Trump’s Declaration and Home-school Testing Update
Parents want what’s best for their children. As I wrote in my previous article, the motivation for testing, in addition to complying with state law, is to know how their children are doing academically.
In light of President Trump’s decision today to suspend this year all requirements for end-of-the-year standardized testing, the question now is, “Should I still test?”
Testing can be an excellent platform to provide motivated practice. Students want to do well, and they put a lot of effort into remembering what they’ve learned. Many associate it with the end of the school year, a celebration of sorts. Unfortunately, a lot of tests paired with textbooks are heavy on memorization. They seem to be designed to reveal what the student doesn’t know. They’re filled with minute, fact-based questions which are unimportant in the big scheme of things.
Achievement tests are different.
Achievement tests are distinct in construction and purpose. They’re relatively short in length. While they measure a limited number of skills, the skills they do measure are important and useful in making decisions about textbooks and teaching strategies. That’s why testing is considered useful.
The question, though, is how to access the benefit of achievement testing in today’s restricted social environment.
Our staff at Basic Skills has been pondering this question and we’ve come up with a solution. Using today’s technology, we’re currently developing a way for a student to be tested in their own home.
Not because you have to, and not to comply with state testing requirements, but because you want to.
The reason to test is to:
- determine if the textbooks you’re using are doing the job
- identify academic strengths and weaknesses
- know if your student is making the kind of progress you desire
Achievement testing will help you plan for next year, for the future, no matter what that looks like.
As we continue to develop the plan, we will be letting you know how you can have your child tested in the privacy of your home. Again, not because you must, but because you want to.
We’ll also soon be revealing how to access our online coaching and tutoring program we’re designing to help encourage parents and students through this isolating and stressful time.
Stay tuned!
Curt Bumcrot, MRE
Director, Basic Skills Assessment & Educational Services
