Testing can be a controversial topic in the homeschooling community. Some are all for it, while other’s are strongly against it. This post isn’t about whether you should or shouldn’t do testing. This is about the test option’s out there for those who have to administer a test by law for their state.
For example, I have to give a standardized test annually here in North Carolina. While a friend of mine who homeschools in Georgia, only has to test every three years starting at the end of third grade. Every state has their own set of rules about testing. Some can be strict while other’s don’t require any testing. So it’s definitely important to know your homeschool laws well! You can find your state’s laws here.
I will highlight several popular option’s for testing that many homeschool families use. It’s important to remember though, you must follow your states laws and it’s up to you to make sure these test options and any other out there will be sufficient for your state.
- Academic Excellence (CAT 5): This one I have personally used in the past years, and will probably continue to use. This is on the cheaper side and can be administered at home with timed or untimed versions and paper or online options as well. Academic Excellence is the website I used, but other sites include Seton Testing Services and Christian Liberty Press.
- MAP;NWEA: I’ve not personally used this one but I’ve heard great things about it. This one is supposed to give you great insight on how your child is doing academically. Homeschoolboss.com is a great site to use to access everything you need to get started.
- SAT: High School grade levels
- ACT: High School grade levels
- BASI (Basic Achievement Skills Inventory) Grades: 3-12: Brewer Testing Services
- Brigance Comprehensive Inventory of Basic Skills; Grades k-9: Curriculum Associates
- CLT; grades 3-12
- PASS (Personalized Achievement Summary System); grades 3-8: Hewitt Learning
- Woodcock Johnson: Must be professionally given by a qualified tester
- TerraNova (CAT 6) grades K-12: Seton Testing Services
- Stanford Achievement Test: Seton Testing Services, BJU Press Homeschool, Pearson
- IOWA form E; grades K-8: Seton Testing Services