TESTING INFORMATION

Since Oklahoma law does not set specific requirements for testing of homeschooled students, parents are free to make their own decisions about whether, how, and when to test their children.

Q. Why test?
A. Since homeschooling parents work closely with their students, they have a good idea of how the students are progressing in their education. Therefore, some parents choose not to give their children standardized tests. However, for many parents, the standardized test provides the confirmation needed to boost confidence in their abilities to evaluate their children's progress. Some parents might discover an area they didn't realize needed more attention. And having a cumulative record of test scores is one way to provide credibility in the unlikely event the authorities contact you about your homeschool. (Note: This evidence should not be volunteered to these authorities nor shown to them unless it becomes necessary in a court case.)

Testing periodically throughout a student's home education gives him or her experience with formal tests, which he or she will almost certainly encounter at some point in his life. Colleges require entrance exams, and there will be other situations calling for testing, including job applications. This familiarity with test taking will result in a better test score for him or her as it eliminates some of the test anxiety that might otherwise be encountered.

Q. How often should a student be tested?
A. Many homeschoolers test their children beginning in third grade. A student may be tested every year, but many consider that every other year is sufficient. Some parents have students switch to college entrance exams in high school.

Q. How may a homeschooled child be tested?
A. The information included here is subject to change, but we suggest that a parent contact any of the following groups to determine the current availability and cost of any test he is considering for his child. Information is taken directly from the applicable websites, and in most cases it is condensed and sometimes rephrased. Check websites for full information.

1. Christian Liberty Academy Achievement Testing Service
You may administer the California Achievement Test (1970 edition) to your own child. Mail the test and answer sheet to Christian Liberty Academy for scoring and assessment, and a report will be mailed to you in return.
http://www.class-homeschools.org/class/services.htm
E-mail custserv@homeschools.org
Phone:
(847) 259-4444 CLASS Customer Service
(800) 348-0899 Toll-free CLASS Information-Packet Service
(800) 832-2741 Christian Liberty Press Catalog
Attn: Customer Service
Christian Liberty Academy School System
502 W. Euclid Avenue
Arlington Heights, IL 60004-5495

2. Bob Jones Testing and Evaluation
Parents may order the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills, the Stanford, and other tests from BJ Testing and Evaluation. A qualified tester must administer these tests. Check with Bob Jones to find out the qualifications. If you don't qualify yourself, ask around at your homeschool support group. You may be able to pay someone to administer the test, or you may be able to barter for this service. You must also offer some form of proof that the student who will be tested is being homeschooled.

http://www.bjup.com/services/
Phone (800) 845-5731 or (864) 242-5100, ext. 3300
Fax: (800) 525-8398 or (864) 271-8151
E-mail: testing@bjup.com
BJ Home Education Services
Customer Services
1700 Wade Hampton Blvd.
Greenville, SC 29614-0062

3. Family Learning Organization
California Achievement Test
Metropolitan Achievement Test
P.O. Box 7247
Spokane, WA 99207-0247
(509) 467-2552
http://www.familylearning.org/
homeschool@familylearning.org

4. Bayside School Services
California Achievement Test
P.O. Box 250
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
(252) 441-5351
(800) 723-3057
http://www.baysideschoolservices.com/
testinghq@usa.net

5. Hewitt Homeschooling Resources
P.O. Box 9
Washougal, WA 98671-0009
(360) 835-8708 (for credit card orders)

Q. Are there other testing possibilities?
A. Check with local Christian or private schools to see if they will allow your student to take achievement tests with their students. Some support groups organize achievement testing for their member families. For other kinds of tests, inquire at your local community college or vo-tech school.