Standardized Testing is Required
As a support group, we are committed to provide annual group standardized testing in the spring to those students registered with the state (ages 7 and up), provided sufficient volunteers are willing to help organize and administer it. Note that you will need to comply with testing guidelines after the end of compulsory attendence age of 16 if you wish to obtain your Driver's License Certificate of eligibility with the state.
You should order your test as early as possible. Many testing companies give "early bird" discounts.
Group Testing
Currently both the CAT 5 Survey and the Iowa Basic Test will be offered each year, provided there is a volunteer coordinator for each test. The CAT5 is a one-day test while the Iowa Basic Test will be administered over a several day period. These tests satisfy the NC statutes. Standardized testing is very structured, and some children may find group testing too stressful. Group testing requires group effort to work, so everyone who registers a child for group testing will need to volunteer to help in some capacity.
Look for announcements in the spring for details about WWHEAT group testing.
United Faith Academy Providence Road, Charlotte, offers standardized achievement testing to homeschoolers, grades 1-11. For more information email the school or call 704.541.1742.
Central Academy of Lake Park, Indian Trail, offers the Stanford Achievement Test, the PSAT and the PLAN (pre-ACT) to homeschoolers. For more information email their counselor, Mildred Similton, or call 704.882.6267 ext. 25.
Individual Testing
It is legal (though not recommended by DNPE) to administer many standardized tests to your own children. Individual testing allows you the flexibility to choose the time and place your child is tested. In addition to testing Language Arts and Mathematics with the CAT you may also choose to test the areas of Science, Social Studies, and Study Skills.
If you choose this option it is important for the integrity of the test results nationwide that you adhere strictly to the test guidelines. You may wish to consider trading test administration with another family.
Scoring High (SRA/McGraw Hill, the publisher of CAT/5)
This publication is excellent preparation for standardized testing. It is commonly used by private schools to prepare their students for test taking. We highly recommend it because the process of test taking is often a new experience for homeschoolers. To order call 800-843-8855 or check for availablity with the company you are ordering tests from if you are testing individually.
The Most Common Tests
California Achievement Test (CAT): Test over 3 days, no college diploma needed to administer.
California Achievement Test Survey (CAT Survey): 1 day to administer.
Stanford Achievement Test: Test over 3-4 days. Tester must have a four-year college degree and possibly meet other criteria.
Iowa Test of Basic Skills: Test over 3 days. Tester must have a four-year college degree or be a current or previous certified teacher.
Woodcock-Johnson: Test over 2 hours. This is primarily an oral, non-stress, untimed, no multiple-choice question, and non-grade-specific test. Usually the most expensive. Can be administered out of town. Must be administered by an approved Woodcock Johnson tester.
Personalized Achievement Summary System (PASS): Developed specifically for homeschoolers (grades 3-8 only). Untimed.
You can order tests from:
Bayside School Services (CAT/5)
Crosspointe Educational Services (CAT/5)
Educational Service Providers (CAT/5)
Family Learning Organization (CAT/5)
Thurber's Educational Assesments (CAT/5)
Seton Home (CAT Survey)
ATC Educational Services (Woodcock-Johnson)
Lighthouse Educational Services (Woodcock-Johnson)
Triangle Education Assessments (Iowa and Woodcock-Johnson)
Piedmont Educational Services (Iowa and Woodcock-Johnson)
Bob Jones University Press (Iowa and Stanford)
Hewitt Associates (PASS)