Annual Standardized Testing
February is a great time to plan for your end-of-year testing, if you have not already done so.
What is required of homeschoolers for testing, and how can we fulfill that requirement?
According to the North Carolina Department of Non-Public Education website, one of the requirements of all NC homeschools is to:
"Have a nationally standardized achievement test administered annually to each student. The test must involve the subject areas of English grammar, reading, spelling, and mathematics. Records of the test results must be retained at the home school for at least one year and made available to DNPE when requested."
The most frequently asked questions regarding annual standardized testing (and other testing) can be found here.
In a nutshell, standardized testing must:
* Be nationally standardized
* Be an achievement test
* Cover grammar, reading, spelling, and math
Please note that the annual standardized testing required of homeschoolers is NOT an EOG, EOC, or "end of grade" test. These tests are exclusive the the public school system, and are not available to, or required of, homeschoolers.
There are many, many options for purchasing and administering your annual standardized test. A great place to begin your research is the North Carolinians for Home Education website, and particularly their testing services page (click to visit page).
Parents may choose to administer the test themselves (some limitations and exclusions apply); get together informally with other families; use a testing option offered from a local homeschool support group; or pay a private test administrator. As with so many aspects of homeschooling, there is no one-size-fits-all option, and flexibility is one of the great advantages!!