To test or not to test?

[tbarr12]

I live in KY, and here we are not required to test the kids every year (or at all, that I'm aware of). We do not have to report any kind of progress to the local school officials. The co-op that I'm in offers academic testing every year. I had my kids tested 2 years ago this coming spring, then I skipped last year. I'm trying to decide whether to have them tested this coming spring. My husband's perspective is "would it change anything you're doing? They are where they are." I tend to agree with him. I did make some changes in our curricula the last time because of some of their test scores, but now I'm pretty happy with everything we have, and probably wouldn't make any changes, nor do I see any major deficits at this point. Also, we are taking a major spring break trip next year, and the testing would knock another week out of our homeschool year, and I'm not really sure I want to do that.

I'm just wondering if anyone on this board can think of any compelling reasons I haven't thought of to test, in spite of the reasons I've listed above that we're leaning towards not testing. I need to decide within the next few days. Thanks.

[Daph]

Testing has been helpful to me. Even though I'm with my daughter every day for school, it was good for me to get affirmation of what her strengths and weaknesses are. I had her take the Woodcock-Johnson test this past year, which was even more helpful, because the person giving the test could give me feedback on what curricula might be best for her needs. We're required to do testing, though. We just don't /have/ to send in the test scores. It sounds like KY is even more relaxed on HS than NC!

[annaz]

I'm in agreement with your DH. They are where they are. I guess you'd have to ask yourself for what purpose? We don't have to test, and frankly I care none where dd is in comparison to everyone else mainly the ps system. First, I'm with her and I know her work. Second, if not will I push her? No, she is where she is, which is what your DH said .

[KristinBeth]

My kids are too young to do it anyway, but I don't plan to test in elementary. We aren't required to do it, and I figure that I'll know where they need work. I'll start testing them in the middle of middle school to get them prepared for standardized tests in high school or college.

[Heidi in AK]

For us, it will depend on where we live at the time. Since DH is military, we won't know that till later. Chances are, if we live in a state where they don't need to test, I won't test them. It is not worth the stress, and like Kristin said, I will know where they need work.