Competent to Test?
Are you considering giving your child an achievement test this year? If so, lurking in the back of your mind is the question, “Am I really competent to do this? Isn’t this something only trained teachers can do?” Well, teachers are trained to teach and manage large groups of students. What they do is both a science and an art.
Giving a standardized achievement test is different. It’s “standardized” meaning that for the results to be valid and reliable, the test must be given according to directions and standards that are the same for everyone who is given the test. Among these standards:
- Test directions must be read as written in the examiner manual.
- Time limits must be followed.
- Hints and clues to the answers of items are not allowed
In addition to the standardized directions, there are suggestions such as:
- The examiner may use an alternative words to make directions understandable.
- Changing the order of the subtests (content areas) is permitted.
- Testing in the middle of the week and morning is recommended.
As a home school parent, can you give an achievement test? The short answer is, ”Yes!”
Just follow the directions in the examiner manual. It’s comparable to following a recipe.
Wanting to give this a try?
Click here to find out how. Registration forms will be accessible on our website soon.
Thanks for reading!
Curt Bumcrot, MRE
Basic Skills’ testing page is being updated in response to the coronavirus. Please check back regularly to see the new testing options being made available.
