For some, testing is an especially hard experience and it strikes fear in their hearts to think of putting their children through that stress. For others, they know it must be done and just want to do it right.
Weekly/Chapter/Unit Testing
Checking to see how your child is processing or retaining the information you have presented. Typically, your curriculum comes with tests periodically inserted through the material. The tests may be weekly, as for Spelling, or follow a chapter/unit.
Standardized Testing
If he is learning on pace with other students his age, standardized testing is a great way to check. Some states required testing at various points (grade or age). Our homeschool cover keeps us informed of these requirements.
The stipulations for how you test your child are pretty much up to you although your cover school might have special requirements. You might choose to have a friend witness you giving the test, have a fellow homeschool parent give you child the test or take your child to a local tutoring facility that offers standardized testing, such as Sylvan Learning Centers.
Tips
- Tell your child what testing is and why it is important.
- Review the information a few days before the test.
- Make sure your child is well rested.
- Give your child a snack before testing. (Not a sugary snack as it will cause a peak and fall in energy.)
- Don’t make a big deal out of tests. Just act normal.
- Have everything you need ready before you begin the testing process.
Other resources
Bayside School Services ~ Providing you with the packets needed to test you child and offering scoring services.
Bob Jones University Press ~ Offering a variety of tests and scoring services.
Hewitt Homeschooling ~ Offers the PASS test for grades 3 through 8.
John Hopkins University ~ Offers testing for grades 2 through 12, including the School and College Ability Test (SCAT) and the Sequential Tests of Educational Progress (STEP).
Okaloosa County, FL ~ Tons of links for practice and testing preparation.
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