Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

If I know I want my children to take standardized testing, how do I know which test they should take? HSLDA President Mike Smith gives you some tips on today's Home School Heartbeat.

Mike Smith:
Many homeschooling families decide that standardized testing is the easiest and least intrusive method of evaluating their children. Even if it is not required by state law, many feel that having their children take standardized tests assures them that their children are progressing at least as well as their public school counterparts. Others believe that since standardized testing is so widely used in the world today, that it's best that their children get used to taking such tests as early as possible.


So if you've decided you need or want to have your children tested but don't know which test to use, consider the following advice from homeschool veteran and education consultant Gayle Graham.


First, ask yourself if the test will give you the information you need. For a test to be helpful it must have content validity, meaning it should mirror or close-to mirror the content that you covered.


Second, does the test make the best use of your time and resources? Generally these tests are designed for big groups of students making them more expensive for individuals.


And finally, is this test situation best for your child? Test formats vary. Some children have more difficulty with some formats. Know the format and situation before you agree to any particular test.


Again, these decisions must be made with your state regulations in mind. Certain states require that homeschool children take specific tests. HSLDA would be happy to send you a copy of your state's requirements. Just call the number given at the end of the program. And until next time, I'm Mike Smith.