Pop by the Bellingham Herald and read this article about the WASL (Washington Assessment of Student Learning) and homeschoolers in one area of Washington state.  While I consider WA homeschool legislation to be fairly "middle of the road", I think it's a crack up that a representative of the Meridian School District is trying to claim that taking the WASL is beneficial because home educators "don't have to come up with their own" annual test or assessment.

Forgive me, Mr. Burpee, if I snicker as I read this.  Have you not heard about FLO (Family Learning Organization)?  They provide tests and assessments to homeschooling families at a very affordable rate, and with ease.  Doesn't take much effort...and Lord knows homeschoolers are used to putting effort into their children's education.  Good golly, I suppose administrators still think that homeschoolers don't connect and discuss these sort of things.

If you're a Washington state homeschooler who is considering using the WASL to test your student, think long and hard about it.  Stop and think about the number of teachers in public schools who are complaining about having to "teach to the test".  Do you teach to the test?  I doubt it.  consider an assessment by a certified teacher instead.  You'll be much more able to view your child's unique skills, strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.  Standardized testing does have a time and a place, so don't neglect teaching your kids how to take standardized tests. 

Just don't allow yourself to be pressured by the school district into taking the WASL, or any other test, just so they look good.  Who cares how the school district looks?  You have to make sure it's apparent that your homeschool is operating well.  Focus on that.