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testing for homeschoolers - 11/22/2008 6:07:14 PM
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neetchym
Posts: 18
Joined: 6/14/2008
From: Raleigh Area, NC
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I am planning on trying to homeschooling my son next year. He will be 5 yrs old and I know that testing isn't required until the age of seven, but I would like to know what to aim for as far as what to teach him. He is already starting to read and can add and subtract. He catches on quickly, but I want to make sure I am teaching him the things he will need to know. It will help to know what is on the test so that I can find a curriculum that we both feel comfortable with and also learn the things he needs to know for the test. Does anyone have an old copy or maybe give me an idea of what will be on it. I am new to homeschooling and feel soooo overwhelmed with how to go about starting. Any ideas will help. If anyone home schools in the Raleigh, NC area please message me. I have a ton of questions!
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When you stop, God starts!
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RE: testing for homeschoolers - 11/22/2008 6:15:56 PM
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his_chosen
Posts: 1103
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We use Iowa Basics. We are not permitted to discuss the actual content of the test. The best thing you can teach your son is common sense and thinking. In the weeks prior to testing we have them do practice "fill in the bubble" type tests. This helps them learn to take tests. That way, even if they don't know the answer, they should be able to rule out what couldn't possibly be the answer. Personally, I think that end of the year testing is the biggest waste of time and money. But, it's required, so that's what we do.
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You have a choice. You can throw in the towel or you can use it to wipe the sweat off your face.
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RE: testing for homeschoolers - 11/22/2008 6:31:19 PM
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neetchym
Posts: 18
Joined: 6/14/2008
From: Raleigh Area, NC
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I'm sorry, I didn't realize you couldn't discuss the test. I figured they were different every year. Anyways, do you know what kids are supposed to know by the end of 2nd grade in public schools in order to pass the grade. I just need the basics (ie cursive, multiplication or division, etc) I just need to know what to shoot for. Thanks a bunch!
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When you stop, God starts!
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RE: testing for homeschoolers - 11/22/2008 6:45:09 PM
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Homegrownkids
Posts: 1128
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We use the California Achievment Test. I will let you know this... you don't need to live in CA to use it...lol.... I have had people ask me that since I live in Iowa and don't use the Iowa Basics.
If you are doing school with your son, you should have no worries about testing. In a 2 year time period we moved 3 times, 2 of these moves were big moves, we also had a newborn baby with medical issues and of course, none of this happend during the summer months. I really thought our children would test horrible after moving to a state that required testing... but they breezed through it! Not to say that I didn't notice any spots for improvement, but overall they did just fine.
My suggestion to you would be to not bother testing until you need to. *IF* you do test, there is a shorter version of the CAT test that can be ordered through Seton Home Learning (or something like that, can't remember the exact name). It costs 25.00. The full version of the tests can be bought at FamilyLearning.org (I think that is what it is called) for 35.00. These are the cheapest I have found, if you want the exact information just pm me. Otherwise, I believe you could find it through google. I am pretty sure these tests are cheaper than the Iowa Basics.
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www.caringbridge.org/visit/pray4noah
God heals!
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RE: testing for homeschoolers - 11/22/2008 6:50:02 PM
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his_chosen
Posts: 1103
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Use a scope and sequence as a guide.
In the early years we didn't use a traditional curriculum. We used a math book, spelling and grammar. Everything else was from the library. Your goal should be teaching them to love learning. Does it really matter if they learn about rocks in 1st grade and dinosaurs in 2nd?
Seriously, the key to passing standardized tests is knowing how to think. Even if they don't know the answer, they should be able to pick out answers they know are wrong, then pick the correct answer. Don't sweat the testing!!!
_____________________________
You have a choice. You can throw in the towel or you can use it to wipe the sweat off your face.
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RE: testing for homeschoolers - 11/23/2008 9:01:34 AM
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sen10tious
Posts: 360
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Ah me. sigh If you really want to teach your child how to take standardized tests, then just Google. Use key words like your grade level and 'test prep.' There are a lot of companies out there who will gladly sell you what you are looking for and it will help a little; it's not a total rip-off.
Here is one: Preparing Your Elementary Students to Take Standardized Tests - Chicago Schools
There are a lot of others.
However, I want you to understand WHY many homeschoolers don't think too much of "teaching for the test" study guides. It is because the tests often reflect skewed of even false values. For instance, on a fourth grade social studies test, it is probably more important that your child knows who Rosa Parks is than if he knows who George Washington is. Personally, I don't think one act of being stubborn is equal in value to the many leadership decisions of a general and a president.
At some point along the way, you will find there is not enough time to teach two different value systems without confusing your child. That is why using a scope and sequence guide is a better choice. Here is a link to one: Worldbook course of study
Edited by Mod to fix formatting
< Message edited by sen10tious -- 11/23/2008 9:11:45 AM >
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RE: testing for homeschoolers - 11/23/2008 12:13:34 PM
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judii1
Posts: 363
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From: The Frozen Thumb of MI!
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I think using a scope and sequence would be good, too.
If you want to see what your state tests are covering, you can go to www.studyisland.com and put in your state. You can't see all of the study sheets but there is a basic outline on the grade or subject you pick.
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What does 1 boy + 1 set of new clothes + 1 brother with a paintball gun = ?
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RE: testing for homeschoolers - 11/23/2008 6:16:12 PM
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PrincessDonna
Posts: 10218
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Cow country, Upstate NY
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IME, reading comprehension, chart/graph reading, simple math concepts, and plain old logic are what is tested on in most standardized tests. Not specific science or history knowledge, and definitely no handwriting involved.
I would just teach him as you would anyway, and then find a couple practice fill in the bubble kind of worksheets a couple weeks before you do the testing. Filling in the bubble and narrowing down choices are the only things you really need to teach him.
_____________________________
He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him;
He hears their cry and saves them.
The Lord watches over all who love him,
but all the wicked He will destroy.
~Psalm 145:19-20~
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RE: testing for homeschoolers - 11/24/2008 7:15:30 AM
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Sunnymom
Posts: 1824
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We use the CAT as well, and the only subjects on the CAT are language arts and math- there are no science and history sections. I don't start my kids in formal schooling until they are about 8 yo, but they have still passed their CATs in the upper percentiles. Thinking things through is the most important skill a child can learn, and if your child can read, add, and subtract, they can pass the CAT.
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RE: testing for homeschoolers - 11/24/2008 10:13:57 AM
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neetchym
Posts: 18
Joined: 6/14/2008
From: Raleigh Area, NC
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Thanks to all of you. I love love love the websites! I'm sure I will lots more questions for you seasoned homeschoolers as I get closer to starting!!
_____________________________
When you stop, God starts!
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RE: testing for homeschoolers - 11/24/2008 10:51:55 AM
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Homegrownkids
Posts: 1128
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quote:
We use the CAT as well, and the only subjects on the CAT are language arts and math- there are no science and history sections.
It depends what version of the CAT you are using. I have used both, the one that only tests Math and LA/reading comprehension and this last year I used a larger CAT test that included Social Studies and Science.
_____________________________
www.caringbridge.org/visit/pray4noah
God heals!
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RE: testing for homeschoolers - 11/24/2008 11:13:26 AM
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Sunnymom
Posts: 1824
Joined: 4/11/2005
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Right- CAT offers a Complete Battery, a Survey, and a Basic Skills. The longer and more comprehensive tests are not required by Ohio and most other states that require yearly testing. There are also several editions of the CAT- I order from Seton Home Testing and at $25 per test, it's a good deal.
Edited to add: You can see the content of the CAT/E here.
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