NC Families....testing quesiton

[alydar]

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?

[pjdobro]

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.

[MomtoJGJE]

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.

[alydar]

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?

[pjdobro]

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.

[MomtoJGJE]

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

[Carrie]

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

[alydar]

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