Homeschool Community

For actually the second time in my homeschooling career of six years I have been asked about testing.  Testing for homeschoolers, with the exception of the SAT, is just something I've not felt was necessary.   I don't happen to think these standardized tests are an accurate way to measure a child's actual knowledge or abilities.  This is my opinion - a well-researched opinion, but just an opinion nontheless, so don't get angry if you feel otherwise - just tell me why you feel it's necessary (other than it's required by your state and/or umbrella school).

 I do it, Mia, because

1.  It's one of several ways to comply with FL state requirements.

2.  It's practice for DD8 since she'll be taking standardized tests her entire life.

3.  It's merely one of several tools I use to grade myself as a teacher.

4.  I know where to focus the following year.

I can certainly understand why people don't use them.  If it wasn't a state requirement, I'd probably do them every 3 or 4 years instead of every year.

Like it or not, it's a state requirement where we live. It is not a problem for my ds. He speeds through and scores high. However, it is a disaster for my dd. She simply does not "think" the same way as a standardized test. To use a phrase I've heard lately - she's not wrong, just different. So for her, I hate testing.