As we conclude the year's studies and anticipate summer break, many parents may be considering year end testing. Unfortunately, standardized tests may have gained an imperfect reputation with some students and parents if results were adversely misused in the past. Though, when used properly, testing can have great benefits, and there are different types to suit your needs. Standardized tests that are generally given to school children are the most popular, though there are also diagnostic assessments and clinical tests which can be beneficial.
A standardized test is provided by an approved administrator and can take up to six hours over the span of two to three days to complete. The conditions of administering, scoring and interpreting are meant to be consistent, or "standard" in manner, which is why tests are closely guarded and the administrator must be approved. Some of the most common are the California Achievement Test (CAT), the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS), and Stanford Achievement Test. Subjects tested are math, language, science and social studies, which may also be composed of sub tests. The scores from the tests are collected and used to compare the academic knowledge of students across the nation. Many people believe standardized tests to be unfair due to bias and/or environmental factors, though the results can offer parents valuable information. Not only can they advise parents of a their child's academic mastery compared to children around the nation, the sub tests can be an indicator of a child's strengths and weaknesses in specific areas, results can be used to compare a students year to year growth and the score on reading can help parents choose appropriate level books for their children to read. Ideally, a standardized test would be used for a child no younger than nine years old or before beginning third grade, though, the maturity of the child and the purpose for giving the test can be a factor in determining when it is an appropriate tool. Standardized test do not measure the ability to think or create, but are valuable to parents for gathering academic information for curriculum choices and comparing a child's academic growth from one year to the next.
Diagnostic Assessments are less structured than standardized tests and can by given by a parent or qualified diagnostician. The amount of time for a diagnostic can vary greatly according to the student and the purpose for the assessment. They are generally used to determine a child's strengths and weaknesses in specific reading or math skills or to learn about a child's learning preference and personality. This test is a great tool for a parent who is teaching children around six to nine years of age reading or math skills and wishes to learn which skills the student needs to learn and may help in selecting a curriculum for his/her child's specific needs, such as language development, phonological awareness, word identity and oral reading fluency. Other diagnostic assessments help parents understand a child's learning preference (auditory, visual or kinesthetic) and/or whether the child's personality is introverted or extroverted. When choosing a curriculum best suited to a child, it is important to understand the modality in which a child learns information best. Matching a student to a curriculum suited to his/her learning preferences sets them up for success and a greater sense of accomplishment.
Clinical testing includes psychological evaluations which measure IQ and diagnose visual, auditory or verbal processing disorders. Psychological evaluations should be used only if a parent believes a child may have obstacles in learning through the use of conventional methods and seeks a qualified, licensed practitioner to diagnose a learning disability. While all children develop at different rates, a parent may observe standard markers of language development and social skills that indicates psychological evaluation is necessary. When choosing a curriculum for a child who is challenged in reading, writing or attention, clinical testing will diagnose specific weaknesses and allow parents to choose a curriculum suited to his/her ability.
In the past, testing has gained a bad reputation when results were used in ways that blocked a child's development, which is unfortunate. When used properly, standardized tests, diagnostic assessments and clinical evaluations can help a parent choose the tools that optimize the students strengths, while building his/her weaknesses. Students should be taught that tests have valuable information to be used to help us reach our goals and the score in not an indication of who we are, but of the gifts we have.
ITBS or Stanford Achievement Test through Bob Jones University.
CAT (California Achievement Test) through Seton Testing Services.
Cognitive Diagnostic Assessment for Education: Theory and Applications
What Color Is Your Parachute? For Teens, 2nd Edition: Discovering Yourself, Defining Your Future (What Color Is Your Parachute? for Teens: Discovering Yourself)
Discover Your Child's Learning Style: Children Learn in Unique Ways - Here's the Key to Every Child's Learning Success
Uncovering Student Thinking in Mathematics: 25 Formative Assessment Probes
Alpha Omega LIFEPAC Diagnostic Tests for grades 1-8
www.homeschoolbuyersco-op.org (Homeschool Buyers Co-Op is not a testing site, but offers a great selection of testing tools and is free to join.)
