April 25, 2009 - Standardized Testing
Sprite is almost 10, and she had never taken a test of any kind until just last month. At that time, she was given the WISC in a one on one setting.
I wanted her to be tested for a couple of reasons. First to make sure that we're on track with homeschooling. Not that a standardized test for reading and math can tell you all that you need to know about a child, but I felt that I wanted a bit of confirmation from an outside source to confirm our progress. I have the double whammy of having an only child added to our rather isolated location. I don't have another child to compare her to -- my own or anyone else's for that matter. (Yes, there are children here, but no American children who are bilingual, being raised in another country and being homeschooled. See? Hard to compare her to a local Chinese child on academic matters with those huge differences.)
Secondly, I wanted to give her some experience with test taking. I think she's mature enough now that she can handle the pressure of a test and also handle whatever types of evaluations come from it.
I was pleasantly surprised that her scores were on or above grade level in every topic tested. Her reading and writing scores were GREAT, even several years above grade level. As expected, her math computation scores were lower than any other area with her writing topping out the whole pack. So, yes, we're still working on the times 5 facts and telling time. No shame in that. Here I am, admitting it!
We keep plugging away with the arithmetic while we continue on with mathematical reasoning (on which she scored much, much higher than the computation). I don't think it's wise to stop everything else just to drill the math facts. So we're adding more drill into our regular schedule, strengthening the weak as we build up the strong.
Chicks, chicks, dirty chicks. Six time six is thirty-six! These kinds of rhymes help a lot!
But to be honest, her computation score was right on grade level. So although the test confirmed my suspicions that arithmetic is not a great strength for Sprite, it also reassured me that she's not behind in this area. And I'm okay with that. We all have areas where we excel and areas where we struggle. And we blossom at different rates, so these skills still have plenty time to grow. I feel confident that my new pathway for math -- living math -- is going to serve her well to continue her mathematical reasoning skills. If you'd like to know more about our shift in math learning, I've outlined it in detail at Transitioning to Living Math.
Comments
April 25, 2009 - Test
Posted by Anonymous
We also do not need to test, but do any way. I hang the results next to my door, along with my "permission" from the school district to homeschool. I hate the fear that drives me to do that, and I worry even more with our current administration.
April 26, 2009 - drills
Posted by Anonymous
I too am needing to work on basic drills, but don't want to stop everything else and only do that.
Just curious, what are you doing/using to do drill work?
Tell your Sprite she is an inspiration to my children, another homeschool kid living in China!
April 26, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Alexandra
Congrats Sprite, and mom too!
http://happyheartsathome.blogspot.com/
April 26, 2009 - Math
Posted by basketflat
I'm so glad she did so well. You put so much into your homeschooling, it isn't surprising. Those are neat ideas about living math.
Cathy
April 28, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by TwistedCinderella
Congrats,she is doing so well!!
April 28, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by 4sweetums
Good job mom! I would have figured you had nothing to worry about. She is always doing great stuff.
BLessings,
Dawn
May 3, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by drewsfamilytx
I have gone back and forth on testing. Personally, it wouldn't tell me anything I don't already know. I am fully aware of my boys' weak areas and am purposefully waiting beyond the "usual" time frame to cover certain things (like creative writing and heavy grammar).
But then there's the part of me that just wants to know! But then the other part of me wonders if knowing would reassure me or just stress me out. *sigh* Perhaps we'll test next year?! :)
At least we're not forced to do anything as homeschooling is considered a private school in Texas.
Have you tried Quarter Mile Math for drilling the math facts?
May 3, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Dana crazymaizeworld.blogspot.com
Hi! My name is Dana and I bumped over here from another homeschooler's site. I've been reading some of your posts, and I LOVE your blog! I'll check back often! Just wanted to let you know, my oldest had trouble with times tables too, and we had great luck with a product called Times Tales that uses mnemonics for memory. You can find it at www.TimesTales.com.
May 7, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by diamondsintherough
Ew, testing. We have not done any, because I am kind of fearful of doing it, kind of like being tested for cancer. lol. Okay, that is rather extreme, but I am in denial and I like it that way. I am not sure I want the results.
My little ones did an art project recently that I thought Sprite might be interested in trying. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/diamondsintherough/685775/
And Michelle's kids did it too, with wonderful results:
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/foxvalleyfamily/686360/
I know Sprite enjoys drawing, but maybe this is too contrived??
Sure do enjoy your blog!
Sally
