Homeschool Review: Alpha Omega Lifepac Diagnostic Tests

Alpha Omega Publications, a leading publisher of several homeschooling curriculums, offers some diagnostic testing materials that are a good yardstick for measuring your student's progress. The tests are in-depth and offered in variety of topics and for grades 1st thru 8th, and 7th thru 12th. Each section has 10 questions, and each grade and subject has 10 tests.

From multiple choice answers for Science, Bible (for those interested), and History & Geography, the tests are easy to administer. Either copy (so you can use for more than one child) or allow them to write in the book. Answer keys are included. The parent notes are very clear on how to score the test; answer keys are simple and presented in a column format that lines up with the questions on the sheet. Hold work sheet next to the est key and just grade straight across. No skipping around visually to find where an answer to a question.

As for content, the questions are diverse and detailed. From what classification has a thorax, abdomen and antennae (insects) to queries about the human anatomy, photosynthesis and plants, even the test giver can learn a lot. As for the Science, understand that this particular curriculum teaches Creationism as opposed to Darwin's Evolutionary theory. The questions aren't affected by this viewpoint until the higher grade levels.

For the History, be prepared to know about Mesopotamia, Rome, and history of the United States, including the individual states, the Civil War, Vietnam and more. I found myself not sure of many of the answers. But all Americans should have a good grounding in their own country's history.

For the Bible, I confess to not knowing much. And several of the Science and History & Geography questions were also Bible related. If you don't want to include those, it's easy enough to skip those without affecting the test results greatly.

Language Arts and Math are both more in depth. Questions are a mixture of fill in the blanks, multiple choice, diagrams, etc. A ruler is needed for the first grade math test.

The math tests include graphs, fractions right from the lower grades. The progression gets steadily tougher. These are very strict and in depth tests, more so than the Science. Since math is a large part of everyday life, from balancing your checkbook, to grocery shopping, in depth is good.

Language Arts tests include reading vocabulary and oral sections. Test 10 of each grade level involves reading a list of 20 words to estimate reading grade level. The first 2 grades also contain oral sections -- from simple words like sit to entire sentences. Grammar is also in depth, parts of speech, punctuation, and more.

Overall, I found these tests to be very comprehensive and a good indicator of knowledge. They are well worth the $19.95 cost plus $8 shipping at aop.com. Also, check out ebay. Their is almost always at least one test kit up for auction. HSLDA.org (Home School Legal Defense Association) also offers an auction for homeschoolers but to bid you need to be a member.

By the way, my public school seventh grader tested at a 3rd to 4th grade level in the different subjects. An A & B student, his results are a scary indicator of the public school system.