While your children can enter into various types of homeschooling, it is essential to know how your children can learn from the lessons. You will need to implement tests as a measure of knowledge. You can get access to several useful tools that aid in developing the learning skills of homeschooled children. From simple tests that you can give to your children to state-mandated examinations, there are different sets of tests that can measure their performance adequately.
•Determine if there really is a need to test. Take note that there are some states or localities where it is not a requirement to have a homeschooled child tested. Check on the laws of your state or educational district with regard to homeschooling. While there are parents who do not subscribe to the idea of having their kids tested at school, there are great benefits to taking tests in a school environment. Testing homeschooled children can help gauge how they perform compared to other students of their age. If they will be going to school later on, testing may be a requirement before they can do so.
•Choose the set of tests you want your children to take. There are several sets of tests that you can use for your children. The most widely used ones are the following: the Stanford Achievement Test, the Iowa Test of Basic Skills, and the California Achievement Test. Since the subjects offered by the options that you have may vary, it is best to pick up one that caters to what you want to concentrate on. Look into the following basic subjects: spelling, mathematics, science, language, reading comprehension, reading skills, vocabulary, and social studies.
•Determine your qualifications in using standardized tests. You cannot simply make your children take a certain standardized test. You have to meet the requirements first as stipulated by the body that will give you the certification to use the test. For example, you need to have a bachelor's degree, an experience when it comes to testing, and registration with Bob Jones University Press before it can give you the certification you need. Bob Jones University Press asks you to take a short DVD course that helps you understand the procedures to be taken when giving the test, and the proper way to interpret the scores. The only ones who can take the test once you have been certified are your children, including two other children in the similar grade.
As for the Iowa test, Bob Jones requires the parents have a bachelor's degree or a certificate in teaching. Other specific standardized tests including the California Achievement Test do not require any qualification. Take note of the specified time that it could take for the test to be delivered to you after ordering it. Once you have acquired the test, complete the test within the specified time. It may take a few weeks before the exam results are returned back to you.
Testing homeschooled children can be both informative and motivational, as your children know that they are expected to perform well against a standard. Know the rules and regulations in your state, and know where to obtain standardized exams, so that you can ensure the quality of your homeschooled child’s education.
