kalanamak Posted January 9, 2010 Share Posted January 9, 2010 I don't "have" to standardize test kiddo until he is 8. I've done the last two years, but each time it seems the "social studies" and science are veering further and further from what we are doing. Is there a test that isn't "nationally recognized" that is limited to LA and math? I'm talking more along the lines of a booklet I get on Amazon, rather than one I pay 40 dollars for and have to send it. I like the idea of yearly testing to inure kiddo to it. "Oh, its June, another test" rather than "Oh my goodness, what is this big fat scary booklet about". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sahamamama Posted January 9, 2010 Share Posted January 9, 2010 This is a great question! POP: :lurk5: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chiguirre Posted January 9, 2010 Share Posted January 9, 2010 You could download the TAKS tests used in previous years for the subjects you want to test here: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index3.aspx?id=44&menu_id3=793 These are the Texas NCLB tests given in public schools. They wouldn't count for legally mandated testing, but they're a freebie you could use for your own peace of mind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kalanamak Posted January 9, 2010 Author Share Posted January 9, 2010 You could download the TAKS tests used in previous years for the subjects you want to test here: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index3.aspx?id=44&menu_id3=793 These are the Texas NCLB tests given in public schools. They wouldn't count for legally mandated testing, but they're a freebie you could use for your own peace of mind. Unfortunately, although they say 2-8, it starts with "3", unless you would give 3 to a rising third grader. I'm also unclear the difference between TAK and TAK-M :bigear: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoVanGogh Posted January 9, 2010 Share Posted January 9, 2010 You can give the TAKS to a rising 3rd grader. I gave the 3rd grade portion to DS when he was in Kindergarten and he passed with flying colors. :tongue_smilie: That is not saying my DS is brilliant, but saying that the TAKS exams are so horribly dumbed down it is an embarrassment to the state! But, then, we are rated something like 48th or 49th. :glare: So I wouldn't take the TAKS exam seriously. (One of the 5th grade science question asks what a bike needs to coast down a hill. The answer? A front tire. Seriously. I lost all respect for our state's exam at that point.) You can give the Iowa Test of Basic Skills and not do the Social Studies portion, that is optional. They give you a couple options of how to take it and have it graded. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
i.love.lucy Posted January 9, 2010 Share Posted January 9, 2010 I'm so glad you asked this question! I was just wondering about my dd's "social studies" education since we don't study it! I guess it will come later when we study more modern history, but right now she wouldn't pass that portion either. Glad to know Iowa has options for the test. :bigear: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jg_puppy Posted January 9, 2010 Share Posted January 9, 2010 You can give the Iowa Test of Basic Skills and not do the Social Studies portion, that is optional. They give you a couple options of how to take it and have it graded. How do you do that? Do you have to write a note saying to only grade certain sections or just not fill in answers for the sections you don't want graded? I normally order from BJU. I have been wondering if we could skip some of the sections and just take the math and language arts sections. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoVanGogh Posted January 9, 2010 Share Posted January 9, 2010 How do you do that? Do you have to write a note saying to only grade certain sections or just not fill in answers for the sections you don't want graded? I normally order from BJU. I have been wondering if we could skip some of the sections and just take the math and language arts sections.We ordered from BJU, too. It was over a year ago, but if memory serves me there was a "bubble" to fill in along with the student info. You have to select what grade/month to have the child scored at - think it was right there on the form. I just pulled out DS's scores from last year. They also give the results two ways. "Core," which just includes math and language, and "Composite," which includes social studies and science. So you can have the child take the whole test, but take their composite score "lightly." When our son took the test last year, I was a bit worried about that part of the test, but I wanted to see his science score so I had him take the whole thing. I was pleasantly surprised at his "social studies" portion, since we hadn't formally studied it. He scored above grade, but we have gone to a lot of museums and I think he has picked up more than I realized. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovemykids Posted January 9, 2010 Share Posted January 9, 2010 You can order the CAT-E test from Seton testing services. *Disclaimer: the test is fairly easy so it may not be the best assessment of your son’s abilities. What about the Iowa? It may be simple too, I’m not sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m0mmaBuck Posted January 9, 2010 Share Posted January 9, 2010 I was just thinking about this since my state requires standardized testing.... Of course DS bombed the test when he took it in school (it was on the computer and they told him he could go outside to play when he finished so he answered "A" for EVERYTHING) so he can't do any worse than he did last year! LOL! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhonda in TX Posted January 9, 2010 Share Posted January 9, 2010 I'd recommend the CAT, as well. We've used that several times. I know lots of people use it to satisfy state testing requirements. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tidbits of Learning Posted January 9, 2010 Share Posted January 9, 2010 (edited) Rod and Staff have these: http://www.rodandstaffbooks.com/list/QuickAssessmentTests/ There is also the PASS test by Hewitt http://hewitthomeschooling.com/test/tmain.asp CLP has the CAT from the 70's http://christianlibertypress.com/services.htm Edited January 9, 2010 by OpenMinded Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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