Question about Standardized Testing

[tnahid]

I just have a question. The state of KY doesn't require standardized testing, and I am not really to keen on the idea of "testing" my children, but I am wondering some of your thoughts on testing. Are there benefits to giving your children standardized tests? If so, what standardized tests are beneficial? Are there certain ones that you can get to take at home?

We may possibly be moving to another state (Maryland) not sure, but I know their homeschool laws are much more strict, and I am concerned about that! I don't like restrictions! So, I guess I am asking if you feel there is wisdom in having our children take yearly standardized tests. Also, what are the benefits/drawbacks or giving them tests in general. Just wondering. I know we are all different and led in different ways, and I am leaning away from testing in general, but I don't want to miss something, some factor that could be beneficial for my children in taking them.

Thank you!

[pjdobro]

Here we are required to test so I didn't have a choice after my dc turned 7. Before that I had considered testing just so I could feel confident that we were headed the right direction, but I never did. Last year we did our first testing and what a surprise, I didn't learn anything I didn't already know. Testing only confirmed what I already knew. It's amazing how working with your children day in and day out gives you a great perspective of what their strengths and weaknesses are. I guess the one thing that I did learn is how they compare to other children their age, but I already had a vague idea of that too just from knowing other children their age and hearing the sort of things they were covering in school. So testing really isn't that enlightening. However, I think it did boost my children's confidence. They found out their strengths and found out how they were doing in comparison to others which encouraged them. It also gave them confidence just knowing that they could take the test. I used a testing service which used the Woodcock-Johnson test. It is a bit less intimidating than the fill in the circle tests when the dc are younger, so I was told. I really liked the tester and test overall so we'll probably stick with that format for a few years. When my dc are older, I'll eventually switch to one of the fill in the circle tests, like the Iowa Basic Skills test. I took that one growing up.

I think you can give the CAT5 test yourself and if you have a bachelor's degree, you can administer the Iowa test. Around here, there is a group that has an older version of the Stanford test that can be given at home though I think the newer one has to be administered by a qualified tester. I hope I'm remembering that info correctly. It was last spring that I checked into all of the different tests and their requirements.

I think if I hadn't had to test, I would still be waffling about it now wondering whether I should or not. Having tested once now, if I didn't have to do it again, I wouldn't. It's an added expense that doesn't really provide much benefit, IMHO.

[brenm37]

We are not required to test in TX, but we tested my oldest when she was in 4th grade. This was for my husband's benefit, as he wanted to see how she "compared". We were all pleased with the results. We will test again this year, our oldest is in 6th grade and our middle daughter is in 4th. My plan is to test every 2 years, again for dad's benefit. She took the Stanford test through a local Classical Conversations group. She told me the test was easier than the test prep materials she had practiced with!
Brenda

[doubleportion]

Just my 2 cents-

Here we are required to test starting in 3rd grade. Last year was my dd's first time testing. She did ok and fell about where I thought she would on most things. The hardest part for her was getting used to the bubbling and lining up her answers with the questions etc- basically formating issues rather than content issues.

I don't think I would have tested my child if it wasn't required. The only thing I think might be helpful is for them to get used to bubbling-in and basic standardized test format etc. You can always buy practice tests for whatever test Maryland requires and get them up to speed with less cost on your end. I do think that as my dd gets older, IF we weren't already required to test, I might start testing her around middle school; simply because I know as she gets older she would have to take SAT and ACT if she wants to go to college.

Edie

[HappyMama]

In my state (WA), we are required to test every year starting the year the child is 8. At first I was really bummed about this and didn't like the idea at all. Well, God showed me that this can actually be a positive thing! My oldest ds will be testing in a few months and he is actually excited, lol. I think he thinks it'll be cool to fill in all those bubbles, lol. And I promised we'd order pizza that day. And honestly, I think kids learning to take tests is a good skill to have because there will inevitably by times in the future when they will *have* to take a standardized test (college admissions, etc.). I figure if they've had practice over the years, when when it comes to a test that really counts, it won't be as stressful. Anyway, I'm thankful to the Lord for showing me that this can be a positive and even fun thing and I'm not annoyed with it anymore.

[my3sons]

Well - the pp's answers were all so good, that I've take the portions that fit my thoughts on standardized testing and copied them here...

... Last year we did our first testing and what a surprise, I didn't learn anything I didn't already know. Testing only confirmed what I already knew. It's amazing how working with your children day in and day out gives you a great perspective of what their strengths and weaknesses are. I guess the one thing that I did learn is how they compare to other children their age, but I already had a vague idea of that too just from knowing other children their age and hearing the sort of things they were covering in school. So testing really isn't that enlightening. However, I think it did boost my children's confidence. They found out their strengths and found out how they were doing in comparison to others which encouraged them. It also gave them confidence just knowing that they could take the test...

...The hardest part for her was getting used to the bubbling and lining up her answers with the questions etc- basically formating issues rather than content issues... The only thing I think might be helpful is for them to get used to bubbling-in and basic standardized test format etc. ...I know as she gets older she would have to take SAT and ACT if she wants to go to college.
Edie

...I think kids learning to take tests is a good skill to have because there will inevitably by times in the future when they will *have* to take a standardized test (college admissions, etc.). I figure if they've had practice over the years, when when it comes to a test that really counts, it won't be as stressful. Anyway, I'm thankful to the Lord for showing me that this can be a positive and even fun thing and I'm not annoyed with it anymore.

So in summation, I think working with our dc each day is the best way to know how they are doing, but taking standardized testing once a year or so is a good way to get used to the format of testing, which will hopefully be beneficial when they are required to standardize test in college. We use the Iowa Basics Skills Test, and we begin in 2nd grade and give it once a year every year after that. Our state requires standardized testing starting in Grade 2 and about every other year or so (changes often). HTH!

In Christ,
Julie

[GinainMD]

We homeschool in MD and it really isn't that strict. Testing is not required and if you homeschool through an umbrella group all you need to do is let the board of education know that you are planning to homeschool and then meet the requirements of the umbrella group. I have found this to be really easy although I was very nervous at first. That's not to say that we won't do the testing because I would like to for my own peace of mind. Hope that eases your mind a little.