Homeschool parents know (if they have more than one student) that they often have more than one type of learner. Group testing (although a wonderful option for some students) is absolutely the worse possible option for others. On this page explore the options of Individual Testing. It is more personal and less time consuming than group testing. Because of the individual nature of the testing/evaluation it is, of necessity, also more expensive. When you have come to a final decision regarding the testing or evaluation you desire please download the Registration Form and mail it (with a deposit) to the address indicated on the form. You can also click here to register online.
Many times I am asked about tests and testing. Here are some helpful pieces of information that should answer most of those questions. Since most of my testing clientele is done in VA, this information is written particularly with them in mind. Check your state homeschool laws to be sure about the requirements where you live.
The VA law says that registered homeschoolers must be tested or assessed for progress for that school year. Your child may be tested in a group, tested privately using a standardized test, or your child may be evaluated. Testing may be done any time in the spring or summer as long as the results are turned in to the appropriate school system by Aug. 1 each year. Be sure to allow enough time for the tests to be ordered, administered, and the results to be returned to you and then to the school system (at least 8 weeks). The type of test is to be determined by the parent, not the public schools.
If you do not live in Virginia, you can find the homeschool laws for your state at HSLDA.
Individual Tests Offered:
Wide Range Achievement Test – (WRAT-5)
The WRAT is very short and sweet but very accurate test that covers only reading, spelling and mathematics. Percentiles, stanines and grade equivalents will be provided. We allot about 1 hour for this test.
Woodcock Johnson Tests of Achievement IV
This test is an excellent test which is very popular in the public schools to test for gifted as well as for diagnosing learning dyabilities. This test can start as low as the student needs to start and can go as high as they can go. The Language Arts sections tend to be a little harder than the previous edition of the WJ, but it is still a very fair test. The sections of this test that we administer are not timed. Percentiles, stanines and grade equivalents will be provided. We allot about 2 hours to administer this test.
Academic Achievement Battery – (AAB)
This test is wonderful for students who have difficulty with reading because we can also administer subtests for listening and oral expression. (Students who have a difficult time reading are often excellent listeners – contrary to what their parents may think about their listening skills!) Be aware that the math computation subtest is timed. Percentiles, stanines and grade equivalents will be provided. We allot about 2 hours to administer this test.
Brigance
The Brigance is best used by struggling learners because the test is broken down into smaller stepping stones. Like the Woodcock, this test is set up to start as low as the student needs to start and go as high as they can go. Unlike the WJ, the Brigance does not provide percentile ranks, stanines, or grade equivalents. But like an evaluation, we can compare from year to year progress that is being made. We will allot about 2 hours for this test.
We can help a parent make their own SEP (Student Education Plan) based on the suggested objectives given in this test. (There is a separate cost for us to write out the objectives for the SEP.)
Evaluations:
Two non-standardized assessment options that are available are an evaluation and a portfolio evaluation. An evaluation is the most child friendly assessment and is very good for young children who are not good readers. It is especially recommended for children up through Second Grade, but older children may also be evaluated.
Each evaluator has his or her own way of doing an evaluation. My evaluations are based on the Va. Standards of Learning (SOL’s).This gives me a checklist so that I am consistent from student to student and it is a checklist that the school system will not question.
I meet with the parent for a few minutes and then meet with the child. The child is asked questions based on the SOL’s for English and Math only. Then I meet with the parent again to let them know orally what the results will be. (The written evaluation will be sent to the parent at a later date.)
The portfolio evaluation is a compilation of work samples and accomplishments of the child for the school year. The portfolio may be left with (or mailed to) the evaluator to assess. The child does not have to be interviewed. The parent will receive a written assessment of the portfolio when they pick up the portfolio or it can be mailed back to them. If this is the way you want your child to be evaluated, please be working on the portfolio NOW. This type of assessment takes a lot of effort on the part of the parent. Also, please call to find out what I expect to see in it.
**Parents, please be sure that YOU send a copy of test results to the appropriate school system by your state’s deadline. I do not send your results to any school system. This is your responsibility.**
If you would like a copy of this page please click and download Compare Tests page.