It's a Bird's Life

Jul. 16, 2008

Testing

Our state's homeschool requirements state that my children have to take a standardized achievement test annually. A variety of tests are permitted and results do not have to be submitted. In compliance with this requirement, my children were administered the Peabody Individual Achievement Test yesterday. This is the second year we have chosen this option and find it a painless, and encouraging method to meet the testing requirement. The young man who tests the children comes to our home and the tests are given orally. There is no writing required - something that helps my reluctant writers to concentrate on the test question instead of the task of writing answers. Most of the test is multiple choice and the test results are given to us as soon as the testing session is over. It takes less than 1 hour for each student and the fee is very comparable to other written achievement tests.

Like most homeschool parents, I regularly question whether my children are learning all they need to, and whether they are up to "grade level" in all of their subjects. While I realize that the testing does not adequately reflect the education my children are receiving, the "fear" of the testing often overshadows our homeschool year. I breathe a sigh of relief when the testing is over and I can see how they compare to national results. My children and I are encouraged to see that they consistently receive good scores and fall into the upper percentile ranks. When my 4th grader sees that his reading comprehension is comparable to a 10th graders, for instance, he is encouraged to work at his reading comprehension assignments.

So many of us worry and fret over whether we are able to provide an adequate education and whether we admit it or not, we are concerned that we can do that at least as well as and hopefully better than the public school system can. The testing provides, if nothing else, at least the confirmation that we are accomplishing that goal. Should I slack off now, feeling assured that my children are doing "great"? Not by any means! As their parent, I know that they have a long way to go to be capable of the excellence that I desire to see them achieve! Our goal is not to do well in the annual test, but to make the most of the giftings, talents, and abilities that the Lord has given each one. I desire that they are fully equipped to fulfill the plans that He has for them. And so, we press on toward the goal....

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My Nest

I love bird-watching! God has taught me so much from the close observation of these small wonders of His creation which He has promised to provide for in every way. They have been both my example and my encouragement. I hope you will find good things to nourish and build up your nest as you visit mine!

Songs, Calls, and Twitterings

• Preparing for Migration
• Sonshine and Shadows
• Bye-bye Birdies
• And Then There Were Four
• Testing
• On The Edge
• Welcome to Our Nest!

A Bird's Eye View

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• Home-Designed High School
by Diana Johnson
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