PeacefulChaos Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 which test do you like to use? I was planning on doing the CAT, but the Terra Nova looks interesting - the downside is that it seems to be quite a bit more expensive. So what tests do you like to use? About how much do they usually cost? (I only have to test my 2nd grader, but would like a test for my K-er just for reference.) TIA! :lurk5: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chepyl Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 I used the CAT last year and will use it thos year again. I am not required to test, I just do for practice on the standardized tests and for a reference for myself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LisaKinVA Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 For the state purposes, I do the CAT...it provides the least amount of information. ;) We do the CAT in June, on-line now. For my purposes, I do the ITBS, because like the CAT, I can still administer it myself, and it has much more detailed information. We do the ITBS in September (costs less, because it is "off-season." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 We did the CAT for high school and the ITBS for elementary. I liked the ITBS because it gives me a lot of info, and I can do it myself. I order thru BJU. It does take a while to have it scored if you do it at the end of the year, but that's when I wanted to do it. The CAT was rather disappointing. Turned out they gave us the exact.same.test for two years. At least ds did better the second time...:D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThisIsTheDay Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 I test annually to satisfy my state requirements. Because I don't want to pay a lot of money, we use the CAT. My kids like that they can whip it out in an hour or so at the kitchen table. It's $20? $25? per test. There's a really fast turnaround; I've sent the tests in on Monday and had the scoring by the end of the week. That's important for procrastinators like me.:D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DawnM Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 I do the Woodcock-Johnson now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mlktwins Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 I have to test for the 1st time this year (required by the state). So...I'm going to use the CAT for purposes of the state requirement. Once I find my diploma -- is packed in a box somewhere -- I will also administer the ITBS for my purposes. I didn't realize it was cheaper in Sept -- that is great to know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happypamama Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 I like the online CAT myself, mainly because it means I don't have to drag everyone out just to test one or two children. I also like it because it was a good fit for my easily-distracted child -- one question at a time, click a bubble, no finding the right spot on a sheet of bubbles. And the results were in my e-mail inbox within minutes of her finishing the test. Also, when DD took the test, the level she took was given to kids going into 4th, 5th, and 6th grades, so if we needed to test every year, taking this one again would give a good assessment of her progress. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catz Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 Peabody oral achievement. Similar to the woodcock-Johnson. Our tester does both and likes the Peabody for kids who have not hit the ceiling (normed for 12th grade). My oldest has also done the SCAT and the EXPLORE through talent searches. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 Those of you who use the online CAT -- do you purchase it through Christian Liberty Press, or is it also available elsewhere? Are there any sample CAT tests available? My ds has never taken the CAT, and it would be nice to let him try at least a few sample questions, so he would know what to expect from the actual test. Thanks! :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 ITBS for me. I have someone else administer it because you need to for some things (like the homeschool honor society). CAT for reporting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZooRho Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 And can I give all you CAT people some good news if you want something more. The prices have been lowered on the test from BJU and ABEKA. Abeka now has testing. http://www.abekatesting.org/ The SAT test was $25. They also had an online version. Wahooo. I was excited. BJU lowered their prices too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 Thanks, Zoo Rho! :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZooRho Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 Thanks, Zoo Rho! :001_smile: you are welcome I was thrilled to find that price Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellie Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 Have y'all read this on the Bayside School Services site? The California Achievement Tests, Fifth Edition, known as the CAT/5, has been discontinued, and is not longer being supported by the publisher, CTB McGraw-Hill. Read the whole blurb here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crimson Wife Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 Does anybody know if Abeka's online SAT is untimed like the paper version is? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happypamama Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 Those of you who use the online CAT -- do you purchase it through Christian Liberty Press, or is it also available elsewhere? I got it through Christian Liberty Press. I did find any practice tests when I googled. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZooRho Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 Does anybody know if Abeka's online SAT is untimed like the paper version is? I didn't ask that question. I do think it has to do with the form though the SAT 10 is untimed. So I believe that is what they use. I called and asked my questions you have to listen through the options but I did get a live person who was helpful. THe online is only available like March 15- April 30, actually that is true for the paper test too. He said that the week of March 19 is already taken. The test online starts on Monday. you do not have to have anything to do that test. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happyhomemaker Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 I use the ITBS + the CogAt (once every two years for the latter). And we just finished today and I mailed the whole mess off! Such a relief to be done for the year. We switch to the ACT/SAT starting in 8th/9th grades. I just looked at this and I like the idea of the CogAt with ITBS. Do you add the CogAt the first year you take the ITBS or the second? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 I order the CAT through Seton; they still have it on their site. http://www.setontesting.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nakia Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 I like the details provided in the ITBS, but it takes so long to administer! So for that reason, I have a friend give the girls the Woodcock Johnson. It's short, sweet, and satisfies our state's requirement. And I already know what my girls need work on anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MegP Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 Which standardized test is the hardest? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nakia Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 Which standardized test is the hardest? In terms of content or administration? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MegP Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 Content. A friend of mine gave her 7th grader the ITBS last year and she got Grade equiv. scores of 13+ on every single section, and she asked me if the CAT or other tests would be harder. She doesn't want to give her the SAT/ACT yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 Content. A friend of mine gave her 7th grader the ITBS last year and she got Grade equiv. scores of 13+ on every single section, and she asked me if the CAT or other tests would be harder. She doesn't want to give her the SAT/ACT yet. I think the CAT is easier than the ITBS. I think the ACT is the accepted above grade level test for 7th grade and above. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nakia Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 Content. A friend of mine gave her 7th grader the ITBS last year and she got Grade equiv. scores of 13+ on every single section, and she asked me if the CAT or other tests would be harder. She doesn't want to give her the SAT/ACT yet. CAT is definitely easier than the ITBS. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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