Saturday, January 17, 2009

Testing

I'm really considering having my kids take tests this year, even possibly (gasp) the FCAT. Are there any homeschoolers who may have had their kids tested before who might have any suggestions? I've spent a good part of this evening researching tests online and Jonathan and Madi have taken some sample FCATS. They are doing pretty well on them, but that is probably not the route we will go. I'm looking for any ideas you may have about other tests etc...

Maybe now I can drum up some comments:)

8 comments:

Unknown said...

I just received Living Word Academy's Newsletter. They mention Thurber's Educational Assessmetns as a place to get standardized tests. You can order the CAT5 from them (whatever that is.) Their website is thurbers.net. I'm thinking about what I'm going to do. I know I'll do some sort of testing, but not exactly sure what.

Leisa said...

The FCAT?? You must be the meanest homeschool mom ever!

No, really we test every spring with the Stanford Achievement Test much to Maddy's dislike.

MelissaB said...

We haven't done any standardized testing since my oldest was finishing her second grade year. We used some (OOP) computer testing for several years that gave the same information, but in a game format. The oldest is entering college in a few months, and will have to take the CPT tests, and then eventually the SAT/ACT tests. I think we may need to do something before then just so the format and scenario won't seem so daunting. I don't know that we'd do the FCAT, but I do think it's a good idea to do one of them before the SAT or ACT since those numbers really matter for college. And keep in mind, whatever the test results say, you don't have to submit them to your county, you can still do an evaluation so you can keep those numbers private.

Smith Schoolhouse said...

I have always wanted to try testing just for kicks.
Here is VA you have to have them tested unless you have chosen religious exemption so I know I could probably get some good recommendations.
I haven't chosen which route I will take with registration.

Tiffany said...

This is so funny--I want to have Hannah tested this year too. You can do the testing at Blue Lake but it's $75. Is is cheaper to order something online? I would not recommend the FCAT--primarily because I don't think it would be a good judge of what they know. I'd like to look into the CAT5 or maybe an ITBS test or something. Maybe we can get a discount if we order in bulk. I know Debi wants to test Hannah too.

ann marie said...

Don't do FCAT. Jane did it the year she was in public school and it was not a good indication of much of anything. Other than that I can't give any tips. I haven't done testing yet! Because if I did then I would know how much I wasn't doing right!

Anonymous said...

We test every year at our house, but we have never done the FCAT. We order our tests (CAT) either from Thurbers or Seton.

Anonymous said...

We participate in Classical Conversations over in Sanford, and I know they offer optional testing (they use the Stanford) in late April or May...I'm not sure if it is open to students not enrolled in their program, but I could find out the details for you, if you'd like (just drop me an email).

Heather