Assessing the Assessments

Everyone knows that both public and private school systems are out of control with assessment tests. That is not a rumor, but a hard known fact. I typically get many questions about assessment testing and homeschooling. Do I provide them, which do I use, and how do I score them.

First and foremost let me make it clear, while I do not agree with burying a child in tests, I do believe assessments can lay out a good guideline towards what information was retained and what path needs to be taken for the future. I also believe that intermittent testing can show progress over a period of time, as well as, strengths and weaknesses of a child. What it DOESN’T capture is how a child interpreted the question, how the child analyzed the answers, and how well the child critically thinks.

This week we are assessing. I usually only administer an assessment test mid-way through the year….give or take.  The children know that it is a guideline for us to see which projects and subjects we will be working on for the remainder of the year. I like to utilize my background in assessment testing to really drill down on how and why the child choose a particular answer. It’s amazing to hear their rationale.

The assessments we do are adapted from many different online assessments cover the following subjects: reading, writing, math, history, and science. If one of the children need help with a question you must be certain to not sway the child in any way as you may re-read the question to them again. Changing tones in one’s voice can give subtle but distinct clues to a child on which choice to make. If concerns arise about a certain question, I simply say, “pick which answer you think fits the best.” YOU also need to sway from giving any clues or gestures on questions from children regarding if a particular answer chosen is correct. I then say,  “I just want to know what you think.”

Having done both science and math assessments I have to congratulate my children on scoring high and above grade level assessments. I always test a grade level above because it gives me a good idea on where we need to go to move forward.

Assessment tests are required for homeschoolers in some states and in other states it is not. Here is a map of each states guidelines and a link to determine testing by state HERE.

LEGEND

States requiring no notice: No state requirement for parents to initiate any contact.

States with low regulation: State requires parents to send notification.

States with moderate regulation: State requires parents to send notification, test scores, and/or professional evaluation of student progress.

State with high regulation: State requires parents to send notification or achievement test scores and/or professional evaluation, plus other requirements (e.g. curriculum approval by the state, teacher qualification of parents, or home visits by state officials).

The State of Kentucky doesn’t require homeschoolers to do any type of testing. I do it on my own to see the progress of the children.

Here is a great website that offers a lot of information on testing and homeschooling. If are new to the idea, or simply want to find out more information, click HERE.

Do you administer regular testing for your homeschoolers? If so, what assessments do you use and how do you score them?

Thanks!