Those darn standardized tests...
I don't know about you, but one of the many reasons we homeschool is for the freedom. We don't test here in this house. Maybe down the road in High School, I'm still unsure. But as for now, in younger grades... no. Unfortunately, we live in a state where we must do a standardized test yearly.
As much as I'd axe this yearly test, I will say- our state is a very lenient easy going state (North Carolina), so, I can't complain too much.
When my oldest was in public school (K, and 1st), she was tested so much! I could not believe it. I couldn't believe the homework either. Its WAY too much for kids their age. She would be so frustrated and anxious, I was getting frustrated and anxious, it was a complete nightmare. So when I decided to start homeschool, I knew in my mind, the testing was gone for good.
In the state of NC - "In accordance with G.S. 115C-564, the home school chief administrator is required to administer a nationally standardized test or other nationally standardized equivalent measurement to each enrolled student on an annual basis. The nationally standardized test or other equivalent measurement selected by the chief administrator must measure achievement in the areas of English grammar, reading, spelling and mathematics. The chief administrator is responsible for securing and scheduling the nationally standardized test. The test results must be kept on file at the home school for at least one year thereafter. Failure to retain test results may jeopardize your child's proper grade placement when seeking enrollment in a conventional school. The test results must also be made available for annual inspection upon request by a DNPE staff member."
With that said, someone had mentioned Academic Excellence - CAT test, and that they had an untimed version. Well, BAM... exactly what I was looking for. That was the test we used that year, and that has been the test we continue to use. I love the fact that it's not timed, my kids are young and cannot sit still doing this kind of testing without starting to fidget and get extremely frustrated. So, we use the Academic Excellence UNTIMED CAT test, and break it up into 2 or 3 days. Everyone is happy.
Here is my recommendation for the end of year testing.
USE CODE FIRSTCAT to only pay $20!
Please let me know how you like it!
