Ah, standardized tests—the words alone can send a shiver down the spine of both parents and kids alike. But for homeschool families, navigating the world of standardized testing can feel even more daunting. Do you have to take them? How do you prepare? And what role do they play in your child’s education (and future)?
Don’t worry—you’ve got this! Let’s break down everything homeschool families need to know about standardized testing, from the why and when to the how and what tests are out there.
1. Do Homeschoolers Have to Take Standardized Tests?
The answer? It depends. Homeschooling laws vary widely depending on where you live, so the first thing to do is check the regulations in your state or country. Some places require homeschoolers to take standardized tests periodically, while others don’t. In many cases, you’ll have the option to choose how to assess your child’s academic progress, whether that’s through testing, a portfolio review, or a different method.
Action Steps:
- Check your state’s homeschool laws: Each state has different requirements, so head to your local Department of Education’s website or consult a homeschool organization to understand what’s required of you.
- Ask yourself if it’s useful: Even if standardized testing isn’t required in your area, it can still be a useful tool to gauge your child’s progress in certain subjects and help you plan for the future (especially if college is on the horizon).
2. Why Take Standardized Tests?
Standardized tests serve a few different purposes, even for homeschoolers. Let’s break it down:
- Assessing Progress: Standardized tests can provide a benchmark to see how your child compares to grade-level expectations or other students their age. It’s one way to make sure your child is on track, especially if you plan to transition back to traditional school or prepare for college.
- College Admissions: If your child plans to apply to college, tests like the SAT or ACT are often required. These scores help admissions offices evaluate homeschool applicants alongside traditional students.
- State Requirements: As mentioned, some states require periodic standardized testing as part of homeschool reporting. Knowing where your child stands academically can make reporting easier and give you peace of mind.
Key Takeaway: While not always mandatory, standardized testing can offer helpful insights into your child’s academic strengths and weaknesses. It’s not the only way to assess learning, but it can be a valuable tool.
3. What Standardized Tests Are Available for Homeschoolers?
Homeschoolers have access to a variety of standardized tests, from general assessments to college entrance exams. Here are some common ones:
Annual Standardized Tests:
- CAT (California Achievement Test): This test measures reading, language arts, and math skills. It’s widely accepted in states that require testing and can be administered at home or online.
- Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS): Another popular choice for homeschool families, this test assesses core subjects and compares your child’s progress to national standards.
- Stanford Achievement Test: This test offers a broad assessment of academic knowledge and is accepted by many states for homeschoolers.
- MAP Growth Test: A flexible, computer-adaptive test that adjusts its difficulty based on the student’s responses, offering a personalized assessment.
College Entrance Exams:
- SAT: One of the most well-known college entrance exams, the SAT tests reading, writing, and math. Homeschoolers can register through the College Board and take the test at local testing centers.
- ACT: Similar to the SAT, the ACT tests English, math, reading, and science. It’s also widely accepted by colleges and offers a science section that the SAT doesn’t have.
- PSAT: While it’s considered a “practice” SAT, the PSAT can also qualify students for National Merit Scholarships, which can be a big help in the college application process.
Pro Tip: You can usually register for college entrance exams like the SAT or ACT online through the official websites, and these tests are held at designated testing centers—many of which allow homeschoolers to participate.
4. When Should Homeschoolers Take Standardized Tests?
For younger kids, if testing is required by your state, you’ll usually take annual tests between grades 3–8, depending on the law. But if you’re testing purely for your own tracking, it’s really up to you how often you want to assess their progress.
For high schoolers thinking about college, you’ll want to plan out a timeline for taking the PSAT, SAT, or ACT.
College Entrance Testing Timeline:
- 9th–10th Grade: It’s a good idea to take the PSAT or a practice SAT or ACT to get a sense of where your child stands.
- 11th Grade: Most students take the SAT or ACT for the first time during junior year. This gives you time to re-take the test if needed before college applications are due.
- 12th Grade: If your child wants to improve their score, early fall of senior year is the final opportunity to re-take the SAT or ACT.
Pro Tip: Many students take college entrance exams more than once to try to improve their score. Keep that in mind as you plan your timeline.
5. How to Prepare for Standardized Tests
If the thought of standardized testing is sending you into panic mode, take a deep breath! There are plenty of resources to help you and your child feel prepared.
For Younger Students (General Assessments):
- Review the Basics: Focus on reinforcing core skills in reading, writing, and math.
- Practice Tests: There are lots of practice tests available for homeschoolers online. These give your child a feel for the format and types of questions they’ll face.
- Keep It Low-Pressure: Especially for younger students, standardized tests don’t have to be a stressful ordeal. Frame it as just another learning experience, and reassure them that it’s okay to make mistakes!
For College Entrance Exams (SAT, ACT):
- Official Practice Tests: Both the SAT and ACT offer official practice tests on their websites. These are a great way to get familiar with the format and question types.
- Prep Courses: There are tons of SAT/ACT prep courses available online or in-person. Some are self-paced, while others offer live instruction.
- Apps & Books: There are plenty of affordable study guides, apps, and flashcards for on-the-go test prep.
Pro Tip: Consistent, small bursts of studying are usually more effective than cramming. Try setting aside 15–30 minutes a day for test prep, especially as the test date approaches.
6. What If My Child Doesn’t Do Well on Standardized Tests?
It’s important to remember that standardized tests are just one piece of the puzzle. If your child doesn’t excel on tests, it doesn’t mean they’re not learning or won’t succeed in college.
For homeschoolers, you have the flexibility to showcase your child’s talents and academic growth in other ways, such as:
- Portfolios: Collect samples of your child’s work throughout the year to demonstrate their learning in a more comprehensive way.
- Letters of Recommendation: For college-bound students, strong recommendation letters from mentors or instructors can make up for lower test scores.
- Essays & Interviews: College applications often allow students to explain more about their homeschool experience and unique strengths.
Key Takeaway: Test scores are only one part of the bigger picture. Keep a balanced perspective and focus on your child’s overall growth, not just one test result.
Conclusion
Standardized testing can feel like a big deal, but for homeschoolers, it doesn’t have to be a source of stress. Whether your state requires testing or you’re preparing for college entrance exams, knowing what to expect and having a plan can make the process a lot smoother.
Use these tests as a tool to track progress, set goals, and prepare for the future—but don’t forget that homeschoolers have the flexibility to demonstrate learning in lots of different ways. With the right approach, your child can tackle standardized tests confidently and continue to thrive in their homeschool journey!
