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Academic Testing Homeschool Style | |
It’s that time of the year – we’re winding things down for this school year and thinking ahead to the next one. There are reasons a family decides to have their child tested to determine “academic progress”. The following links will bring you to either free, or very low cost, testing sites that other homeschoolers have used for years. Connecticut homeschool parents are not mandated by law to force academic testing on their children.
Should they be? No. Why not? The homeschool community has a plethora of tests available to them. Many, though not all, are offered by curriculum publishers; many are free to low cost. Most importantly, homeschooling parents already know where their children are at academically to a large degree. They study their subject matter, and would not pass on to the next topic, or concept, unless they had already mastered the one they're working on. That's a large reason that proficiency is so high among homeschooled children.
Please note that these tests may be aligned with Common Core Standards. Many homeschoolers are not limited to those 'standards', and often exceed them. Let's look at the options available. It is quite impressive.
When it comes to college planning, 2-year colleges rarely want anything more than a homeschooled students diploma, which the parents confer. 4-year universities may want SAT/ACT test scores, or an essay from the homeschooler discussing why they are interested in that university, and what they have done during high school, they may want a high school transcript which is easy enough to develop. To see CHN's PowerPoint on transcript development, view here. Scroll to the bottom of the page.
Before you look at the testing/assessment options, you might also want to consider the issue of working online versus the old-fashioned pencil to paper way of learning. Article: The Benefits of Learning With Pen and Paper. Link here
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| General Academic Assessments | |
Internet 4 Classrooms Internet4classrooms boasts an invaluable stash of assessment exams, particularly for high school students. The tests are divided by grade level for first through eighth grade. These tests are across grade levels and subject areas. It also includes SAT information. Link here.
The PASS Test was developed specifically for home schoolers. It has certain similarities to other achievement tests in that it measures student achievement in the subjects of reading, language, and mathematics. The test can be ordered for an individual homeschooled student. Small fee.
Link here
Seton Testing Service
Offering IOWA, Stanford 10 Online, Terra Nova 2, Cat E Survey testing.
Link here
BJU Testing For Homeschoolers
Read up on the variety of tests that your homeschooler can take and what is required. They offer IOWA and Stanford Assessments. There is also an option for the CagAT (Cognitive Abilities Test) Link here
Free Assessments in Various Subject Areas MAP Online Testing
Our online homeschool testing encompasses math, reading, language usage, and science options. Tests are nationally normed & standardized, and 100% done at home.
Link here
Calvert General Education Placement Tests (secular) "Whether transitioning your child from a traditional school or starting his homeschooling journey in kindergarten, it's important to first test your child's academic abilities. Not only can you avoid the possibility of learning gaps (a problem that occurs because concepts are not uniformly presented at the same time within all curricula), but you can also determine if your child is being challenged too little or too much. For instance, your 5th grade homeschooler may be at his grade level for science and history but need a 3rd grade level for English and/or a 6th grade level for math. Determine your child's placement level with our free diagnostic tests!"
Link here
STAAR Released Test Questions Even if you don't live in Texas, STAAR offers previously released test questions from the Texas standardized tests, which can be useful practice material. "TEA releases two types of test questions for STAAR—test forms and sample questions. A free, screen-based test form is a set of released test questions previously administered together to Texas students and reflects the STAAR test blueprints. Sample test questions are small subsets of test questions released from the STAAR test banks. These test questions may have been previously administered."
Link here
K5 Learning
"We believe it's important for teachers and parents to have access to tools to help identify skill areas that individual students need to work on. It's common for kids to find themselves at different skill levels in different topic areas within the same subject (e.g. strong in shapes and geometry but poor doing math facts). These free, online math and reading assessments can help focus study time to where it is most needed."
Link here
EDinformatics: This site offers a variety of educational resources, including free, screen-based placement tests in general subject areas. Connecticut has aligned with the Smarter Balanced Assessment System (SBAC). The Smarter Balanced summative assessments are aligned to Common Core State Standards in English language arts/literacy and mathematics. A summative assessment administered to students in Grades 3 through 8 and 11 consists of two parts: a computer adaptive test and performance tasks. This assessment can be used to describe student achievement and growth of student learning as part of program evaluation and school, district, and state accountability systems.
Link here
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Kindergarten Readiness Assessment This free, screen-based assessment is specifically designed for pre-kindergarten children to gauge their readiness for kindergarten. It covers basic skills expected at this educational stage, such as letter recognition and counting. Math and reading readiness are tested. Download the tests to take or, use the free practice tests first.
Link here
Alpha and Omega Reading and Kindergarten Readiness Assessments "Beginning kindergarten is a major milestone, and it’s important to know whether your child is ready. From social and emotional skills to early math and literacy skills, learn about today’s readiness recommendations and then download the free, screen-based assessment to evaluate your child’s kindergarten readiness."
Link here
Tutorified Kindergarten Readiness Assessment This free, online assessment is specifically designed for pre-kindergarten children to gauge their readiness for kindergarten. It covers basic skills expected at this educational stage, such as letter recognition and counting. Math and reading readiness are tested. Download the tests to take or, use the free practice tests first.
Link here
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MATH AND SCIENCE
Physics
Features one or more of the following for testing: online, multiple choice, write-in answers, some tests print and take with parents grading from given answer keys.
Link here
Math-U-See
offers a math placement test for those interested in switching from a traditional math book like Saxon to the manipulatives-based Math-U-See program. You’re not obligated to use Math-U-See, though you may decide to. Link here
Traditional Math This is a traditional Textbook based math curriculum that covers Kindergarten through Advanced Mathematics. You can determine where your children will need to start with the free printable placement tests for their curriculum. While these placement tests are featured on Sonlight’s website you can purchase Saxon math at various places online after completing the free placement test.
Link here
Thinkwell Homeschool
offers free testing for 6th, 7th, Pre-Al, Algebra 1, Geometry and Algebra 2 placement tests.
In addition, they also offer free online course subscriptions for 14 days. You’ll find samples for all of the math courses listed above and much more! Link here
Math Mammoth These free diagnostic tests help you discover your child or student's level in math, and to find out EXACTLY where they have gaps (if any). They are end-of-year (EOY) tests — in other words, meant to be taken AFTER studying the particular grade.
Link here
Learn Math Fast: A free, downloadable, screen-based, free math test that gives immediate results. There is a video that can be viewed prior to the test. This is to be used as a math placement test.
Link here
Saxon Math: "My Math Assistant is a free online Saxon Math companion website providing video lessons, online grading and math facts practice designed to promote independence and self-learning with Saxon Math. We have developed free and fully online Saxon Math placement tests to aid you in placing your child into the correct Saxon Math book."
Link here
Singapore Math
Discover what grade your children need to start math with using Singapore’s free placement tests for Grades 1-5. They also feature free math practice options for each grade from 1-5.
Link here
Teaching Textbooks
Teaching Textbooks offers free placement tests for all of their math curriculum from Grade 3 through Pre-Calculus. Their curriculum is available on CD-Rom, Textbook and Online.
Link here
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CHRISTIAN CURRICULUM TESTS
Alpha Omega
While the freedom to work across grade levels in chosen subjects is a homeschooling advantage, it’s also important to identify your child’s current abilities so you can choose the curriculum that will best meet their needs. AOP aims to enhance your effectiveness as a teacher and foster academic advancement and enjoyment. To ensure accurate placement in our Christian homeschool curriculum, we offer free placement tests for LIFEPAC and Horizons. Link here
Sonlight Reading Tests for Grade Levels K-4
Sonlight offers a quick reading assessment to help parents see where their children are in their reading abilities. Sonlight uses 'trade books', your child can take the assessment, and you can get a good idea of the level of literature she should be reading by looking at Sonlight's corresponding list.
Link here
Horizons & LifePac
Horizons and LifePac tests are available here for download. There are free printable placement tests for Bible, History/Geography, Language Arts, Math, and Science covering Grades 1-8 and 7-12.
Link here
BJU
Bob Jones University offers free math placement tests for 3rd, 4th and 5th grade here. These skill assessments feature over 100 questions to help determine the correct grade level for your student.
Link here
Sonlight
"Known for its literature-based curriculum, Sonlight offers various free samples and placement tests to gauge where your child might fit within their extensive reading and language
arts programs. Which placement tests should you take? If you’re just getting started with homeschooling, considering changing up your homeschool curriculum, or simply trying
to determine a grade or placement level, our free homeschool placement tests are for you!"
Link here
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LANGUAGE ARTS: READING & SPELLING
All About Learning (Reading and Spelling)
All About Reading is a multisensory program that has your students learn through sight, sound and touch. All About Spelling is a scripted, open and go program.
Be sure to have your student take both free placement tests for both their reading and spelling curriculums. Link here
Pioneer Valley Books Reading Assessment: Free, Leveled Reading Assessment (LRA) is a simple and quick, screen-based, free assessment tool designed to help teachers and parents select books at the appropriate reading level that will help their students grow as readers and thinkers. Link here
Easy Grammar
There are 2 free placement tests available from Easy Grammar; Elementary and Middle/High School.
Link here
Learning Language Arts Through Literature
If you’re looking for a complete language arts program and your children enjoy literature, be sure to check out Learning Language Arts Through Literature. You’ll find placement tests for LLATL starting with 1st grade through high school.
Link here
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ELEMENTARY GRADE TESTING
Timberdoodle K-8
If you’re looking for an all-in-one homeschool curriculum kit option for your students, this is a great company to look into for K-8 tests in reading, spelling and math. They offer curriculum kits (and free homeschool placement tests) from Early Education through 8th grade.
Link here
The Brilliant Homeschool
This all-inclusive homeschool curriculum written by certified teachers offers free homeschool placement tests for Preschool through 3rd Grade.
Link here
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SAT TEST PREP
SAT Practice Tests While not specifically a homeschool placement test, practicing SAT questions can provide insight into college readiness and can be a good higher-level academic assessment. Covers general curriculum knowledge in various subjects and is free and online.
Link here
Registering for the SAT as a Homeschooled Student
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Create a College Board Account: Visit the College Board website to create a free account.
- High School Code: During registration, when prompted for your high school code, enter 970000. This code identifies you as a homeschooled student.
- Test Center Selection: Choose a test center and date that works best for you.
- Payment: Pay the registration fee or apply a fee waiver if eligible.
- Photo Upload: Upload a recent photo that meets College Board's requirements.
Fee Waivers for Homeschoolers
Homeschooled students from low-income families may be eligible for fee waivers. To obtain one:
- Option 1: Contact a local high school counselor to request a fee waiver code.
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Option 2: Submit the SAT Fee Waiver Request Form directly to the College Board.
Ensure you provide proof of income eligibility, such as tax records or proof of enrollment in an aid program.
Taking the SAT School Day as a Homeschooled Student
Some school districts offer the SAT during the school day, known as SAT School Day. If you're interested:
- Contact Local Schools: Reach out to participating schools or district offices at least four weeks before the testing window begins to be included.
- Provide Information: Be prepared to share your name, date of birth, and indicate that you're homeschooled.
- Test Day: On test day, you'll receive your Bluebook™ sign-in information from the participating school.
Note that homeschooled students are considered "away students" and must coordinate with a participating school to register.
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
If you have a documented disability and require accommodations 7 weeks in advance:
- Request Directly: You can submit a request directly to the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) at the College Board.
- Provide Documentation: Ensure you provide appropriate documentation to support your request.
Preparation Resources
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Official SAT Practice: Use Khan Academy for personalized practice plans.
- Bluebook App: Download the Bluebook™ app to familiarize yourself with the digital testing format.
- Practice Tests: Take full-length practice tests to build confidence and identify areas for improvement.
College Planning for Homeschoolers
The College Board offers resources to assist homeschoolers in the college planning process:
- BigFuture: Access tools to research colleges, explore careers, and plan for financial aid.
- Scholarships: Homeschooled students are eligible for various scholarships, including BigFuture Scholarships.
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STANFORD AND IOWA TESTS
IOWA Assessments
The Iowa Assessment/ITBS is one of the most frequently administered academic achievement tests for admission to a Gifted and Talented Program. ITBS practice test questions from Kindergarten through Eighth Grade and Iowa Assessments Form E practice test questions from Third Grade through Eighth Grade. Link here
Stanford Tests Grades 4-8
This is an older version of the test. Link here
Stanford-10 Practice Tests
Early elementary grades only Link here
Stanford Testing all grades
From free to $60 per test, depending on which test it is; many options. Link here
WHAT ARE CLEP EXAMS?
College Level Examination Program allows students to save time and money for knowledge already gained. For a modest fee, students can take an exam for 3-6 college credits. The exams take a few hours. Many colleges accept up to 1 year of CLEP exam credits which is a huge time and money savings.
The details on how to take the exams, what subjects are availble for testing out of (hundreds), and what colleges accept CLEP credits (many). See for yourself about this viable option!
Link here
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ACT TEST PREP
Homeschooled students can take the ACT at designated testing centers, just like traditionally schooled students. The process involves registering online through the ACT website, selecting a test center (typically a high school or college), and following the registration instructions. Homeschoolers can enter the universal homeschool high school code (969999) when prompted during registration.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Register Online: Visit the ACT website and create an account.
- Choose a Test Center: Select a local high school or college that offers the ACT.
- Enter School Code: When prompted, enter the homeschool high school code (969999).
- Print Admission Ticket: Download and print your admission ticket, which will contain details about your test date, time, and location.
- Test Day: Bring your admission ticket, a valid photo ID, and any required materials (like a calculator) to the test center.
- Accommodations: If you require accommodations (e.g., extra time), you can apply through the ACT website. Homeschoolers may need to provide additional documentation to support their accommodation request.
Important Considerations for Homeschoolers:
The ACT is offered several times a year. Check the ACT website for available test dates and deadlines. Homeschoolers can use various resources for test prep, including practice tests, online courses, and tutoring. If you plan to apply for college using your ACT scores, you may need to enroll in a high school, even if you are homeschooled, to obtain a transcript. Homeschoolers can use various resources for test prep, including practice tests, online courses, and tutoring. If you have a diagnosed learning disability or other condition that requires accommodations, you can request them through the ACT website. College admissions offices generally treat homeschoolers the same as traditionally schooled students.
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CREATE YOUR OWN TEST MAKER
EasyTest Maker is a free, online test generator to help you create and manage your tests! Create, print and publish your tests online! EasyTestMaker makes it easy for you to perfectly format multiple question types, print alternate versions, and publish to the web for online tests. Online tests are automatically graded!"
Link here
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