Testing?

[stawnasalas]

Do testing packets or guides come with the HOD curriculum? If not, do any of you do any testing to see where your kids are and if they are retaining any of what they are being taught? If so, how do you go about it? I know New Mexico doesnt require any testing but I know some states do and some people like to do it for their own peace of mind.
Thanks!
Stawna
Nate 9
Ashlyn 6
Lucas 4
Brody 2

[HappyMama]

HOD does not come with any testing materials that I'm aware of.

We live in WA and homeschoolers here are required to test every year. So I'll be testing my oldest this fall and he's actually excited, lol.

[pjdobro]

I had to smile when reading your post. I think so often when we are coming from another way of schooling or starting homeschooling, we have these worries and expectations about the way things are done. I know I did. I was worried about how will I know my dc are progressing like they should? Shouldn't I be doing all of those workbook pages and tests that are typical of school? I wondered how I would know if I was doing enough. I bought the books, "What your X grade student needs to know" and studied state standards online. I even considered testing my dc the first couple of years even though I wasn't required to do so. I started using HOD for my dc's 1st grade year and I started feeling better about things. Then last year, I had to test for the first time since it is required here in my state. I was nervous. Do you know what the test told me? Absolutely nothing! I already knew my dc's area of weakness and their strengths. When you are working with your dc everyday and using HOD which uses the CM philosophy, you are going to know whether or not your children know and remember what you have been teaching. Through narration you will have more of an idea what your dc know than any standardized can tell you. It can be reassuring especially at first to have those test results just to ease your mind but really the test won't tell you anything that you don't already know.

[Tree House Academy]

Nope...thank God! LOL I know how much my kids are retaining when they can't wait to tell me or their dad or their grandparents what they have learned...or when we are sitting at the table and a topic comes up where one of my sons can draw from something he read in HOD and share it with the group.

We do standardized testing at the end of each year. I do this to make sure I see "progress and growth" each year in their skills...and I always do.

[BrooklynsMom03]

LOL Patty!! I so have struggled with this...and am just now settling down in the rhythm of schooling at home...I was so concerned....I would mess up my child for ever....and she wouldnt learn...yet I see her learning so much...and you are so right on knowing your childs weaknesses and strengths...We will need to test next year...yet I feel so much different about it...than I did when I first started this journey...I wanted to test right away so I would know what to work on...sounds silly now when I say it...because just spending time with my daughter gives me that information! Beth in Idaho

[my3sons]

HOD has follow-up assessments for everything dc do. I do realize this is a different way of thinking than how we grew up demonstrating what we learned in school. It took me much time and prayer to feel a peace about CM methods of assessment, but I am now blessed to have seen the fruits of it after 8 years of homeschooling with HOD. Here is an excellent thread to read as you ponder this...
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=8178

I live in SD, and our state does require standardized testing. We use the Iowa Basic Skills test to assess our dc. If you have a 4 year college degree in any area (or your dh does), either of you can become a test administrator through BJU. This would be an option if you would like to test your dc.

Our dc have been able to easily adapt to taking standardized tests as an assessment as opposed to doing CM's style of assessment. They have always tested very well, and thought the testing process was quite easy. I think it is because their usual style of assessment through CM methods is actually much more difficult. I also think it is because they are very accustomed (at the older ages) to being responsible for their own reading for history, science, Bible, etc. They do not depend on us to read aloud to them, but instead have matured in that skill enough to take responsibility for it themselves. I think if dc have been doing all of HOD's plans consistently year after year, they are used to deeply thinking about their school, and doing testing in a standardized multiple choice way is actually much easier, as the answer choices are provided. With CM style assessments, there are no "helps" - you either know it or you don't, and it becomes very clear when you are asked to narrate if you are comprehending what you read. HTH!

In Christ,
Julie