cinward2001

I love reading the posts here...the sometimes different ways of
seeing things, and alternate solutions, so wanted to get
thoughts/advice/feedback on this.

The only requirement that we have, as "homeschoolers" registered
with our local school board, is to turn in attendance reports each
year and to have 4 hrs/day of instruction. Of course, we
view "instruction" as anything and everything...living life, and we
do it every day :), so we send in the forms each year and that's it.

Well, this would be my oldest son's 5th grade year in school.
He's "required" to take a state test. I would prefer he didn't
because it's useless and potentially worse than useless (harmful).
My husband is a "lawful good" person (Sandra, you're familiar with
role playing...D&D miniatures, modules, maps and adventures are
constantly in play here) and as such, doesn't want us to actively
try to avoid the test (such as my listing him as a 4th grader this
year, or advancing him to 6th). He feels that we should follow the
rules.

So far, I've called the school board several times to try to
determine what the penalty is for NOT taking the test. No one seems
to know. The "rules" state that the test has to be done...nothing
is said about what will occur if it isn't. I've also tried to
determine exactly what the test is called so that IF we do this, I
can at least obtain some practice tests so that my son will know
what to expect. Again, no one seems to be able to provide that
information.

I've also told my husband that IF the school board doesn't contact
us, I will not contact them. He's a bit uncomfortable with that but
I simply said "Oh, so because they're inept, I'm now supposed to do
THEIR job FOR them with something that I don't believe in doing
anyway?" He let that one go. :)

I've tried to adopt the attitude that DS will take the test with the
explanation that it's "no big deal." But I'm afraid that if he
takes it, and doesn't do well, this will be fuel for more
negativity toward unschooling. Both grandparents, my husband, and I
have advanced degrees in education...so we're really stepping
outside the "norm" for our family in unschooling.

DS is a terrific reader (he regularly DMs and has no trouble reading
a player's handbook), has an amazing wealth of knowledge and
abilities, yet little of it fits into the school "box." I hate to
think that a standardized test could be used to "judge" him in any
way.

Thoughts? Advice? Suggestions?

Cindy

Sandra Dodd

Have you looked here already?
http://sandradodd.com/tests

When my sister decided to comply, a while back when New Mexico had
testing requirements, the option most seemed to be using here was to
buy the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) from Bob Jones University.
Lots of people don't want to support Bob Jones University, and that's
understandable, but just as one more point of information...


If you're unschooling, it's not uch of a stretch to say "He's not a
fifth grader."

I just ditched the tests when Kirby was eight, and nothing happened.

With the schools' requirements for testing, they aren't required to
test every child, just a percentage of them. So if a sufficient
percentage of homeschoolers take the test, the state probably
wouldn't hunt down any others. Still, if the law puts the
responsibility on the parents that's a little different.

As to options and fines and such, maybe ask the state list with the
most Christian homeschoolers on it, because they seem to specialize
in knowing all the laws because they're so often involved in
political agitation.

Sandra

freepsgal

Must you turn the test scores in to someone official? In GA, we're
required to test at the end of 3rd, 6th and 9th grades but we don't
actually send the scores to anyone. I used a test designed for
homeschoolers called the PASS test by Hewitt Homeschooling. My son
enjoyed the test because we did it over a few days and it wasn't
timed. We mailed the tests in and got the results within 2 weeks. I
went ahead and showed him the results because they were good but then
we just dropped it in our yearly folder where I kept copies of our
monthly attendance records and annual report. I didn't share it with
anyone else, not even family. They didn't even know we were supposed
to have done a test because they are all clueless when it comes to
homeschooling.

Beth

diana jenner

cinward2001 wrote:

>So far, I've called the school board several times to try to
>determine what the penalty is for NOT taking the test. No one seems
>to know. The "rules" state that the test has to be done...nothing
>is said about what will occur if it isn't. I've also tried to
>determine exactly what the test is called so that IF we do this, I
>can at least obtain some practice tests so that my son will know
>what to expect. Again, no one seems to be able to provide that
>information.
>
>I've also told my husband that IF the school board doesn't contact
>us, I will not contact them. He's a bit uncomfortable with that but
>I simply said "Oh, so because they're inept, I'm now supposed to do
>THEIR job FOR them with something that I don't believe in doing
>anyway?" He let that one go. :)
>
>
My recommendation is to wing it! Hannah was tested last year ("2nd"
grade) for the first time. As our state uses the standardized test to
"show improvement" there was no fear in taking the first year test.
Even as an "always unschooled" kid, she had no problem taking the two
required parts (reading and math) of their provided test. Our state law
offers the option of providing the results of our own purchased test or
taking the district provided one. The law also explains the
standardized test must be taking in the "natural learning environment"
which means I provide the test at home, at our leisure.

It's really scarier for us "schooled folk" than it is for the kids <bg>

~diana :)


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diana jenner

diana jenner wrote:

> must be taking
>
read: must be TAKEN <bg>
~diana


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wifetovegman2002

--- In [email protected], "cinward2001"
<cward@s...> wrote:
>
>
> Well, this would be my oldest son's 5th grade year in school.
> He's "required" to take a state test.

What kind of "state test"? Do you mean a standardized test? Those
are nationally normed tests, not specific to a state. Do you mean a
test to see if he is following the state learning objectives for his
grade level? Are homeschoolers required to follow the state
curriculum (I don't think there is a state that only allows
homeschoolers to follow the public school curriculum...that is why so
many homeschool textbook dealers exist).

Who is supposed to administer the test? Does your son have to go to a
testing center or can he have it administered by his teacher (you)?

>
> I've tried to adopt the attitude that DS will take the test with the
> explanation that it's "no big deal." But I'm afraid that if he
> takes it, and doesn't do well, this will be fuel for more
> negativity toward unschooling.


So don't tell anyone. Don't even tell yourself. When the envelope
comes with the results, burn it without opening it, or file it
unopened if you have to retain it for your files.


> DS is a terrific reader (he regularly DMs and has no trouble reading
> a player's handbook), has an amazing wealth of knowledge and
> abilities, yet little of it fits into the school "box." I hate to
> think that a standardized test could be used to "judge" him in any
> way.

It does suck rotten eggs...but if there is no way to avoid jumping
through the hoop in order to maintain your freedoms, then find ways to
lower the hoop to make it easier.

Surly your state homeschooling list knows what test is given. Order
practice tests and go over them with him. You can't be the only
unschooling family in your whole state. How have other unschoolers
there handled the testing procedures?

If you can give the test at home, do away with any time limits.
Spread it out over several days, let him wear his pajamas and give him
hot cocoa and his favorite snack while he is doing it, discuss the
areas he doesn't know how to do, show him how, and then let him choose
the answer. I would imagine that he will do just fine except for
possibly some of the math like long division or multiplying/dividing
fractions, and possibly some of the stupid grammar questions.

Heck, you could fill in the dots for him if you are allowed to
administer the test yourself! Okay, yeah, it is cheating, but they are
really testing you anyway, right? To see if you are good enough to
teach him, not whether or not he is smart enough to learn.


~Susan M in VA
wifetovegman

Deb

--- In [email protected], "wifetovegman2002"
<wifetovegman2002@y...> wrote:
>
> --- In [email protected], "cinward2001"
> <cward@s...> wrote:
> >
> >
> > Well, this would be my oldest son's 5th grade year in school.
> > He's "required" to take a state test.
>
> What kind of "state test"? Do you mean a standardized test? Those
> are nationally normed tests, not specific to a state.
Actually, there are some states where hsers take a state
decided/administered test. For example, in Arkansas, it says that
homeschoolers must participate in the same state-mandated norm
referenced tests given to public school students in grades 5,7,10 -
it's free unless the parents request an alternate testing procedure
which they (the parents) then have to pay for. (section 6-15-504 of
the education code covers testing of homeschoolers)
--Deb

[email protected]

In a message dated 1/4/2006 10:00:18 AM Central Standard Time,
soggyboysmom@... writes:

For example, in Arkansas, it says that
homeschoolers must participate in the same state-mandated norm
referenced tests given to public school students in grades 5,7,10 -
it's free unless the parents request an alternate testing procedure
which they (the parents) then have to pay for. (section 6-15-504 of
the education code covers testing of homeschoolers)



~~~

The law was changed a few years ago to say that we take them in the same
grades as the public schools do. Back then, that was in 3 7 and 9. Now the
schools take them every year from 3-9, so stupid agitating homeschoolers who
thought this was a good idea got us to taking test every year.

And there's a truancy charge if you don't take them.

The alternate testing is free of charge for the tests, but you'd have to pay
if you hired a proctor or rented a facility.

Karen


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Deb

--- In [email protected], tuckervill2@a... wrote:
>>
> The law was changed a few years ago to say that we take them in
the >same
> grades as the public schools do. Back then, that was in 3 7 and
>9. Now the
> schools take them every year from 3-9, so stupid agitating
>homeschoolers who
> thought this was a good idea got us to taking test every year.
>
> And there's a truancy charge if you don't take them.
>
> The alternate testing is free of charge for the tests, but you'd
>have to pay
> if you hired a proctor or rented a facility.
>
> Karen
Thanks for the update. Question: can you choose a different
nationally normed test (and pay for it) or do you have to use the
same one the schools pick?

--Deb

Sandra Dodd

This is a state-particular question. Please please PLEASE (please)
take the discussion to a state group instead of discussing such
particulars here.



> Question: can you choose a different
> nationally normed test (and pay for it) or do you have to use the
> same one the schools pick?


Sandra

[email protected]

In a message dated 1/4/2006 10:54:05 AM Central Standard Time,
soggyboysmom@... writes:

Question: can you choose a different
nationally normed test (and pay for it) or do you have to use the
same one the schools pick?




~~~~
It has to be the same test the state board of ed chooses for public schools.

Karen


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

cinward2001

> What kind of "state test"? Do you mean a standardized test? Those
> are nationally normed tests, not specific to a state. Do you mean
a
> test to see if he is following the state learning objectives for
his
> grade level? Are homeschoolers required to follow the state
> curriculum (I don't think there is a state that only allows
> homeschoolers to follow the public school curriculum...that is why
so
> many homeschool textbook dealers exist).

I'm sure that they use a national standardized test...but that's
part of the problem. Figuring out which one. I hadn't thought to
check with the Christian groups in the state...we usually stay
pretty far from them. :\ We don't have to follow any type of
curriculum, but, of course, the schools teach to the standardized
tests.

> Who is supposed to administer the test? Does your son have to go
to a
> testing center or can he have it administered by his teacher (you)?

In our case, he would have to go TO the school. I'm allowed to be
with him, but the test is administered by the teacher. We're not
allowed to pay for private testing elsewhere either.

> So don't tell anyone. Don't even tell yourself. When the envelope
> comes with the results, burn it without opening it, or file it
> unopened if you have to retain it for your files.
>
The school board *can* use his test results to require him to attend
school. It's another one of those "vague" requirements...if he
tests below grade level, they can require us to enroll him in
school. Which is really stupid but I probably don't need to get on
that rant...I'd be preaching to the choir. :D


> Surly your state homeschooling list knows what test is given.
Order
> practice tests and go over them with him. You can't be the only
> unschooling family in your whole state. How have other unschoolers
> there handled the testing procedures?

We're smack dab in the middle of the bible belt...I wouldn't be
surprised if we WERE the only unschoolers. <G> But...even if we
aren't, I'm not active on any other groups...

Cindy

[email protected]

In a message dated 1/5/2006 8:25:31 PM Central Standard Time,
cward@... writes:

We're smack dab in the middle of the bible belt...I wouldn't be
surprised if we WERE the only unschoolers. <G> But...even if we
aren't, I'm not active on any other groups...




~~~
What state ARE you in?

I know that state specific discussion is not welcome here, but I'm dying to
know what state it is. Is it Pennsylvania?

Karen


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Pamela Sorooshian

On Jan 5, 2006, at 6:37 PM, tuckervill2@... wrote:

> We're smack dab in the middle of the bible belt...I wouldn't be
> surprised if we WERE the only unschoolers. <G> But...even if we
> aren't, I'm not active on any other groups...
> ~~~
> What state ARE you in?
>
> I know that state specific discussion is not welcome here, but I'm
> dying to
> know what state it is. Is it Pennsylvania?



I'm still collecting "how to unschool" advice and information on a
state-by-state basis.

These are states I have some information for already - I'm still
hoping for people to send me a write-up of how to unschool in other
states. I'll be putting it up on the <unschooling.info> website,
eventually.

Texas
Michigan
Georgia
Connecticut
Iowa
Maine
Montana
Massachusetts
Illinois
Delaware
Arizona
Missouri
Maryland
Tennessee
Pennsylvania
New Mexico
Kansas
Colorado
South Dakota
New York
Florida
Rhode island
California

-pam




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[email protected]

In a message dated 1/5/2006 11:33:23 PM Central Standard Time,
pamsoroosh@... writes:





I'm still collecting "how to unschool" advice and information on a
state-by-state basis.




~~~

Oops, I think I was supposed to do Arkansas....sorry....I'll hunt up some
old stuff that I've written in the past.

Karen


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

cinward2001

> What state ARE you in?
>
I'm in TN. :)

Cindy

[email protected]

In a message dated 1/6/2006 10:32:08 PM Central Standard Time,
cward@... writes:

> What state ARE you in?
>
I'm in TN. :)




~~~

You're probably the only person I've ever met in TN who registered with the
local school district instead of using an umbrella school. I homeschooled in
TN for 8 years. It's so rare that I didn't even recognize the state because
no one I know has ever complied with it.

I don't think you're working the law to your advantage. An umbrella school
would be a much better option for avoiding testing, and still I don't believe
there is passing grade requirement. And there's no penalty that I can find
anywhere for if your child is suddenly taken ill on the testing days.

_http://www.state.tn.us/education/homeschool/aaindhomsch.php_
(http://www.state.tn.us/education/homeschool/aaindhomsch.php)
_www.tnhomeed.com_ (http://www.tnhomeed.com)

I know this is state specific information, but this is a big list and there
may be someone else who needs this information. I think it's pertinent to
unschooling to be able to discern the principles in the law and apply them to
your life without causing stress or undue schoolishness.

Karen



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

cinward2001

Karen, when we first started unschooling, I researched the different
umbrella schools and their requirements. I don't remember all of
the specifics now, but I remember deciding to NOT go that route for
several reasons. One was the religious aspect. We're not religious
at all...in fact, I'm atheist (try being in a Christian homeSCHOOL
group as an atheist UNschooler...egads!). Most of the umbrella
schools are religion-based and I was NOT willing to sign a statement
of faith.

The second reason, IIRC, was curriculum requirements. At the time,
it seemed like we would more hoops to deal with that way vs.
worrying about the state testing that was, at that time, 5 yrs in
the future.

Third was cost. It costs nothing to register with the school board.

As for ways to avoid the test...as I stated in the original post,
yes, we could avoid it in several ways. But part of the reason
for posting was to get thoughts on how to deal with a husband who
feels that we *should* follow the rules. :\

Cindy

> You're probably the only person I've ever met in TN who registered
with the
> local school district instead of using an umbrella school. I
homeschooled in
> TN for 8 years. It's so rare that I didn't even recognize the
state because
> no one I know has ever complied with it.
>
> I don't think you're working the law to your advantage. An
umbrella school
> would be a much better option for avoiding testing, and still I
don't believe
> there is passing grade requirement. And there's no penalty that I
can find
> anywhere for if your child is suddenly taken ill on the testing
days.
>
> _http://www.state.tn.us/education/homeschool/aaindhomsch.php_
> (http://www.state.tn.us/education/homeschool/aaindhomsch.php)
> _www.tnhomeed.com_ (http://www.tnhomeed.com)
>
> I know this is state specific information, but this is a big list
and there
> may be someone else who needs this information. I think it's
pertinent to
> unschooling to be able to discern the principles in the law and
apply them to
> your life without causing stress or undue schoolishness.
>
> Karen
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

[email protected]

In a message dated 1/8/2006 11:32:13 AM Central Standard Time,
cward@... writes:

. But part of the reason
for posting was to get thoughts on how to deal with a husband who
feels that we *should* follow the rules. :\



~~~~
Oh, I guess then not registering at all is out of the question.

If he would rather follow rules at the expense of his child's happiness, I
don't have any advice.

Karen


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

cinward2001

> Oh, I guess then not registering at all is out of the question.
>
> If he would rather follow rules at the expense of his child's
happiness, I
> don't have any advice.
>
> Karen

That's a bit of a jump there. No where in my postings have I
indicated that our son would be unhappy with taking the test. So
far, he hasn't indicated ANY unhappiness or concern about it. It's
*my* issues that make me so annoyed about it...I don't like jumping
through hoops of any kind.

My son is so much like his dad that he might decide he *wants* to
take the test. He's the one that, when we first started
unschooling, said "But Mom, we didn't do 4 hrs of school today!" I
had to explain to him that reading the menu at the pizza place,
talking about how many slices of pizza we'd had, counting out
change, Dad reading a bedtime story...was all "instruction" so that
we really were following the "rules."

Cindy