Homeschooling 101

Lesson 5: Record Keeping and Scheduling

Testing/Assessment

To test or not to test? That may just be the hardest question you will have to answer.

For some, the answer is very simple. If your state requires that you test, then you test. (Just be sure that you are following the law, and not a recommendation.) Most states that require testing require that it be a specific test. If that is the case, simply administer the test according to your states requirements, and submit the scores if needed. Case closed!

But what if you are not required to test? What should you do then? That is a question only you and your family can answer. There are logical reasons to test… and not to test.

Since testing is such a personal decision, I will only tell you what we do, and then provide you with links to help you decide what is right for your family.

Do I test?
My oldest (he is 10) takes a spelling test weekly. That’s all.

Do I plan to test in the future?
Only time will tell!

How do I know my kids are learning if I don’t test?
I talk to them. I listen to them. I watch them.

If you decide that testing is the right choice for your family, where do you get the tests? If you have joined a homeschool support group, they may be able to provide tests, or at least tell you where to get them.
I will provide a list of places where you can purchase tests in the recommended resources section of this lesson.

If you choose not to test, I will also provide links to help you learn to evaluate your child without testing.

  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8