Standardized testing season is soon upon us. I have talked to countless parents, both homeschooling and as a teacher, who felt the need to “prepare” for the standardized test. Since teachers are evaluated in part on how well their students test, there seems to be a culture about testing that is inevitable. It is in one word: pressured.
I just thought today I would post with this thought: testing doesn’t need to be and shouldn’t be pressured. I also am of the school of thought that you don’t have to prepare for it. It should be a measure of what your student already knows. With that said, if your kids have never seen the likes of a multiple choice question before, you might want to consider doing something–especially if you’re in a state that requires standardized testing when they are young. (Our state doesn’t require it until 4th or 5th grade.)
Some Things to Know. . .
While I personally would never accept 33% from my child as passing, that is all that’s required on a standardized test in most states. If that knowledge doesn’t take the pressure off, I don’t know what would. Out of 10 questions, your child only has to get three right. That’s not so hard.
Depending on your situation, most states allow for exemptions from standardized test. It’s not something you’ll find in your state’s laws though. If you have an extenuating circumstance, like your child’s extended illness for example, the requirement for standardized testing can be waived. Other examples might include extensive travel. Sometimes, the district will ask for an alternative means of assessing what learning has happened. (One example is a family I know of who went overseas for 6 months and brought back a portfolio–kind of a giant unit study.) The way to find out is to call and ask.
And One Last Thing. . .
Good test scores are not a good badge of homeschooling. They can be used as one tool to help you determine that you’re on the right track. But they don’t earn you bragging rights! More importantly, the reverse is true: if your child doesn’t test in the 90th percentile in everything. . .you’re still doing a good job. Use the test as a tool to help you focus on your child’s weaknesses.
You may also want to read:
Lack of Assessment Bothers Homeschoolers
What If Your Kids Don’t Prove Homeschooling Works?
Why My Kids Haven’t Taken a Test Yet
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