I’m going to be writing a series of posts about testing homeschoolers. This first post is a list and some basic information about mail-in testing services.
But let me comment on a couple of things first:
1. Check with your state requirements for homeschool testing.
I live in Arizona where there are absolutely no requirements for standardized or achievement testing. I do choose to test my children because:
- I do operate my homeschool as “college prep” meaning I do anticipate that my children will go on to college.
- Because of this, test taking skills are very important (preparing for the PSAT, SAT, and ACT).
- I also want an idea of how they compare to other students.
- I want to see how they preform in the different subjects to give me an idea of what I need to concentrate on in their homeschooling.
- I want to make sure my homeschool isn’t lacking something. For example, the first time I had my older two tested, they both underperformed in map skills. This indicates I need to include more map skills in my homeschool.
Other states have very specific testing requirements for homeschoolers so you will need to check with your state requirements before looking at any of the following resources.
2. Check what testing services are offered by your local homeschool support organizations
Many tests require specific testing guidelines for proctors and sometimes group rates can be cheaper. The organization will also be sure your student is in a proper test taking setting such as having plenty of desk or table space and making sure it is quiet.
Mail-in Standardized and Achievement Tests Services Available for Homeschoolers
This tests can be administered at home by a parent without special degree requirements:
Family Learning Organization (FLO)
http://www.familylearning.org/testing.html
CAT/5 (Complete Battery)
Grades: K-12
Special requirements to administer? No
Pricing: $37
Timing: All materials must be returned within 2 weeks of receipt
Basic Achievement Skills Inventory (BASI)
Grades: 3-12
Special requirements to administer? No
Pricing: $37
Timing: All materials must be returned within 2 weeks of receipt
Thurber’s Educational Assessments
http://thurbers.net/thurbers.net/About_CAT_5.html
CAT/5 (Survey and Complete Battery)
Grades: K-12
Special requirements to administer? No
Pricing: $50
Timing: There are very specific testing weeks in the spring you order for. Check their website.
Bayside School Services
http://www.baysideschoolservices.com/
CAT/5 (Survey and Complete Battery)
Grades: K-12
Special requirements to administer? No
Pricing: $60 ($45 if ordered by Feb 1st, $50 if ordered by Apr 1st)
Timing: 1 week to return tests once they have been received, scores are returned within 8 weeks
Seton Testing Services
http://www.setontesting.com/default.php
CAT-E (older test)
Grades: K-12
Special requirements to administer? No
Pricing: $25
Timing: All materials must be returned within 2 weeks of receipt
The Sycamore Tree
http://www.mailordercentral.com/sycamoretree/products.asp?dept=177
Terra Nova (CTBS)
Grades: K-12
Special requirements to administer? No
Pricing: $50 ($100 fee if tests are not returned)
Timing: Can only be ordered Mar 1st-Apr 30th or Jun 1st-Jul 31st
There are special requirements for test administrators for the following tests:
BJU Press
http://www.bjupress.com/testing/
Stanford (http://www.bjupress.com/testing/stanford.php)
Grades: K-12
Special requirements to administer:
1.Bachelor’s degree
2.Experience or training in test administration or have viewed our Test Administrator’s Training DVD (available to order online)
3.Be listed with us as a pre-approved Stanford tester, which requires a one-time completion of an application and your agreement with the information contained in the companion brochure.
Pricing: $44/test (10% discount if ordered between Sept 1st – Nov 1st and returned by Dec 30th)
ITBS®/ITED® (IOWA) (http://www.bjupress.com/testing/iowa.php)
Grades: K-12
Special requirements to administer:
1.Bachelor’s degree
2.Completed application (on BJU site)
Pricing: $44/test (there are also addition testing services such as the CogAT you can for fees up to $80)
