Re: Standardized Testing Prep - WWYD?

[Vanna]

On Saturday, I just started doing Math standardized testing practice with ds, 5th gr. Last year on the test, he did very well in this category and we had been using Saxon Math 5/4. After a number of meltdowns, I decided to switch his Math to ACE (Accelerated Christian Education) which he loves. Even though I got the 5th gr. Math, the work was not nearly as challenging as Saxon 5/4 was (I don't say that to be mean, just an observation and for your information). Long story short, ds didn't even know where to *begin* to answer 1/2 the questions on our practice test. I recognize some of the material (like exponents) was definitely covered by Saxon, but not by ACE gr. 5.

Sooooooo, my long winded question ends here: what would you do?
A. Switch back to Saxon 5/4
B. Stay with ACE, but teach Saxon 5/4 on Saturdays
C. Test ds on the 4th gr. level instead of 5th
D. All of the Above
E. None of the Above
F. Other (please post :thumbup:)

TIA!

[claire up north]

You might not like this, but I think if ACE is not preparing him adequately for what is expected on a standardized grade level exam, you probably should make some changes.

It sounds like Saxon was a real nightmare for you guys, so returning to that program might not be your first choice. There are many very good math programs out there that you could consider. My personal favorite is A Beka, but you'll get as many opinions about math programs as there are homeschoolers with opinions. :tongue_smilie:

Another option that you might consider is pushing him faster so that this time next year he is working a year ahead in ACE. Would this be sufficient?

Unfortunately, I am not familiar with ACE, so I don't know their scope and sequence of math topics, but perhaps they could help you in this area.

Good luck!

[Beth in Central TX]

I agree; I would either move him up a year in ACE so that he is doing comparable math with his grade-related counterparts or change math programs altogether. I wouldn't go back to Saxon since you know it wasn't a good fit for your son before.

[jg_puppy]

When I was first thinking about homeschooling I had my dd take a placement test for ACE. I told a veteran homeschooler how my dd did on the test. She mentioned to me that ACE is about a grade level behind what most other programs are covering.

I think that if ACE is working (meaning that your student is making progress) then I would continue using it and just move at a faster pace.

Jan

[Vanna]

Golly, I wish I posted back in the fall *before* ordering ACE. I didn't realize until after receiving it that we would be a grade behind.

Claire, you're suggestion was good and well received. I'm just trying to avoid changing programs again (ACE makes program #4 for this dc, sigh).

This is our first year in a new state. From what I understand we're not required to give test scores, but we must give some kind of end of the year progress report to the school district (double sigh). Not complaining though, I know there are tougher hoops to jump through in other states.