Explore test questions

[RhondaJK]

Would the Explore test still meet the requirement in MN for yearly testing as a standardized, nationally normed test? My rising 4th grader took the MCAII (Mn state test, required with K12), last year in 3rd and we got her results today, the reading score is 96th percentile. All it really tells me is she is exceeding the standards for the scale they use. I would like some more practical information to guide me in choosing curriculum and challenging her without overwhelmining her, kwim.

 

I am required to use a nationally normed test for homeschool this year and I think Explore would give me the information I am looking for, but, I'm not sure if the School District will accept it because it's normed for 8th grade. I do not want to put her through more than one test or pay for more than one test. I only have an AS degree and can't do the ITBS myself.

 

Any other ideas or options?

[RhondaJK]

:001_smile: Bumping this up for the evening crowd.

[KAR120C]

NC accepts it. I would say if they accept the ACT they would probably accept the Explore. If you do it through any of the various talent searches they should give you 3rd grade norms (or whatever grade you registered for). I explained it to the NC office, that I had the scores, the 8th grade norms, and the 3rd grade norms. The 3rd grade norms aren't national (they're specific to the talent search), but the 8th grade norms are... and unless the state specifies a percentile they require (which she would at 3rd grade but maybe not against 8th graders), or specifies that the test must be at the grade level the student's age indicates, I think it's likely to be accepted. The NC people didn't even blink.

[Capt_Uhura]

Be sure to explain to them though that the 3rd grade norms (or whatever grade your DC is in) is the norms for other advanced/gifted kids who tested in that talent search. So the school won't raise an eyebrow when she goes from 99th% on their state test and to 50th% on the Explore when compared to other gifted 3rd graders. Or she could land in the 99th% for advanced 3rd graders. :001_smile:

[RhondaJK]

NC accepts it. I would say if they accept the ACT they would probably accept the Explore. If you do it through any of the various talent searches they should give you 3rd grade norms (or whatever grade you registered for). I explained it to the NC office, that I had the scores, the 8th grade norms, and the 3rd grade norms. The 3rd grade norms aren't national (they're specific to the talent search), but the 8th grade norms are... and unless the state specifies a percentile they require (which she would at 3rd grade but maybe not against 8th graders), or specifies that the test must be at the grade level the student's age indicates, I think it's likely to be accepted. The NC people didn't even blink.

 

Thank you both for the replies. I have to name the test in October when we send in our letter of intent. My understanding is that you don't have to send a copy of your test in, just quarterly report cards. I think the results can be requested by the district but rarely are in MN. I think I will send in the registration for the talent search and put the Explore on my letter of intent if she is accepted.

 

KAR120C, did the test help you to choose more appropriate curriculum for your DC? My DD reads well and seems to have good comprehension and vocabulary skills. She can spot spelling and grammar problems in the tests, but hates to write and doesn't apply those skills to her own writing. We left K12 because the LA was so writing intensive and it was a fight everyday to complete the writing. This year we are doing WWE 2 and FLL4, I think she needs to slow down and use TWTM approach to writing. I just worry when I see her tests scores that I am not challenging her enough in the other areas.

[KAR120C]

KAR120C, did the test help you to choose more appropriate curriculum for your DC? My DD reads well and seems to have good comprehension and vocabulary skills. She can spot spelling and grammar problems in the tests, but hates to write and doesn't apply those skills to her own writing. We left K12 because the LA was so writing intensive and it was a fight everyday to complete the writing. This year we are doing WWE 2 and FLL4, I think she needs to slow down and use TWTM approach to writing. I just worry when I see her tests scores that I am not challenging her enough in the other areas.

I think more than helping with planning, they gave me the confidence to believe what I saw in our daily work. And it helped DH, too, who doesn't generally sit in on our school time... just to know that we had objective evidence that he was ready for what I thought he was ready for. But most of my planning really comes from knowing DS really well, keeping an eye on how things are going, and being willing to try things and let them go if they flop. Test scores are just confirmation of all that, but they're really good confirmation -- we've done out-of-level tests for our annual requirement for years now, and I really do appreciate the information, even when it's not a surprise. The other thing they're good for is convincing others. When DS wants to sign up for something that he wouldn't qualify for by age, sometimes they'll make an exception with scores. They really just reassure everyone that I'm not making this up. :)

[catz]

Would the Explore test still meet the requirement in MN for yearly testing as a standardized, nationally normed test? My rising 4th grader took the MCAII (Mn state test, required with K12), last year in 3rd and we got her results today, the reading score is 96th percentile. All it really tells me is she is exceeding the standards for the scale they use. I would like some more practical information to guide me in choosing curriculum and challenging her without overwhelmining her, kwim.

 

I am required to use a nationally normed test for homeschool this year and I think Explore would give me the information I am looking for, but, I'm not sure if the School District will accept it because it's normed for 8th grade. I do not want to put her through more than one test or pay for more than one test. I only have an AS degree and can't do the ITBS myself.

 

Any other ideas or options?

 

Sorry I'm late on this post, but I am in MN and I know people who have used the EXPLORE to cover the testing requirement in MN. I have an up and coming 4th grader who is going to do the EXPLORE this year some time.

 

Have you thought of doing the Peabody or the WJIII? That could potentially be even more informational than a test like the EXPLORE. I paid $50 to have it done in my home by another homeschooling parent who was certified to give it. It's easier to show your stuff than on a timed, fill in the circle kind of test. My child has done the Peabody 2 years in a row and tests 3-7 grade levels ahead in everything. I can't imagine doing a grade appropriate test would work at all for him.