Dear Christie,

I haven't had my child tested since I started homeschooling. Testing isn't required in our state and my child couldn't take a test anyway. But I worry that they are learning what they need to or if they are progressing as much as they should. Is there any way to test a special needs child without using a standardized test or going through a specialist?

 

Mom

 

Dear Mom,

There are many ways you can evaluate your child without using a standardized test. The key is to use the same method each time. You only need to evaluate your child's progress about every couple years. I wouldn't suggest more than once a year for sure.

 

One idea to evaluate:

 

Use a graded text book that has a comprehensive pre or post test. Use the same brand of text book to test in a couple years. (I don't mean for you to use the textbook to teach from, just as a guide to what your child should know at a specific level.)  

 

So if you have a 14 year old working at a 2nd grade level in math and reading at a 1st grade level, find a graded math book that teaches 2nd grade math and a 1st grade level reading book.

 

Have them do the post test or read the last story in the reader. Record how they do. If the child can't read the story, move to the middle of the reader.  If they can read it, they are reading at about a 1.5 grade level (1.5 means 1st grade, fifth month.) If they can't read that story move to the front of the book.

 

Again, remember to use the same company's text books for testing in a year or two and keep a record each time you test.

 

You can also contact us and request a Brigance placement assessment. We can provide a simple assessment for a small fee (cost of booklet, instruction and postage) that you can use at home and keep on hand to show annual progress. Each booklet is used for 2 evaluations.

 

Blessings,

Christie