Last week I wrote about the homeschool Written Assessment option if you are interested in learning more about that. This week I am addressing Option 1 for yearly assessments: testing. The requirement is that you must have your student take a nationally normed test. There are several from which to choose: California Achievement Test; The IOWA Test of Basic Skills, and the Stanford Achievement Test. I located a comprehensive comparison chart so you can determine which test is best for your family’s needs. Standardized Tests Comparison Chart.

Here are some things to keep in mind when considering testing:

Is your student reading well? I would not have a child take a standardized test if they are not reading independently or are not good listeners. In the younger grades, students read parts of it and also have portions of the tests read to them, but when they are in third grade they read all of it independently.

Some tests are not available for the primary grades. Be sure to check.

For some of the tests you order a specific test based upon the time of year. Students are expected to have acquired more knowledge at the end of the year as opposed to the beginning of the year.

Check the guidelines and whether you can administer the test yourself or if you have to have someone else administer it.

Consider the length of time for the test. Online is different than paper, and some tests have a shorter period in which you can administer the test.

Is there a deadline when your student can take the test?

See how quickly you get the results. There can be a spring rush and take more time to get the test results.

Where do I order tests? Here are two reputable testing companies from which to order tests. BJU Press or Seton Testing

Once you have your student’s results, you can fill out this form and return with next year’s notification form if you are going to continue to homeschool. Option #1

If your student is returning to school then you do not need to test or do a homeschool assessment. You enroll your student and the school will determine what placement testing they would like to do, if anything.

Have a great week! ~Lisa~

If you are like me, you are beginning school again this week. It’s easy to lose sight of why you homeschool when January rolls around because no one likes to start back after having a break. How about combining a bit of art, writing and character traits to create a gratitude/ attitude jar? Here is what you will need:

1 jar

slips of paper

a pencil or pen

ribbon, jute, or wrapping paper cut down to size to fit around the outside of the lip of the jar

Give each person 3-5 slips of paper and write one thing you are thankful on each of the slips. Fold the paper and put into the jar. Once a week you can pull out one of the pieces of paper and read it aloud and discuss what is on the paper. You can replenish the jar throughout the year, especially if you have had a fun time doing something or have gone somewhere. When you stop to be thankful for something it really does help lighten your mood and focus on what is important.

If you are feel exceptionally “craftsy” then you can decoupage the outside of the paper with strips of tissue paper to create a stained glass effect.

It sounds like a great idea, doesn’t it, until you have your daughter/ son begin to write down items. I can think of several things that might spark some ideas for writing.

I am grateful for: a sibling (no fair using all three slips of paper if you have several children), holiday, parents, pet, a special vacation, toy, game, relative, a favorite memory, best loved season, thing to do, book, a memory verse

Have a great week! I am thankful for you following my blog. 🙂 ~Lisa~