Testing
The PA Homeschool Law requires standardized achievement testing for all students homeschooled in grades 3, 5 & 8. The state maintains a list of approved tests. The test offered by Dr. Stoudt is on the approved list.
Dr. Stoudt has also tested homeschooling students in North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and California. Each state's law differs. Be familiar with the requirements in your state. Feel free to email Dr. Stoudt with any questions.
I offer the WJ-IV test, which is the newest edition of the long-used Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement, just arrived in 2014. It is administered individually and is part oral and part written. It is on the list of approved tests for homeschoolers. I have been using Woodcock-Johnson in one version or another since 1981.
WHAT IS TESTED?
I give 6 subtests under 3 broad categories, Reading, Math, Written Language to satisfy the PA law's requirement of reading/language and math. Additional subtests are available upon request for an extra fee. WJ.IV.Packages.HIS.pdf>
WHAT IF MY CHILD IS STRUGGLING WITH READING?
Once the reading subtests are finished, I read everything aloud. That way if anyone struggles with reading, we separate math skills from reading and truly test math. It is great for any student, but especially super for any student with struggles, since it is individual and I can really work with the child. For some children with significant challenges, testing yearly, although not required, has been a good way to document "sustained progress in the overall program."
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE MY CHILD?
There is no need to do any special prep. The test is truly an inventory of what the child has already learned. It is written for students pre-kindergarten through college, and it is my job to isolate those questions closest to your child's performance level and then take him to the point where we have passed his current level. I supply all necessary items, like pencils and scrap paper. If your child uses Math-U-See manipulatives, I do allow them to be used, but no calculators. I understand test anxiety, and do my best to put your child at ease. I truly enjoy doing this test and working with children. Make sure you are not stressed and communicating that to the child.
HOW LONG DOES THE TEST TAKE?
It takes about 1 1/2 - 2 hours (3rd grade is shorter, 8th grade is longer).
WHEN WILL I GET THE RESULTS?
I try to give you a printed report of the results on the same day as the testing, and go over those results with you. The new test requires an internet connection for me to generate reports. So if you are testing at a host home and they do not have wifi, I will need to go home and score the test and email you the results within a few days. We can discuss the results by phone when you receive them. Either way, there is no long waiting time for the results like you would have with some testing services.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Basic Test which satisfies the law: $45.
I have eliminated the timed subtests. I can still administer those upon request, for an additional $15
Subtests for science, social studies, and humanities (general knowledge of music, art, and literature) are available upon request for an additional $15 for all 3 as a group or $5 individually.
WHERE DOES THE TESTING TAKE PLACE?
I generally test in my home in Bloomsburg, PA. However, I am willing to travel if there are enough tests to justify the distance.
Sometimes I do testing at satellite locations when a hostess opens her home and coordinates the day's schedule for 4 tests. A drive longer than 2 hours would require 2 full testing days. For more information about hosting a day, go to our contact page, and under the Subject options, choose "Info on hosting a satellite day" and in your message specify this is for testing.
SHOULD I WAIT UNTIL THE END OF THE YEAR TO TEST?
No. You may test any time during the school year. The results will be based on the test date. For example if you test for 3rd grade in September, your child's scores will be based on 3.1. But if you test in June, the scores will be based on 3.9. So the test accommodates for the time of year and does not affect your child in a negative way.
WHAT IF MY CHILD IS A STRUGGLING LEARNER AND I WOULD LIKE ADDITIONAL TESTING TO KNOW HOW TO BEST ADDRESS HIS/HER NEEDS?
HIS Homeschool Center offers additional testing, which can be helpful with suspected learning disabilities, for planning homeschool programs, selecting curriculum, developing interventions and strategies. Most insurances require a formal diagnosis from a psychologist, therefore Dr. Stoudt does not offer formal diagnosis services. Dr. Stoudt is willing to share all test results to collaborate with a psychologist who is willing to team and accept these results as part of a diagnostic battery. Download a sheet for more info, WJ.IV.Packages.HIS.pdf>
Alternate Test Resource -
California Achievement Tests is on the list of approved by the state. You can select this test in timed or untimed. Most families prefer the untimed version. http://www.academicexcellence.com/complete-online-california-achievement-test-not-timed/
I'd love to hear from you. You can email me, find me on Facebook, call or text me at 570-861-5681.,