portfolio evaluation.
Each evaluator has their own way of doing an evaluation. My evaluations are based
on the Va. Standards of Learning (SOL’s). I meet with the parent for a few minutes
and then meet with the child. The child is asked questions based on the SOL’s for
English and Math only. Then I meet with the parent again to let them know orally what the
results will be. (The written evaluation will be sent to the parent at a later date.) An
evaluation is the most child friendly assessment and is very good for young children who
are not good readers. It is especially recommended for children up through fourth grade,
but older children may also be evaluated.
The portfolio evaluation is a compilation of sample work and accomplishments of the
child for the school year. The portfolio may be left with the evaluator to assess. The
child does not have to be interviewed. The parent may pick up a written assessment of the
portfolio when they pick up the portfolio. If this is the way you want your child to be
evaluated, please be working on the portfolio NOW. This type of assessment takes a lot of
effort on the part of the parent. Also, please call to find out what I expect to see in
it.
**Parents, please be sure that YOU send test results to
the appropriate school system by August 1. This is your
responsibility. I do not send your results to any school system.**
(Includes Pricing Information)
If you have other questions regarding testing please see the HEAV 2003 manual where the section on testing/evaluations was written by The Testing Lady herself!
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Copyright © 2004 - 2008 S. Olbris