Does anyone do an end of the year test? In Ohio we have the option of being tested in all subjects or presenting classwork to a certified teacher for evaluation. I opt for the end of the year test. We are reviewing for the test this month and I was just wondering how you prepare for the science and history parts of the tests. It seems that no matter what we study during the school year the test questions have nothing to do with the subject matter we covered. I am so frustrated and wondering if it is our curriculum choices. Thanks
In NC we have to test yearly. It is not so much an end of the year test, but my kids seem to think once it is over the year is almost over. I have to admit I feel that way too to a certain extent. We do not have to test in history and science, but we can if we choose to.
Sounds like we have the same options here in Maine that you do. This year I've chosen a certified teacher. Both of my children were WAY behind what I felt they should have known when we pulled them, so this year has been about getting them 'caught up', and less about reaching the end of first and end of third-year goals. I refuse to let either of them do poorly on a test because ps left them with giant holes they've had to work hard to fill. In our state, the state website puts up all the state standards for each grade level. It reads like a tax manual, to be honest, but that might be a good place for you to start. I think our state even puts up a sample test, so that might be helpful if your state does, as well. Texas does (although the math test for 3rd grade was ridiculous, so I have no idea how helpful the other things would be.) .
We're in the middle of testing right now, and I'm so frustrated with the sixth grade social studies portion of it that I could scream. Of the 39 questions, 10 dealt with women's rights, the Disabilities Act, recycling/"green" movement, and African history. When did political correctness overtake standardize testing?! This is the Iowa Basic Test by the way. In the past, I've done a different test that did not cover social studies or science; but hubby wanted these subjects tested also. Don't know why we bothered and won't do it again! Truth is that I know where my kids are without the tests and only do it because it is state mandated. Thankfully, no one will see the test scores except us. It really is pointless in my opinion. As for the original question, I do not prep my kids for the tests. I'd rather spend my time teaching them something valuable. Ok, getting off my soapbox now.
Claraskids, you really don't want to even think of what they will be teaching in text book form in our california schools, as per some kind of law or something....
I give the Stanford at the end of every year - we'll be doing that next week. Science and social studies are really more "reading comprehension" and "critical thinking" than specific science and social studies knowledge. My first and second graders don't do all that well in "Environment" (science and social studies combined) because of our curriculum choices, because on the test they have to recognize pictures of specific people and such as that, but I'm not changing the way I teach first and second grades - because they do really well on reading, language, spelling, and math.
We had the Iowas administered to our boys by a third party. We never "prepared" for the standardized tests. I figure if they are studying all year, they should do well. We were required to test every other year. I was concerned about the testing, not knowing what the test would cover, etc. When we got the results back, I worried for nothing. Oldest son's composite score was the 88th percentile and youngest was the 99th percentile.
Thanks all. I see some are in the same boat as we are. I give the boys the Iowa test because I don't have to test non relatives with them. They do awesome on everything except science and history. We use Bob Jones for science and history and I love it but as the boys get older the content we study through the year is not what is on the test. I guess I need to quit worrying because they pass everything else so that gives us enough points to be able to homeschool the next year. Claraskids what test do you give that doesn't test for scince and social studies? Meghan thanks for the advice. I will check out my states website for the state standards.
mommyof5boys, the test is PASS (Personalized Achievement Summary System). I ordered it through Hewitt Homeschooling. What I like about it is that it is very inexpensive, can be done by the parents, and leaves out the social studies/science portion of it (which can be all over the place depending on what curriculum is used). The first year you do it can be a little confusing as a placement test is given to your child to decide what level to truly test your child at. That way your child isn't given a test that is too easy or too hard for him/her. In Minnesota, the PASS test is accepted as one of the yearly required tests. I can't guarantee that it would be in every state. Teachermom, I got into a huge "arguement" with my husband yesterday as he didn't think what was being taught out there was so bad. I pulled up the California info and he backed down quickly. Thanks!
Maybe another alternative might be the old CAT that you can get from Seton Homeschool. It only does the "core" stuff and not the science and social studies. It's inexpensive and acceptable in most states, I think.
Do you have to test for all subjects? I use a testing company that just tests Math and English. Plus I have limited options where I live. I have used other companies that have tested all subjects. I use to buy the test prep books and we would go over those together while waiting for the tests to arrive.
I never even thought about using anything other than the Iowa standardized tests. I didn't know there were other options out there. I am going to call my district supervisor and ask what is acceptable for our state. Thanks everyone!!!
