Need advice about when to do this year's testing

[Shari]

We are in a state that does not require standardized testing, but have always done it anyway. For our family, it is an accountability tool and provides peace of mind (sometimes!) for Mom. LOL

I've tested both our ds from K onward using IOWA tests from BJU, and we have always tested in April of each year. That way, I have been able to gauge progress from calendar year to calendar year (the GE especially). This year, however, we are going to be done waaay early; possibly as early as the end of February.

So, what to do? My brain tells me to wait, to test in April like always so my results and records will continue to be consistent. My gut wants to "get it over with" since they are done with the 'official' work, the 3Rs. I know BJU usually sends the tests up to two weeks before the testing session is scheduled, so I could get the tests, give them, and hold off sending them in until April .... but that feels like cheating! Someone tell me what to do and give this slightly OCD Mom some peace! LOLOL

TIA

[Chris in VA]

First, may I ask you, when do you start the next school year? I test at the absolute end of our year--we start the day after Labor Day, and last year, I didn't test until the second week of June, when we were "done."

[Shari]

Not only do we do an extended year (40 weeks), we also go year round. I start counting the weeks of our next school year in June (our 2008/09 year begins June 2008). For purposes of fitting the kids in at church with their age-mates, I consider the official end of our year as May and 'graduate' them up to the next grade.

[kRenee]

When I used the CAT 5 a few years back I remember reading that scores are adjusted for the time of year they are given. Check with your provider.

[Beth in Central TX]

If you're going to start your next school year in March, I would test them now. Once you've finished your school year in February and you just plan to review the year and maybe do some fun history or science projects until June, and then start school next like you usually do, then I would test them in April.

[GVA]

We'll be finished with some things in March that we'll let rest until June or so when we start our "new" year, and continuing some things without much break.

I usually test in May because I like to take the last two weeks off from academics, but frankly I've tested anywhere from March to June in the past because of other issues. It really doesn't matter much to me. It's just a "snapshot" of where they are at a particular time. Last year my 1st grader was in a silly mood to the point of over-analyzing the math and didn't do well, and I knew that her scores didn't reflect her true capabilities. It's useful, but I look at the results with a broad view.

[Melissa B]

We test the same month every year - May. We also use the same test every year. I like the consistency as well. We don't start and end our school year at any specific time. When one math book is finished we move on to the next, etc. The tests give us an idea of how the child has progressed in the last twelve months - and satisfies the county at the same time.