Standardized tests for a child not reading well

[Debra in CO]

If you had a 3rd grader who was not reading at grade level, and you needed to do a standardized test, which one would you use?

My oldest took the CAT two years ago, but he was reading above grade level, and I just don't remember much as far as what reading was actually required. My current third grader is reading at probably an early 2nd grade level right now, hopefully mid-2nd grade by the time we test. I don't get all worked up about test results at this age, but I want it to be as non-stressful for him as possible. And I do want him to score at least the 17th percentile the state mandates (I think it's 17th anyway, I might be off a percentile or two).

My biggest concerns with the testing are that he doesn't score horribly in areas like math just because he isn't reading well.

I'd prefer a test like CAT or PASS that we can do at home, though if it is something that would be better for someone with reading issues, I'd certainly look elsewhere.

I'm not looking to artificially boost his reading scores or anything... but given that I have to test him, it would be nice if all the scores told me at least something, besides just that he doesn't read as well as his peers.

Thanks for any suggestions!!

Debra
Mom of five, ages 2-10

[Ellie]

it is what it is. Standardized tests compare children of an approximate age with the normed group of that same approximate age, some of whom read at grade level and some of whom did not, which will of course affect their scores in areas other than reading.

If you want to actually evaluate where he is, maybe the PASS test would work better than the CAT.

[EKS]

When I needed to test my son at the end of 3rd grade I chose the PASS test because he could take a higher level math and a lower level reading.

I like that the PASS test allows you to test at the child's actual level in the separate subjects. I also like that it is untimed, which is helpful for the struggling reader or the slow processor. However, I don't think its the greatest test in the world. Both the questions and the norms are extremely outdated. And the comparison of scores to the other homeschoolers taking the test is statistically shakey at best.

[kRenee]

The PASS test isn't accepted in Colorado, so that wouldn't work. My dd did the CAT 5 in 3rd grade and I remember having to read all the instructions to her. I didn't read the actual questions to her, but I wouldn't hesitate to make sure my child understood the question before they answered it.

You could always go with an evaluation instead of the test. Or if it isn't too late, sign up with an umbrella school for this year. Either way your child doesn't have to take the bubble test.

[AngieW in Texas]

I used the level 8 test for the ITBS. It's for advanced 2nd graders or struggling 3rd graders.

Most of the test is oral. I think the math computation part (which was strictly arithmetic) and the reading comprehension part were all that were done independently and they were the only timed portions of the test. For all the other parts, only the answers were in the student booklet. The questions had to be read out loud by the test giver.

Level 8 is the highest level of ITBS that is read to the student.

There is a new reading survey test that has been added to level 9 that is read to the students, but that is a very tiny portion of the test and it is an add-on that is pretty recent.

[Debra in CO]

Thanks everyone! Now that you mention it, kRenee, I did know that the PASS didn't work here.

I think I'll go with the CAT/5, as dh really wants us doing the standardized test option. I do feel better about it after asking, so thanks everyone :)

Debra

[Debra in CO]

Angie,

Thanks for letting me know this! This is what the local homeschool group uses for testing in the spring, so I'll see if we could do the Level 8... that might be the best option of them all. Hmmmm.

Debra