To Test or Not to Test . . . Is this really THE question?

Posted by Patty | 0 comments

Before I begin I must start out with a confession! I have been anti-test since the beginning. I feel that the government has taken the “standardized” test and twisted it to the point that it is no longer a useful tool. It has become a yardstick to measure how much money a school is granted. And this has turned into a nasty vicious cycle.  The school tests poorly, the school gets less funds, the kids suffer for lack of educating materials so the following year the students again test poorly–and the governing bodies wonder why. This cycle makes absolutely no sense. Thinking from a purely logical standpoint:  If a school tests poorly, then it is in need of not necessarily more materials but BETTER materials. And we all know in the grand scheme of things that better equates to more expensive. So for a school that tested poorly to be withheld the extra funds–of course they are going to continue to falter when they don’t have the needed resources.

The standardized test concept was originally created to help teachers see where their students were lacking and help them to adjust their teaching to fit the weak points in the education of their students. That is no longer the case. The teachers don’t get to use this to help the students; they have to continually shove the test down their students’ throats in the hope that they will somehow teach the student how to take the test effectively. They try hard to accomplish this, but they rarely succeed. The most effective way to take the test is to actually have the knowledge and understanding to answer the questions. The standardized test has changed its stripes; it’s no longer the tool it was hoped to be, but an ugly imitation that flaunts its inadequacies.

As homeschoolers we are often challenged to prove our abilities. We’re questioned about our right to homeschool, our qualifications, and more importantly our ability to teach young minds to learn. We are often told that unless we can produce above average results, it’s not worth it to homeschool. Now, to this I say “hogwash.” We know that just as our children can learn subjects they don’t know; so can we-their parents. The ability to learn is not solely for the young. So the concern of qualifications should be tossed out the window. Our main qualification should be our willingness to learn that which we don’t already know. And yet, we are still questioned.  Our relatives look at us as if we’re strange creatures from other planets, our neighbors scratch their heads and worry about our children’s ability to “make it in the real world” and of course there’s the age old question — but are they learning??

All of these concerns can make a homeschooling parent worry about their abilities and feel that they MUST submit to a standardized test for their children. They of course don’t HAVE to unless it is a state requirement. This worry, however, gnaws at them, at their insecurities and their imagined inadequacies. And the problem grows bigger and bigger in their minds. They turn to their support group—the other homeschoolers. But then, they are almost as bad—“Don’t have your kids tested, they’re fine,” “If you have them tested, the government will have a say in your homeschooling!” “The tests tell you nothing you don’t already know,” and many other not so helpful responses! So the concerned homeschooler agonizes over whether or not they should have their children “tested”  and maybe even whether or not that means they have failed at homeschooling.

So I say to you–if you are worried, test them! I wholeheartedly support your choice. This however, shouldn’t be the real question. The test is just a test. It will not give the government any power over your children, over your ability to homeschool, question your qualifications or force you into any program that you do not want to participate in. The test is YOUR FRIEND.

WHAT??

Yup, it’s your friend. Just like it was intended to be a public school teacher’s friend. If the test is used as it was originally intended, it can only make your job as a homeschooler easier. So the real question, my fellow homeschooler, is not should you take the test, but what do you do with it once you do take the test??

Let’s take a look—

Above Average Test Score: Well, that right there is telling you that not only are you doing something right, but your child is able to go for some tougher stuff!! All joking aside–this is where you find out that you need to challenge your child. Find out if he/she is bored with what you are doing, look for something that will give him or her a kick in the pants and really test out those brain cells.  This is where you really get to dig into whatever subject your child is enthralled with. DIG deeper, discuss further, stretch out those learning muscles! This may also be where you are going to be challenged. Not only will you need to find the needed resources, but you learn just as much as your children will. This is where that qualification I spoke about earlier comes into play—don’t be afraid to learn!

Average Test Score: A score worse than failure! No one wants to be average. Truly?? NO!! That means you are doing something right! Way to go you! But it also means that though your child comprehends what they need to know at that particular age, they also may not be ready to take that AP Biology class you’re dying to get your hands on! Take this to mean that you are on the right track, stick with it, and keep on plowing!

Below Average Test Score: Ah, the true test of a homeschool parent. This is where you will shine. If your child comes back with a below average score—don’t fret!! This is really what homeschooling is all about. The ability to take a step back, see where the problem lies and focus on it. The first thought you may have is—I’ve failed. I know—I’ve been there.  But, that isn’t the case. The only failure you have made—possibly made I should say—is to not recognize that your child isn’t learning in a way that meets up with their abilities.  Have you been working with workbooks?? Try hands-on! Every subject can be changed to be hands on—even reading. I’ve used Lego’s to create hands on learning experiences with reading. Try audio or visual techniques to change things up. Been unschooling; try something a bit more structured. Perhaps the change will stimulate their brain in the way they need. OR they just may not be ready for the subject material. Each child learns in their own time. It’s OK to put off multiplication for a year. It’s OK to focus on addition and subtraction until they get a solid foundation.  That foundation will later give them something to really build on that will not be full of holes and gaps. So take that step back, work it through and just relax.

This result can also indicate the need for more help. GASP! Sometimes, this lets you know that there is a serious issue that you alone can’t resolve.  Maybe there is a learning disability, an irrational fear (such as test anxiety), or a physical handicap—such as a need for glasses. And sometimes, it’s a road block that you have been unable to see on a daily basis. I myself had an issue teaching one of our kids to read. The older two began learning in public school so I didn’t have to face that, but along came child number 3 and I had to do it. I couldn’t.  Not because I couldn’t read or hated to read. I love reading. But learning to read was such an awful experience that I couldn’t see beyond the past in order to put those memories and fears aside long enough to teach her. And I missed that because I was too close to the situation.  Having a 3^rd party available to lend a hand was a blessing I found I really needed, and one at first I resented.

We all have limitations. We can’t all be super-homeschooler. And for that I am thankful. I couldn’t live up to those expectations. But I can live up to being the best teacher I can be to my kids. Sometimes, that means taking a step back and seeing where they need help. If using the standardized tests as the TOOL that it was always meant to be makes my job of being their best teacher easier, then I am all for it. Using it as intended is not the same as the government using it in their twisted sort of way.

Is anyone out there sitting on the fence about testing? If so what are your concerns? Can we help you make the right choice for you? This is not always the same choice for us!

Patty Thompson is a homeschooling mom to 4 kids and wife to her high school sweetheart. She has been homeschooling for 4 years and loving every minute of it. Future plans include Homeschooling through high school. Her kids range from Kindergarten through 8th grade. Her style is very eclectic and believes in going with what works! She is rarely seen without a book in her hand. She loves to plan lessons and unit studies. She has started working with a co-op group and has enjoyed teaching group classes. Her hobbies include Genealogy and card making. She has often been found lost in thought on her blog. Catch her there and take a moment to feed their school mascot, Shiver, at Shiver Academy.