I'm homeschooling my child. I'd like to test her to see her grade level. Anyone know of how I could test her?

Question

I've heard of different programs that I could use, but I don't know how to find them. Its mostly for my unsupportive father who thinks she must be way below all the other schooled children. I also would like to see if she is behind in some areas. Thanks!

By the way, just so this doesn't have to become a train wreck. I just want to say that I am just a mother looking for different options on how I can show my dad her grade level so he doesn't have to worry. I do love my child. My husband and I are missionaries and we travel all the time. And we love taking our girls everywhere with us. So, please only serious answers from those who have been there and tried different tests. Thank you.

I guess I did forget to mention that she is 9 years old. I also have a 6 year old.

Answer 1

look lady if you love your child you should have had ALL this info beofre you even began to consider your childs schooling. I am with DAD.

Answer 2

Two of the standardized tests I've looked at (and I've used one) are the ITBS (Iowa Test of Basic Skills) and the SAT (Stanford Acheivement Test, not the college one). However, you'll have to pay for them. You can order either of these from Bob Jones University Testing Services (see sources below).

I use the ITBS every year for my older son (started in 3rd grade), just to see if we're missing something major. ITBS give grade equivalents (which is not to say which grade level she's working at, but how another student in the grade-equivalent grade would do - so if she has a G.E. of 5.5, she did as well as a student halfway through 5th grade would do on HER 3rd grade test. - did that make sense?)

Your state may have tests that you are required to give her (ours doesn't, although I've been known to print old released copies of the TAKS test and see how he does).

HTH

Answer 3

Congratulations on caring about your kids enough to decide homeschooling is best! I'm not at that point yet, just starting with mine, but here's what I could find for you, I hope it helps.
http://www.test4free.com/
http://www.geocities.com/shawngunsgirl/test.html
http://www.christianhomeschoolers.com/hs_testing.html
http://www.hslda.com ---not sure if they have it here, I put in standardized tests and it brought up a few pages to scan through. If not, contact them and ask. They are a homeschoolers greatest source of info out there.




For those reading this who don't understand homeschooling, a lot of states don't require us to test our kids, because homeschooling is about learning and retention, not just test scores like public school. That's why we don't have this info on hand. Typically our kids excel over most in public school anyway, so we as parents aren't concerned. You'd be surprised what you can learn when your not locked in a classroom for 8 hours a day and are free to utilize all available, hands on sources. We get to see our kids progress every day, something we wouldn't be able to do if they were in school. Their grandpa doesn't get to see this, so it's only natural that he's concerned about their well-being.

Answer 4

I am also homeschooling my children. I am also looking for a way to prove to my dad that my kids are up to par. Thing is, I have realized that no matter the company or brand name or whatever, he's still not gonna' agree because it's just not what he believes is right. I have him do enough prognosis tests online to satisfy MY curiosity. Connections Academy, I think it's http://K12.com then click on Request Access to Placement Tests. Then you'll have to click on sign up or whatever and then they ask for info, but I did this a long time ago and have got VERY FEW e-mails from them. Like maybe 2 or 3. Of course, for my 6 year old, only math and language arts. I'm not sure about bigger kids. See, he was supposed to start Kindergarten Fall '05, but he turned 6 in January. He tested in the second semester of 1st grade in math. If he would've been in 'regular' school, he would just have graduated Kindergarten. That may not be much of a head start, but I know that I'm @ least doing AS WELL AS, maybe better than 'regular' school in ONE subject. Also, I have all the Magic School Bus on DVR and I used to watch certain episodes when doing certain subjects in science. However, Seth has elected to watch them soooo much that Saul (he's 4) has started to watch them.... and like them. They'll actually see something and say, "Yea... just like on the Magic School Bus." That alone, for me is enough to know that they're above and beyond their years in science. Actually correlating what they've seen to everyday experiences.

I could go on forever. I'm glad you 'LIKE' your kids, too.

Homeschooling isn't just about love, it's REALLY about LIKE!

Answer 5

Kudos for taking responsibility for schooling your child. It's up to the parents and not the government or the schools to teach kids.
You didn't mention the age/grade level of your child.
I had some links to some sample tests in this state (WA) but I can't find them right now, I will edit my answer when I find them.
Meanwhile these might be of some help.
http://www.schooloftomorrow.com/testing/
http://washva.org/our-curriculum/student-assessments.html