Are there changes in testing requirements?

[Kathie in VA]

I bought the Spectrum Test Booklets for my kids to prep for the CAT tests and noticed that it now has a section on Social Studies and a section on Science. Last years didn't have these sections. Anyone know if these are now on the CAT tests? I thought I only needed to test LA and Math for VA requirements so I wasn't planning on these extra subjects.

tia

[Laurie in VA]

This is our 1st year testing, but my CAT-E test came with just the English and math portions. I think the full cAT has all of the "extras". Here is a link to the testing requirements in VA: http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+22.1-254.1 (paragraph C)

HTH!

[GVA]

The CAT has always included the other areas. Seton sells the CAT-E which covers only math and language arts because they have license to basically "chop" off those portions. Sometimes folks order the full CAT from Bayside Educational Services or others and do test on everything, but only math and language arts are required in Virginia. You're free to skip the parts you don't need on the full CAT too, but ordering the CAT-E ends up cheaper anyway if you're going to do that.

[Kathie in VA]

Thanks for the clarification! I do usually order the CAT-E so that will work for us again. I think I'll have them do the other sections in the test prep book... just to see where they are but I'd rather not test where we don't have to test. For me the testing is: 1- to satisfy the state, 2- to practice testing, and then 3- so dh can see where they are in respect to other students. I kinda know where they are since I'm working with them all the time.

Okay, I feel better now. Thanks!