Iced Jamb

Can a homeschool mom test her own kids at home with IOWA or Stanford test?

by

At the end of the school year, many homeschool parents begin thinking about standardized tests for their students. Since these are not required for Arizona homeschoolers, the choice to test is optional. Often, families want the information as a benchmark, a measure of progress, or to quell the doubts of family members about the value of homeschooling.

The most common tests that homeschoolers take are the IOWA and the Stanford. Both assess the students knowledge in the language arts array, math skills, science, social studies and reference materials such as maps, charts, dictionaries and encyclopedia use. Other tests, such as college entrance or placement instruments, may be required with the college application.

For those who want a standardized assessment, a few options are available.

  • Covenant Home School Resource Center annually offers the IOWA test in the spring and again on June 7 and 8, 2011.
  • Qualified parents may test their own children at home through Bob Jones University Press (BJUP).
    *IOWA test: Complete and application with proof of one of the following:
    Bachelor of Arts or Science degree or
    Teacher certification from a state department of education, certifying you to teach in a public school or other
    conventional school or

    Verification you are or have been a full-time academic classroom teacher in a conventional school (not a
    homeschool)
    *Stanford Test: Complete and application with proof of one of the following:

    Bachelor of Arts or Science degree and
    • Fulfill either of the following training obligations:

    Have experience and/or training in administering standardized achievement tests or

    View the Stanford Administrator’s Training DVD available from BJU Press Testing & Evaluation

  • Parents may set up an individual or group test session at a convenient time or location with a qualified person who is set up with BJUP to administer their tests.

  • A private assessment may be set up with a qualified educator.

Find out more information about the reasons for or advantages of standardized testing for homeschool students.

********************************

Do you want to stay connected with more Phoenix Homeschooling Examiner articles? Subscribe to this column and get an email notice when new articles are posted. Be an examiner and get paid to write about your passion

Related