Since we began home schooling,
I have administered standardized tests
to the children after each school year.
After the first year, we tested in May. But, in years since, we have tested mid-summer ~ and, found it to be much nicer that way. In May, the children and teacher are a little weary. Taking a good, long month of "summer" first, seems to make everyone a little more fresher and ready for a week of testing. :-)
I have used the Iowa Test of Basic Skills for the past four years. I had to register to be a test administer and then I just simply order the testing materials each year. I use Bob Jones University Press for testing supplies.
After the testing is complete, I mail all of the materials back to Bob Jones where the tests are scored and ranked against students across the country. The results that are returned to me show the children's strengths and weaknesses and also how they are comparing nationally to other students.
It usually takes about 2 to 2 1/2 hours each day over 3 to 4 days to complete the testing.
And when we are all done, it's fun to do something special at the end of the week! :-)
