TO TEST OR NOT TO TEST
This page is not intended to debate this issue. Every homeschool parent has different views on testing. If your children are in public school, it is not an option to postpone testing. Here, we offer insight into the topic of test preparation for those who have children being tested, whether at home or in school.
Many children's performance on their tests are a direct result of their own preconceived expectations from parents and/or teachers. I realize with full classrooms, teachers surely have their jobs cut out for them. What a tremendous task to attempt to ensure all their students receive an equal education and score well on basic skills exams, as well. I know some very fine teachers who have shared their difficulties in this endeavor. Not being in their shoes, I won't attempt to speak for them except to encourage them to ask parents to be involved in test prep from home after school, on weekends and throughout the summer months.
Having raised several children, however, I will share from my own experience regarding testing. I, personally, recommend postponing organized homeschool testing for several years until upper elementary or even middle school (grades 6-8) for some. For testing lower elementary (grades 3-5), I prefer utilizing at-home basic skills testing through a teacher-certified friend or a home testing service for two reasons. One, the atmosphere can be more relaxed. Two, it eases the pressure to perform. Although these tests are timed, emphasis does not have to be placed as noticeably on this aspect of testing when at home. The results come directly to you, the parent. It helps the parent evaluate his/her job of teaching the subject areas, giving insights into the following year's curriculum selection. It also enables a parent to determine the child's actual academic level more accurately before he engages in organized testing.
Some parents are very zealous about testing. Some are very relaxed. We have found a healthy in-between outlook. Whether at school or home, the key to test prep communication with your child is this: encouragement without emphasis on high scores. The fact is, your child will do his best with your encouragement to do so. That's all you can expect of him anyway. Right? Emphasizing high scores can only put undo stress on children when the timer starts, thus lessening their chances of performing to the best of their abilities and consequently skewing their scores. This is not to convey that we don't do our very best to provide the education they should have to accomplish high scores. On the other hand, lack of encouragement can lead to poor, or no, motivation to do his best in any child.
You know your child the most. You know what brings a smile to his face. You know what makes him drop his chin. Express encouragement to him in a way you know will motivate him. Then, when the results come in, smile as you praise his efforts. We all have strengths and weaknesses -- even adults. Our children are currently in the educational stage of their lives. Acknowledge the academic strengths he has shown, and how well he has learned those topics this year. Share your desire to help him with the weakness made evident by the test results. Purpose to be involved in the coming year to work with him in those areas of his studies.
If enrolled in a school, you may help your child be prepared by administering at-home diagnostic exams. You may also bring his test scores in, and we will help you find materials to enhance his education this year in the weaker subject areas. Then set an evening aside each week (or, in the case of math facts, every day) to work with him on test improvements.
If you homeschool, evaluate which subject areas were not included thoroughly enough in your curriculum choices the prior year. Take those test results and begin working on the weaknesses the day school begins in the fall. If you are using complete curriculum most subject areas should be included, but some commonly are not included enough to score well on exams. Those commonly are: social studies, referencing, map skills and math facts speed. Note: If you use a non-conventional homeschooling method, some subject areas that are tested may not be covered at all. If this is the case, and your children are young, consider postponing testing until your children are older and your curriculum is covering these areas more thoroughly. Supplementing them is always a good option, too. If you have older children, it is a good idea to prepare them for the world of basic skills testing. As they get older, they will face important tests and can be better prepared this way. Just cover the tested areas separately if they are not included in your non-conventional curriculum. We have a list of them at the store.
Whether you test with a group in school or order home tests, we have excellent preparation materials for you. When taking a diagnostic exam (not to be confused with a basic skills exam), remind your student to only answer the questions he knows and to not guess at any answers. Diagnostics are for the purpose of determining what we know or don't know. They are not intended to be graded for high scores only. There is no need to time them. Allow students to take breaks when needed.
