Preparing for Standardized Tests

For many homeschools, spring is testing time. Although every home school is different, most states require some form of standardized test be given during the course of the year. This can be a major source of stress for many homeschoolers. Preparing for standardized tests is a great way to alleviate some of this stress.

There are several standardized tests that are widely accepted. The California Achievement Test (CAT), Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS), and Woodcott-Johnson are the most common. Currently, Terra Nova is not available to homeschools.

Some states will require you to test annually and use their tests. In Arkansas, you can choose to participate in the statewide testing. The benefit to this is that the test is free. If you choose to test differently from what the state offers, then you are responsible for administering and purchasing the test.

In order to prepare for a standardized test, you need to do very little. Make sure that your child is familiar with the test format. Spectrum Publishing offers a standardized test preparation workbook. The price is about $10.00. It is well worth the money to get a workbook for your child's grade level and go over it throughout the year. If you child is working at grade level there is little to worry about. Preparing Students for the Iowa Test of Basic Skills is a really good article to read on standardized test preparation.

In preparing for standardized tests, keep the following tips in mind. First, make sure you are in compliance with your states regulations. Then choose the test you wish to administer. Some states require that the test be given by a non-family member and others require a certified teacher to proctor the test. The Woodcott-Johnson test is administered by a professional and it is a very different format than the CAT or ITBS. Next, be sure that younger children are comfortable with filling in the small circles. This may seem trivial, but it will save you a lot of time in the long run. If your child has a disability, you may be entitled to give them more time or have other test modifications. For example if the instructions a required to be given orally and you have a child who has hearing issues, then a modification is required. Finally, make sure that you have covered most of the work for the year. Test in late spring if possible. Another option is to test in the fall for the prior year. It all depends on what regulations your state has on testing times. Order your tests in advance and be sure to note deadlines for returning them.

Most tests will cover reading, language skills (spelling and grammar), spelling, and math. Cover basic test taking strategies with your child. Show them that the test is multiple choice and that if they do not know the answer; eliminating answers that seem incorrect can help them make an educated guess as to the correct answer. Go over that any number multiplied by 5 must end in 5 or 0. Review common spelling and grammar rules. Younger children will need to be able to put things in the correct sequence. Older children will benefit from speed reading skills.

The best preparation for standardized tests is to have as little stress as possible, be sure your child eats before the test is administered, and get a good nights sleep before test day. Remember, it is only a test that is supposed to measure how well your child is doing compared to others in the same grade. It is not a college entrance exam and many states do not even look at the scores of home schooled children. Relax and know that homeschoolers in general outperform traditionally schooled children on these tests.