Measuring UP - How To Get The Most Out Of Testing

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.

Below are links for more information on academic testing and diagnostic assessment.  These particular items do not receive my endorsement, they are only examples of different types that are available.  A licensed practitioner should be sought for the application of psychological evaluations.

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.)

Kids Survive Writing Workshop

Imagine a writing lesson with enthusiastic students who artfully craft work which is creative, organized and interesting.  Recently, I witnessed a class full of students who happily attended a writing workshop led by Andrew Pudewa.  His humorous wit and lighthearted nature put the children immediately at ease. His clear, articulate style helped them effortlessly create original writing.

Using the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) method, Mr. Pudewa guided the students through the construction of a Story Sequence Chart after reading a short historical legend of Robert De Bruce.  The story's characters, setting, problem and resolution were charted on the board to give the students a guide to follow when scripting their own composition.  Students integrated "Stylistic Dress-Ups" into their original writing for added variety, character and expression.  

Not only did the students survive the workshop, they thoroughly enjoyed it.  Each took home with them a well written original story, greater confidence in writing and the experience of meeting Mr. Pedewa.  Sharing his insight and humor was a delight and honor. 

I highly recommend the IEW workshops for teachers and/or students if the opportunity arises.  For those who wish to improve their students writing or have reluctant writers, check out the Institute for Excellence in Writing's website and discover a writing program that can change a student's attitude about writing from one of anxiety and frustration to one of pleasure and confidence.

Mom Bans English Language

I remember the day I started our new vocabulary program. One of my sons had a tendency to overgeneralize by using the words always and never in reference to his brothers behaviors...and they weren't targeted at positive actions.  I grew frustrated at the bickering that ensued after one of his "you always put the cap back on the lemonade when you know I want some" type of statements.  Also, during times of stress the boys would use vocabulary that was not so pleasant.  Desperate for peace, I had to create a program that would decrease inflammatory speech that often led to arguments.

Anyone with children must be able to relate to tension among siblings, which is usually borne out of poor communication.  Normally, we begin with gentle reminders to children to be respectful and speak kindly to each other.  Those "gentle reminders" are easily forgotten when there are no consequences, and the next tense situation brings more explosive dialogue. With the multiple tasks and responsibilities a parent has each day, the last thing we need in our environment is negative language and/or bickering among siblings.

Happy was my day when the inspiration for the BANNED WORD LIST arose.  From the name, one would guess that certain words are banned from the vocabulary in our family.  It started with always and never, which are words many would not believe to be negative or harmful, but the context in which my son was using them was inappropriate because it was not true that his brother "never" cleaned his room.  Quickly, the list grew with words that are antagonistic, pessimistic or simply unfavorable.  The penalty for using banned words is $1.  Though, for others who consider this system, any creative retribution could work. (ie The loss of privileges, particularly TV or video time, or additional chores, like picking weeds.)

My decision to carry on the BANNED WORD LIST was cemented when my son expressed his disapproval.  His claim was that sometimes we don't know what we are going to say.  HA! Exactly!  We should be conscious of what we are going to say.  Our words should be spoken thoughtfully, with kindness and respect.  The lesson I hope to teach is not that one should be punished when using bad words, but to increase the mindfulness of how words can effect others.

Additionally, using the BANNED WORD LIST is expanding the children's vocabulary because they are forced to think of different ways to express their thoughts. However, it is known that using a similar word to express a negative thought, will only add new words to the list.

My boys tease me that soon I will ban the entire English vocabulary.....well, it might inspire them to practice their foreign language more often, but I would never ban the good words. 

Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. Colossians 4:6