If you’re looking for info on standardized tests for homeschoolers, you’re probably motivated by a) state requirements and/or b) a desire to know how your student ‘measures up’. Here’s a basic primer on:

  • Who needs to test.
  • How to test.
  • What to do with the results.
  • And finally, whether those results really matter.

Note: I’ve included a list of resources at the bottom of this post.

Who’s Required to Test

Some states require standardized tests, others give a choice between testing and submitting a portfolio, and still others have no formal assessment requirements. No matter where you live, your state’s department of education website will outline what you need to do.

You’ll also want to check in with your local school district. If your state requires testing, your local school district will more than likely want a copy of the results.

Colorado

From the Colorado Department of Education’s website:

“Students that are participating in a home school program must have academic progress evaluated in grades 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11.  Students can take a nationally standardized achievement test or a qualified person, as described in C.R.S. 22-33-104.5(3)(f), can be selected by the parent to evaluate the student’s academic progress.” 

Which Standardized Test for Homeschoolers?

I’ve always used the California Achievement Test, simply because it was recommended by another homeschooler when I was starting out. Back then, we received the tests in the mail, returned them by mail, and then waited for the results… by mail. It was slow, but it worked just fine.

Now, the testing is online and the results are ready immediately. I go through Academic Excellence – the test is $25 plus an extra $3 for the premium scoring which is required in Colorado. I don’t pay for the extras – a practice test or educational recommendations based on the results – although you can if you want.

Here in Colorado, you can use the California Achievement Test (or any other accepted standardized test) for grades 3, 5, 7, and 9. In 11th grade, you can continue to use a standardized test or have your student take the ACT or SAT. For these, you sign your student up online and they take it at a local testing site.

Other tests that are widely accepted are the Stanford Achievement and Iowa Tests.

If your child needs special accommodations for testing or would do better with an assessment by a qualified professional, check with your school district or your state’s department of education to determine the specific guidelines you need to follow. And then, as always, ask other homeschoolers you know for recommendations.

When to Test

It’s important to note that a test given in January of 5th grade will be scored differently than a test given in May of 5th grade. In other words, there’s not usually a benefit to waiting until the end of the year. So, plan ahead and do it when it works best for your family.

I prefer to test in February. We get it done early and I’m all set to submit the test results with our letter of intent for the next school year.

It’s nice if you can spread the testing out over several days, especially when they’re young. You have a full week for your students to complete all the sections of the California Achievement Test.

Preparation

My advice? Don’t make a big deal out of these tests. Just tell your students to do their best and set aside a quiet area for them to test in a relaxed manner. Being comfortable with standardized tests can only be an asset to your child as they move forward.

Remember, these tests aren’t going to cover all the amazing things you do in your homeschooling. They do provide a very general sense of whether your child is on track, but they don’t define your child or your teaching skills.

If you’re stressed about testing, then this might help – you’re not required to report poor scores. You can always have your child retest if necessary… although personally, I’d hate to waste more time on testing. There’s no need to get a perfect score. The only test scores that ‘count’ are the SAT or ACT in 11th grade.

By the way… Colorado homeschool law only requires your child to test in the 13th percentile. And that’s something I don’t broadcast to my non-homeschool friends because it seems like a pretty low bar for us homeschoolers.

Perspective

For many public schoolers, it’s hard to imagine a life not defined by frequent standardized tests. For homeschoolers, it can be difficult to bring the tests into our homeschool bubble.

As homeschoolers, we know that the test results don’t show the big picture. Exceptional or below average, the scores don’t predict the ending to our homeschool story. They only tell us what’s happening in one chapter or perhaps even just a few pages of our homeschool lives. Our student’s true stories are written over the days, months, and years that we homeschool.

Helpful Links:

List of states that require testing

Colorado Department of Education Homeschool Information

Jeffco Public Schools Homeschool Information (Jefferson County, CO)

Academic Excellence Achievement Tests

Green Mountain Area Homeschoolers (Lakewood, CO homeschool support)