3 Reasons why Parents Choose In-Person-Private Testing

Here are three reasons why parents go with in-person-private testing.

·       Eliminates Distraction: In group settings, there is always the possibility of distraction. Someone is experiencing allergies. Someone is talking. Questions raised by students require answers. Test directions that need to be repeated or clarified. There will be differences in how long students take to complete test sections. Students finishing early will need to fill the time with something while waiting. These distractions, intentional or otherwise, do not necessarily always occur in group testing settings.  But if they do, some students easily tune them out while others have a hard time staying focused. If your student is in the latter category, private testing may be the way to go.

·       Undivided Attention:  In a private test setting, students receive the full attention of the examiner giving the test. Examiners have only one student (or two or three if siblings are testing at the same time) to guide through the testing process. They can customize the test experience while staying within standardize parameters to fit the needs of the student. This could mean adjusting the pace of the test, the timing of snack breaks and bathroom breaks, etc. Because the examiner is responsible for only one student, they can provide the necessary prompts and coaching to ensure the student is making the best use of time and giving thought to each test item.

·       Emotional comfort: Some students feel more comfortable testing one on one rather than in a group. There is a relational component present in one-on-one testing that is harder to achieve in group settings. Once you find an examiner that has the kind of rapport your student needs and motivates them, it’s only natural for testing to become an activity that is less daunting. In the future, testing could be something to look forward to.

If you’ve decided to test privately here’s a link to find an examiner near you: https://basicskills.net/locate-an-examiner-oregon/. While most examiners test in their own homes or test students at a library or church, some may be willing to travel to you. You’ll need to ask if they travel and expect to pay a little extra for their time and travel expense. In the Portland metro area, Karen Pautz, here on the west side, is willing to come to you to administer a test. You can contact Karen at  .

Thanks for reading!

Curt Bumcrot, MRE

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