The Wrong Way to Use Test Results
Some states require home schoolers do end-of-the-year testing to prove they are making adequate academic progress. Years ago in Oregon, the phrase, “Doing well enough to be left alone,” was used to rally opposition to government involvement in home schooling. The results of the data collected by the state were undeniable. Home schoolers, compared to students in the public-school sector, did score better, much better.
Beyond testing to stay in compliance with state laws, there are other more important reasons for your children to test. But, you have to be careful when reviewing their results. The results of an achievement test, if wrongly used, can lead to two very different experiences: despair if your student does poorly, or pride (the unhealthy kind) if he or she does exceptionally well. If yours if the first experience, try thinking about testing this way.
The problem is not so much with the test itself, but our relationship to the test and what it means. We need to avoid letting the results say or imply too much about our success or failure as home schoolers. We need to avoid putting a label on our child based on their test scores.
An achievement test may reveal and confirm some deficits you’re already aware off. It may also reveal somethings you didn’t know. This information can be useful in planning remedial strategies to address the deficits.
Avoid letting the results become the “judge and jury” that passes judgment on your home school efforts.
That’s Friday’s home schooling tip!
For the month of January, our achievement test options are discounted. To take advantage of the discounted price, you simply need to registrar and pay for testing this month. You may schedule to test anytime in 2021 and get the discounted price.
Beginning February 1st, prices go up.
To take advantage of this offer click here. The 2021 prices can be found on this page. If you register in January, last year’s prices will be applied after you register and go to pay.
