Standardized Testing

A few Qs & As if standardized testing as a homeschooler is new to you!

Who needs a standardized test?

Homeschooled students in 3rd, 5th, & 8th grade should test. If your student is age-appropriate for these grades, you should have a test completed before your year-end evaluation.

How does it work?

Two options...

1) You can choose the online version, in which the computer acts as the proctor. You can choose a timed or untimed version. Your results are immediate. I recommend Academic Excellence for this option.

2) You can choose a paper version, in which you must have someone other than the parent proctor the exam. Under PA homeschool law, parents cannot proctor their own child’s standardized test. Some libraries offer test proctoring services free of charge. You will send in the test and have results in about a week. I recommend the CAT (California Achievement Test) offered by Seton Testing Services for the paper option.

Keep in mind, only the Math and Language Arts sections of the test are required.

What test do I give?

There are 11 standardized test options allowable for homeschooled students in PA. You may view the list of options here. 

Is there a benefit to paper vs. computer based? To timed vs. untimed?

The only benefit to paper testing or timed testing is that it prepares students for later testing, such as SAT or ACT tests, that are currently timed and sometimes on paper.

When do I need to do this test? 

You can test at any time in the school year. The material on the test is standard to grade level, so, if you want a score that is most accurate to where your student lands compared to national averages, it may be to your student's benefit to test later in the year. 

What do the scores mean for our homeschool? 

Standardized test scores are one piece of the overall picture of how your child is doing as a student. We can discuss the scores at your evaluation if you desire, but no one else except you and your evaluator is required to see standardized test scores. As an evaluator, I note on my report when testing was done and what test is used, but I do not list scores.