No More Perfect Posted July 22, 2015 Share Posted July 22, 2015 We are looking at WA state as a potential place to call home. We would be moving from Texas, so the laws there are significantly different in regards to homeschooling than they are here. I see that annual testing in a group setting, or an annual assessment, is required. How is this typically done? For my homeschooling kids, who have never had annual testing in any form, I am wondering how they would do. Am I correct in reading that no one sees these test results except for the parents? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EKS Posted July 22, 2015 Share Posted July 22, 2015 A standardized test *in a group setting* is not required. I administer the ITBS/ITED each year myself. You can also have a portfolio of your child's work evaluated by a certificated teacher instead. Here is a document you may find helpful: http://www.k12.wa.us/privateed/homebaseded/PinkBook/pinkbook.pdf 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
No More Perfect Posted July 22, 2015 Author Share Posted July 22, 2015 A standardized test *in a group setting* is not required. I administer the ITBS/ITED each year myself. You can also have a portfolio of your child's work evaluated by a certificated teacher instead. Here is a document you may find helpful: http://www.k12.wa.us/privateed/homebaseded/PinkBook/pinkbook.pdf Thank you! This was very helpful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EKS Posted July 22, 2015 Share Posted July 22, 2015 I forgot to mention that you are correct, no one sees the test results but the parents. At least no one has asked to see my kids' results. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tess in the Burbs Posted July 22, 2015 Share Posted July 22, 2015 We moved here last year and I was surprised how many people think group testing or a certified teacher is required. IT IS NOT! I even asked the state organization and they agreed with me. It says certified person administer the test, but you are certified when you filed your NOI as a qualified homeschool teacher!!! I sent a NOI to the superintendent of our school district listing our kids names and subject list(copied from the law). I did get a return letter saying I was qualified ;-) I did do a test(administered by me) at home with my kids and have the test results on file. It is very easy to homeschool here, but know the law and don't let others tell you differently. I had people just look at me weird when I explained the testing part of the law and every one of them still did group testing b/c they were too scared to do it on their own at home. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
No More Perfect Posted July 22, 2015 Author Share Posted July 22, 2015 We moved here last year and I was surprised how many people think group testing or a certified teacher is required. IT IS NOT! I even asked the state organization and they agreed with me. It says certified person administer the test, but you are certified when you filed your NOI as a qualified homeschool teacher!!! I sent a NOI to the superintendent of our school district listing our kids names and subject list(copied from the law). I did get a return letter saying I was qualified ;-) I did do a test(administered by me) at home with my kids and have the test results on file. It is very easy to homeschool here, but know the law and don't let others tell you differently. I had people just look at me weird when I explained the testing part of the law and every one of them still did group testing b/c they were too scared to do it on their own at home. Yes, reading through one of the state law websites (I forget which one) and it made it seem that by law the testing had to be done in a group setting. This is VERY helpful to me and makes our decisions that much easier! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IdahoHomeschooler Posted July 22, 2015 Share Posted July 22, 2015 There is a Facebook group for Spokane homeschoolers that is really helpful if you are looking at living on the east side of the state. Lots of homeschoolers experienced with WA laws, as well as resources for testing, portfolios, and qualifying courses. As far as I can tell, WA is a pretty easy state to homeschool, but there are a few hoops to jump through. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted July 23, 2015 Share Posted July 23, 2015 Many people do the group testing simply because it is fun. My kids like the "school" environment once a year when they can trade at lunch! As others have said you don't have to do testing in a group, or can do a portfolio instead. But I just wanted to add that some tests require a tester that is not the parent. http://washhomeschool.org/homeschooling/top-10-faqs/ 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
No More Perfect Posted July 23, 2015 Author Share Posted July 23, 2015 As far as I can tell, WA is a pretty easy state to homeschool, but there are a few hoops to jump through. I'm glad I asked here on the forums, because the impression I was getting from reading around on Professor Google was that it was pretty difficult to homeschool in WA. But really, other than the yearly testing and annual NOI letters, I see that it's much more laid back than I thought. Not Texas laid back, but manageable for sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
No More Perfect Posted July 23, 2015 Author Share Posted July 23, 2015 Many people do the group testing simply because it is fun. My kids like the "school" environment once a year when they can trade at lunch! As others have said you don't have to do testing in a group, or can do a portfolio instead. But I just wanted to add that some tests require a tester that is not the parent. http://washhomeschool.org/homeschooling/top-10-faqs/ Thank you, Jean. I can see how kids would find it fun. My kids have never had annual testing done so I would think I might do the test at home the first year, so they get the idea of it, then the next year the group setting would work. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EKS Posted July 23, 2015 Share Posted July 23, 2015 Thank you, Jean. I can see how kids would find it fun. My kids have never had annual testing done so I would think I might do the test at home the first year, so they get the idea of it, then the next year the group setting would work. I find that I get far more information when I administer the test myself. Not only can I see the pattern of errors for myself (very important), I can also see how my child responded to the testing. Did he have a hard time with certain sections? Which sections were easy? Did he bomb a section that he thought was easy (or vice versa)? That sort of thing. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WinsomeCreek Posted July 23, 2015 Share Posted July 23, 2015 OP, WA is a great state for homeschooling. We have had the kids do state testing at schools with no problems. This year we tested at home, which was less for content than for me to see how they approach timed tests. We used ITBS, super easy. Also there is incredible flexibility and cooperation between most schools and homeschoolers IME. I don't know anyone who was asked for test scores or to see their portfolio. I think you will like it here. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
No More Perfect Posted July 25, 2015 Author Share Posted July 25, 2015 I find that I get far more information when I administer the test myself. Not only can I see the pattern of errors for myself (very important), I can also see how my child responded to the testing. Did he have a hard time with certain sections? Which sections were easy? Did he bomb a section that he thought was easy (or vice versa)? That sort of thing. I get that, and I believe if we do end up in WA, then I would more than likely administer the tests myself. It's just my personality. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
No More Perfect Posted August 1, 2015 Author Share Posted August 1, 2015 Not test related, but how rainy really is the weather in WA? Would I never see the sun again? Okay, I'm being a bit dramatic, but still. :P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lawyer&Mom Posted August 1, 2015 Share Posted August 1, 2015 Today is 95 degrees, clear and sunny. Rain in WA greatly exaggerated... Okay, I guess it depends on where you are coming from, but as someone who grew up on the Pacific coast, and is used to a certain amount of overcast, I find the weather in WA to be delightful. Real seasons! It's hot but not humid in the summer, cool but not cold in the winter. Yes it rains sometimes, but it's intermittent, and not the three weeks of solid winter downpour I grew up with. Also wanted to add that part time public school is allowed, at least in my district. Your kid can take math or music at the middle school and do the rest at home. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
No More Perfect Posted August 2, 2015 Author Share Posted August 2, 2015 Today is 95 degrees, clear and sunny. Rain in WA greatly exaggerated... Okay, I guess it depends on where you are coming from, but as someone who grew up on the Pacific coast, and is used to a certain amount of overcast, I find the weather in WA to be delightful. Real seasons! It's hot but not humid in the summer, cool but not cold in the winter. Yes it rains sometimes, but it's intermittent, and not the three weeks of solid winter downpour I grew up with. Also wanted to add that part time public school is allowed, at least in my district. Your kid can take math or music at the middle school and do the rest at home. This is very helpful; thanks! I am in the DFW area, so it would be a definite change, but manageable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tess in the Burbs Posted August 2, 2015 Share Posted August 2, 2015 Winter is the rainy season. It is grey overcast which my kids noticed this first year more than the rain. We put in very bright lightbulbs so winter didn't feel so dark. I agree that it doesn't rain as much as people think. It is a lighter rain than where you are most of the time. This past year has been drier and HOTter. We like it here. The kids too. Raining days/winter give a reason to do indoor things lol. Although we have hiked in drizzle many times. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajfries Posted August 2, 2015 Share Posted August 2, 2015 We have 4 very distinct seasons here in Eastern Washington. Just when you start to get sick of it--the weather changes. I actually really enjoy the weather here :) but I've never lived any where else. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
No More Perfect Posted August 5, 2015 Author Share Posted August 5, 2015 One last question. Maybe. ;-) Are there very many homeschool support groups in the Sea/Tac areas? I'm looking specifically for more laid back ones that do mostly field trips and clubs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted August 5, 2015 Share Posted August 5, 2015 Do you mean as in SeaTac the city? Or south of Seattle area? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
No More Perfect Posted August 5, 2015 Author Share Posted August 5, 2015 Sorry, I meant in the Seattle and Tacoma areas, which is where we are thinking of living. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChiknGirl Posted August 5, 2015 Share Posted August 5, 2015 There are quite a few field trip oriented homeschool groups in Tacoma; I've lived here for the last 10 years. If you have any questions about the area, feel free to send me a message. Best of luck to you on your move. :) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
No More Perfect Posted August 6, 2015 Author Share Posted August 6, 2015 There are quite a few field trip oriented homeschool groups in Tacoma; I've lived here for the last 10 years. If you have any questions about the area, feel free to send me a message. Best of luck to you on your move. :) Thank you! We are still in the discussion stage, so it may be a while. I will pm you more than likely if it gets to the "oh my goodness, we are moving!" phase. ;-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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