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I registered us officially this past fall with the NCDNPE and from what I understand we have to administer an annual standardized test each year. My oldest DS will turn 7 at the end of May this year.

My question is since NC compulsary age is 7-16 do I give him the test this year before or shortly after he turns 7 or do I wait til next spring when he'll be turning 8?

Whitney,

I found this on the NCDNPE web site:

Seven year olds -- How soon must they be tested?

Before the child reaches his/her 8th birthday and then again once within each 12 month period thereafter. The testing requirement is based on the student's age -- not on his/her grade level.

Since your son will not be seven until the end of May, you will have until the end of May next year when he turns 8 to test. Most people tend to test in the spring towards the end of their school year. We are encouraged to test around the same time each year. So I would pick a convenient time when you would like to test each year and begin your testing then. We'll be testing in April.

I agree... since his birthday is in May I'd just wait until next spring.

We tested with dd1 last year because we wanted her to have a practice one... she did great. The people giving the test obviously have experience with giving it to first timers... unfortunately we didn't think about that until after the test.

Thank you ladies!

You've raised another question........I thought the parent could administer the test but you've indicated that someone else has done so for your dc. I am wrong thinking the parent can do this?

You can do it yourself, but they recommend having someone else administer the test. I decided to test with another group of homeschoolers and do the Woodcock Johnson test which is largely given orally. I felt it would be less intimidating to my dc and it was easier for me. There are a few tests that you can administer yourself and you can legally do so if you want.

I just didn't want to have to think about it, especially with 3 younger ones running around. So we also did the Woodcock Johnson with our homeschool group. We were in and out in about an hour

Whitney,

The ladies have done a great job of helping you. Here's a few links that may also be of help to you as you ponder:

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=8303

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=4521

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=2632

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1689

Blessings,
Carrie

Thank you so much everyone! And thank you Carrie for those links - most helpful!