annual testing/what does it mean/how to choose curriculum-tested above & below grade

[kim973]

How seriously does everyone take the annual tests that we’re required to give our kids? I have an 8th grader who actually did fairly well despite minimal effort. He scored at the 11th grade level for science and at the 12+ for vocabulary and social studies. What exactly does that mean? He certainly would never be able to handle an 11th or 12th grade text book. We’ve been using curriculum that is several levels below his grade level. He seems to lack motivation and everything takes him so long to do. He also has Asperger’s and some anxiety.

He scored at 4th grade level for sentence mechanics and spelling. What would a good grammar curriculum be to catch him up quickly since he’ll be going into 9th grade? I feel as though we don’t have time to go through the 4th, 5th, etc. grade levels.

I’m what really at a loss as to what curriculum to use for him. Whenever we’ve used textbooks, we’ve rarely get half way through by the end of the year. Yet if he’s testing at a higher grade level, shouldn’t he be able to handle more difficult material?

Thanks in advance!


This will be a cross post.

[EKS]

I wouldn't use the test results by themselves to determine whether he's ready for more difficult material. Whenever I've bumped my kids up a level I've always decided to do it before I get the test results back (not intentionally) and then the test results confirm my decision. So since you're saying that there's no way he's ready for an 11th/12th grade book then you're probably right. The scores mean that he's doing well in those areas and is ready for 9th grade work.

As for the grammar, I would do an 8th grade program that doesn't assume much grammar knowledge going into it. I think Hake Grammar would fit the bill and I'm sure there are many other programs out there that would.

[Dobela]

I don't really have an answer for you. I have a brother in his 30s that has Aspergers/autism (depending on the examiner). He always tests high in some academic areas knowledge wise (interestingly vocabulary is one for him as well). However, when it comes to application, he can only actually use and apply it at much lower levels - several grade levels lower. While he can pick out college level vocabulary words and definitions for example, he uses orally and in written language vocabulary at an elementary level. He can do all basic math operations, but cannot determine how much money is in his bank account - even if there was only 1 transaction.

[siloam]

How seriously does everyone take the annual tests that we’re required to give our kids? I have an 8th grader who actually did fairly well despite minimal effort. He scored at the 11th grade level for science and at the 12+ for vocabulary and social studies. What exactly does that mean? He certainly would never be able to handle an 11th or 12th grade text book. We’ve been using curriculum that is several levels below his grade level. He seems to lack motivation and everything takes him so long to do. He also has Asperger’s and some anxiety.

He scored at 4th grade level for sentence mechanics and spelling. What would a good grammar curriculum be to catch him up quickly since he’ll be going into 9th grade? I feel as though we don’t have time to go through the 4th, 5th, etc. grade levels.

I’m what really at a loss as to what curriculum to use for him. Whenever we’ve used textbooks, we’ve rarely get half way through by the end of the year. Yet if he’s testing at a higher grade level, shouldn’t he be able to handle more difficult material?

Thanks in advance!


This will be a cross post.

Assuming it is like the test we take (CAT 5), no it is not that he can do work at that a 11th or 12th grader does. It means that if a 12th grader came along and took the same test that your ds did, with all his additional experience and knowledge, that he would get the same score your ds did. Same with the grammar. It means that if a 4th grader came in and took the same test, though it be beyond them, your ds score is the same as theirs would be. Does that make sense?

I would recommend Junior Analytical Grammar or Analytical Grammar. I know JAG is for 4th-6th grade, but if he needs work in the basics it is a great to the point way of doing it. Analytical Grammar takes a huge leap in the complexity of the sentences, so if what he needs is more work in applying the basics in more complex situations than AG would be the way to go.

Heather

[Laurie4b]

I answered on the high school board.

[Misty]

One of my Aspie kiddos is very asynchronous in her skills also. Have you looked at Analytical Grammar? It's rigorous and very thorough. He will be a grammar expert when he finishes. It covers grades 6th-8th, but it has a very light schedule so you could accelerate him through it and be done much sooner. Look at their website for details. http://www.analyticalgrammar.com

Since your son has motivation issues (which is common with Aspies since they only want to think about their hyperfocus interests and nothing else) Analytical Grammar will be tough for him.. But if he can focus and get it done, I think it would be good for what you need to accomplish with him. My nearly 12yo Aspie daughter is extremely advanced in some areas, but has major motivation issues for most subjects and could really care less about grammar. She is going through Analytical Grammar now and even though she "hates grammar" and "despises diagramming" I am very impressed with how quickly and accurately she parses and diagrams. AG has really served her well so far.