Some states require standardized testing or some other form of yearly assessment for homeschooling students. Our state does not. However, through most of our homeschooling years, we chose to do standardized testing.
Nathan and Melanie have begun down a similar path. Last year I administered standardized testing for Abigail using Iowa Basic Skills that we get through Abekatesting.org. This year using the same, I administered standardized testing for Abigail (4th) and Bethany (2nd).
There is a sweet flow to that because for many years my parents administered standardized testing first to our children and the other children in our homeschool support group and eventually just for our children when the support group no longer offered the testing. Now I get to pass the blessing my parents gave my children on to my grandchildren.
Because of the girls’ grade levels, I can only administer the tests to one child at a time. Abby went first, and she was done in two days. Bethany followed in the same timing. We test for 2.5 to 3 hours with stand up stretching between tests and longer snack break in the middle.
Each granddaughter arrived at her testing with special mini-candy treats they know I like—Andes and York Mints.
After the testing, I give Melanie a report on how the girls did as far as working with the tests and working with me and things they said were hard for them when they had completed a test.
The feedback from Nathan and Melanie are that the girls really enjoyed the testing and Abigail was excited to do it again this year after last year’s experience. That makes me happy!
Trusting in Jesus,
Teri
“Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his
help, whose hope is in the LORD his God” (Psalm 146:5).
How wonderful that your daughters-in-law and grandchildren have you as a homeschooling resource!
It is my blessing!
Wow, this is so cool – the children and you are so beautiful, Teri. How the angels must rejoice at seeing God’s children so loved and blessed.
Keep up the work which means so much to me to watch and learn from! I really want the world to see that when we do things God’s way His name is honoured in the world’s sight too as people can see His hand at work and the beauty He works.
Thanks again Teri
I am very happy that the little pieces of our daily life can be an encouragement to you in walking in God’s ways. We have seen delightful fruit in our family, and thank the Lord continually for it!
I remember standardized testing days! It is so sweet that you proctor it for your grandchildren. I’m sure it makes the process special. The girls are growing up so fast!
My memory of standardized testing in public school was stress and dread. It brightens my day to have my grandchildren look forward to it and be excited about it.
The Iowa test is a good tool to see if kids are on track.
Agreed. We have used both Iowa Basic Skills and Stanford Achievement Tests in our homeschooling.
I will be giving Storm the standardized testing for the first time at the end of May. I’m thinking of going somewhere special, where we can have complete solitude during testing time. No phones, deliveries, dogs barking. A luxuary of having an only child.
By the way, Abigail is growing and gaining on you Teri!
Blessings
J
Johnna, that sounds like a great get away for you and Stormie. That is an advantage of me giving the tests at our house – quiet. But still as you said, Ellie could bark, the doorbell rings if there is a delivery, and sometimes conversations get loud. I even had to remember to turn my notification sounds off on my phone and computer.
Wow has Abby shot up! She could pass for a 13 year old.
Abby will be 10 in May, and she is tall for her age.
Awww… sweet time. Abby look so mature for her age – only 4th grade? I did a CAT test a few years ago and did real well. 🙂
Good for you, Alanna, although that doesn’t surprise me! Abby not only looks mature, but she is mature and has a servant’s heart. Abby and her siblings were here for dinner Friday night when her parents were at the homeschool convention. After they ate and without being asked, Abby got up and started drying dishes for me.