End of year testing

[Nakia]

Here in NC we have to do an end of the year achievement test. We did the IOWA test last year, and by the end of the week, we were both in tears. The thing was so freakin long! I don't put much stock in those tests so I just want to do the shortest possible test to meet our state requirements. Any suggestions?? Thanks!!

[Paula in PA]

The CAT-E covers reading/language arts and math. It had 6 sections with about 20 questions per section. I got ours through Seton (http://www.setonhome.org/testing/default.php).

[Dana]

You can get the CAT from Bayside Testing as well:
http://baysideschoolservices.com/

They're former homeschoolers who live in NC.
It sounds like the survey test is enough for NC (double check on this, I'm not in NC) and it is a shorter test.

Good luck!

[jonesloonybin]

I also use the CAT test from Seton. This is my second year using them. They are quick, inexpensive and always helpful if you have any questions.

Hope this helps!

ETA: I use the Survey Edition. (We are using level 18 this year (AKA grade 8) and it has 6 sections and the TESTING minutes for all sections together is 89 min.) That time does not include instruction time for each section.

It is really painless and they are prompt about getting the test results back to you.

[happymainemom]

Another vote for the CAT. That is the one we have always used and loved. We order from Christian Liberty Press for $22 I think.

[Ellie]

You can test any time of the year. :-)

What about Hewitt's PASS Test (http://hewitthomeschooling.com/test/tmain.asp)?

[mamaof2andtwins]

We have always used the PASS Test that Ellie mentioned. It is very easy to administer. We do it over 3 days, and it takes about 45 minutes each day.

That being said my oldest has to use the CAT test this year because he is too old for the PASS Test.

Jennie

[MamaT]

Nakia -

We go to a private classical school to test. They do the Woodcock-Johnson. They test one on one with my kids and some of it is done orally. It doesn't take long and is priced reasonably - I think $30.00 per child. Since you live near Asheville, testing there would be a possibility for you also. I'll pm you with the link to the school.

[GVA]

We have always used the PASS Test that Ellie mentioned. It is very easy to administer. We do it over 3 days, and it takes about 45 minutes each day.

That being said my oldest has to use the CAT test this year because he is too old for the PASS Test.

Jennie

We test and submit the results each year. I use the CAT-E from Seton for 1st and 2nd, and the PASS for 3rd and up. My oldest is going to "level out" in one subject this year though because it's a customized test in each subject, so we'll have to figure out something else next year for him. If I have the funds, we may go to group testing with the SAT for both next year because they'll both be in the logic stage and will have tested long enough for that to be perhaps doable. We'll see what I think next March. Personally, I believe in keeping it reasonable and testing at home when they're little. ;)

[KIN]

What kind of test prep do you do? We are not required to do any year end testing, but I would like to this year for my 3rd grader just to "be sure".

[one l michele]

The tests were in my mailbox with in days and results were in within a week of mailing in the tests. We take our CAT's in February. The CAT is what I send in to the School.

My oldest (3rd) is also taking the ITBS/CogAT just for our information.

We did use the Spectrum Test Practice book, but I really don't think it was helpful nor necessary. Next year I won't order them.

[GVA]

What kind of test prep do you do? We are not required to do any year end testing, but I would like to this year for my 3rd grader just to "be sure".

My kids test well above the state requirments (25th percentile in math/language arts), and I'd rather know what they truly know without filling their brains just before. Yes, we all did that in school and I've done it with my professional certifications, but I'd rather know "what they just know."

Your mileage may vary...

[one l michele]

I thought our state requirements were low with 33% tile for LA's and Math, being a "high regulatory" state. Interesting to hear there are even lower requirements out there.

[KIN]

My kids test well above the state requirments (25th percentile in math/language arts), and I'd rather know what they truly know without filling their brains just before. Yes, we all did that in school and I've done it with my professional certifications, but I'd rather know "what they just know."

..I don't think I stated my question quite right. I don't want to cram for the test. I need to prepare my oldest for what the test will be like, how it will feel for the actual test, how to skip a question he doesn't know, etc. He has done very few tests and needs to know what to do or he wigs out. Is that more clear?? :)

[GVA]

These can be very helpful in teaching how to fill in blanks, etc. Of course you wouldn't need to do the entire test either.

http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index3.aspx?id=3839&menu_id3=793

[KIN]

These can be very helpful in teaching how to fill in blanks, etc. Of course you wouldn't need to do the entire test either.

http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index3.aspx?id=3839&menu_id3=793

Thanks! This would be helpful t do before a "real" test.

[jonnia]

We're using a Spectrum Test Prep book right now with my 6 yr old son just to give him a little familiarity with the testing format and filling in the little bubbles. There are a couple of short practice tests included. He will take his first ever standardized test next month, and being the perfectionist/worrier that he is, this beforehand practice is well worth the $10 or so I paid for the workbook.

[iammommy]

We ordered it from Seton. It's our first year using it, but it's short and sweet.

HTH! Nan