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Testing The Homeschooler
One of the most questioned issues
in home schooling is: "How well do home schoolers learn at home and do they
learn enough at home to compete with their traditional school peers?" The
answer to this question is that they not only compare favorably, but in most
instances home schooled kids score higher on achievement-based tests. This
has been proven in study after study. The most recent study's results have
been published by Home School Legal Defense Association and is available
upon request. To obtain a copy of the results, write or phone Home School
Legal Defense Association and request a copy. There is a small fee for a
copy of this study.
Home School Legal Defense Association
P. O. Box 3000
Purcellville, VA 20134
1-540-338-5600
Achievement Testing
There are many schools of thought on achievement testing. Depending on what
you feel about testing or the laws that govern your home school, the issue
of testing needs to be explored. Although some states do not require
testing, we will concentrate on the fact that in certain states testing is
required.
There are quite a few tests available that measure achievement. Among them
are the Stanford Achievement Test, Metropolitan Achievement Test, and the
Iowa Basic. In your area, the favorite choice of test may be something else.
Research the test and find out what the test measures. As a home schooler,
you have to be aware of requirements needed to administer the test to your
child. For example, the Iowa basic requires that the tester be a college
graduate or a teacher in a conventional school. Whereas, the Stanford and
Metropolitan requires that the tester be a college graduate and an approved
tester. Approval can be certification as a teacher or through Bob Jones
University where the tester is approved for test administration. For a
testing information and order form from Bob Jones University call
1-800-845-5731. There are even some tests out there that can be administered
by the parent and sent off for evaluation. To find out about the tests that
are used in your area, contact your local or state home school association.
If you do not know of an association in your state, contact
HSLDA.
Aptitude
Testing
For the home school high schooler, the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test
(PSAT), the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the ACT tests are very
important for College entrance. The public schools in your area offer these
tests at assigned times during the year and are open to any high schooler.
In some cases, private schools are host sites for these tests. Be sure to
check with the schools in your area about the times and sites for these
tests. If you are in the Sumter Area,
Sumter Christian
School is a site for the PSAT and the ACT. Your home school high
schooler can be included in the National Merit selection! By taking the PSAT
as a junior, they can be considered for the National Merit scholarships.
You can access the following sites to
register your high schooler to take these tests:
ACT Web Site
SAT Web Site
If you want more information concerning the
testing of your home schooled child, please email.
Homeward Education Association.
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