The Yardstick: Standardized Testing

Cornell Notes

Main Notes

Standardized tests are described as 'necessary evils' in homeschooling
Tests may not accurately measure knowledge or align with curriculum
Test-taking skills require specific practice
Standardized tests serve as an equalizer due to varying grading standards
High SAT scores can open many opportunities for high school seniors
Advanced Placement (AP) tests can provide college credit
Students with strong foundational skills and wide reading habits tend to test well
Annual testing may be required for homeschoolers in some states
Regular testing can help students become comfortable with standardized exams
Various options exist for test administration, including at private schools, self-administration, or professional testing sites
Preparation for tests should include familiarization with test-taking techniques
Parents' attitude towards tests can affect a child's anxiety level
Sample tests can be useful for preparation
Tests often include material beyond the child's grade level to identify gifted students
Poor test performance may have various causes, including illness or test anxiety
Most states allow a second year to show progress if initial results are poor
Portfolio-based assessments can be an alternative to standardized tests
Continuous test practice can help reduce test anxiety over time
Test results can be used to identify areas needing more study
Professional evaluation may be necessary for consistently poor performance in specific skills
New test types like PAM and PAL require written explanations for answers
AP and CLEP exams can earn college credit for high school students
High AP and CLEP scores can improve college admission chances for homeschoolers
The College Board offers 34 CLEP exams and AP exams in 20 areas of study
PSAT, SAT, and ACT are crucial for college-bound students
Extensive preparation is recommended for these tests, including daily practice with review guides
The PSAT also serves as a qualifying exam for National Merit Scholarships
SAT II subject tests can validate a homeschooler's high school transcript
The ACT is an alternative to the SAT but not as widely accepted
Various resources are available for ordering and administering standardized tests at home

Cue Column

What are the pros and cons of standardized testing for homeschoolers?
How do standardized tests serve as an equalizer in education?
What are the benefits of regular standardized testing for homeschoolers?
What options are available for administering standardized tests to homeschoolers?
How should parents prepare their children for standardized tests?
What should be done if a child performs poorly on a standardized test?
How can portfolio-based assessments complement or replace standardized tests?
What are the differences between PAM/PAL tests and traditional standardized tests?
How can AP and CLEP exams benefit homeschooled high school students?
What resources does the College Board offer for exam preparation?
Why are the PSAT, SAT, and ACT important for college-bound students?
How should homeschoolers prepare for college admission tests?
What is the significance of the PSAT for National Merit Scholarships?
How do SAT II subject tests differ from the main SAT, and why are they important for homeschoolers?
What are the key differences between the SAT and ACT?
How can homeschoolers register for and take the PSAT?
What strategies can help reduce test anxiety in students?
How can standardized test results be used to improve homeschool education?
What role do standardized tests play in college admissions for homeschoolers?
How can homeschoolers balance test preparation with their regular curriculum?

Summary

This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of standardized testing in the context of homeschooling. It acknowledges the controversial nature of these tests, describing them as 'necessary evils' that have both drawbacks and benefits. The text emphasizes that while standardized tests may not always accurately reflect a student's knowledge or align perfectly with homeschool curricula, they serve as a crucial equalizer in education due to varying grading standards across different educational settings.

The chapter offers practical advice for homeschooling parents on how to approach standardized testing. It suggests various methods for test administration, including self-administration at home, testing at private schools, or using professional testing services. The importance of preparing students for these tests is stressed, with recommendations for using sample tests, teaching test-taking strategies, and maintaining a calm attitude to reduce student anxiety.

A significant portion of the text is dedicated to discussing specific tests that are particularly relevant for homeschoolers, especially those planning to attend college. These include the PSAT, SAT, ACT, AP exams, and CLEP tests. The chapter provides detailed information on how these tests can benefit homeschoolers, including opportunities for scholarships and college credit.

The authors also address potential challenges, such as poor test performance, and offer solutions like retesting, appealing for alternative assessments, or seeking professional evaluation for consistent difficulties. They emphasize the importance of using test results constructively to identify areas needing more focus in the homeschool curriculum.

Overall, the chapter presents standardized testing as a tool that, when used wisely, can validate homeschool education, prepare students for future academic challenges, and open doors to higher education opportunities. It encourages a balanced approach that incorporates test preparation into the homeschool curriculum without allowing it to dominate the educational experience.

Action Items

- Contact state home-school organization
- Inquire about testing frequency requirements
- Identify acceptable tests
- Consider private school testing for older children
- Administer the test yourself for K-4 students
- Utilize a professional testing site
- Use a basic guide to standardized test-taking
- Practice with sample tests
- Explain test content to child, including material beyond grade level
- Schedule test 3-4 months before state deadline
- Prepare for retesting if necessary
- Consider portfolio-based assessment as an alternative
- Target weak areas for additional study
- Consult professional evaluator for consistent poor performance
- Begin PSAT/SAT/ACT preparation in 10th grade
- Study review guides daily
- Administer practice tests under test conditions
- Take PSAT in fall of junior year
- Register for SAT no later than January of senior year
- Consider taking SAT II subject tests
- Research exam options on College Board website
- Obtain practice exams and review books
- Prepare several hours per week before the exam

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