<>As the educational system has become more modern, homeschooling is becoming increasingly common. More and more parents are opting to home-educate their children, rather than sending them to traditional schools. While some argue that homeschooled students receive a more personal education, others are concerned about the lack of testing and standardized assessments.
In this article, we’ll look at the different ways that homeschoolers can be tested and assessed, and how these tests compare to their traditional school counterparts.
What Exams Are Available for Homeschoolers?
Homeschooling parents have the option of using a variety of different exams to assess their student’s progress. Often, these exams are offered through a homeschooling organization, such as the HSLDA, but they can also be obtained through other sources. Some of the most common exams used by homeschoolers include the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS), California Achievement Test (CAT), Stanford Achievement Test (SAT) and the Woodcock-Johnson Test of Achievement (WJTA).
All of these tests are widely accepted and measure student’s progress in a variety of subjects. In addition to these widely accepted tests, some states may require their own tests or assessments for homeschooled children.
These tests may be used to assess a student’s knowledge in specific subjects, as well as to determine whether or not the student is meeting certain standards for the state. In most cases, these state assessments are administered in the student’s home, by a certified teacher.
Are the Results Acceptable for College Applications?
The results of these exams and assessments may vary in their acceptability for college applications. In most cases, homeschoolers can submit their results from any of the widely accepted tests and assessments when applying to college. However, it is important to check with the college admissions department to ensure that the test results will be accepted.
Some colleges may prefer results from tests conducted by the HSLDA, such as the ITBS or Standard Achievement Test, over results from other tests. Additionally, some colleges may require additional testing or assessments in order to consider a homeschooler’s application.
It is also important to note that many colleges have specialized programs for homeschoolers. These programs may provide additional testing or assessment methods, as well as other opportunities for homeschoolers. It is important to check with each college to determine which programs are available and which tests are accepted.
How Do Homeschool Exams Compare to Traditional School Exams?
Generally, homeschool exams closely match the scope and rigor of traditional school exams. The majority of tests used by homeschoolers are based off of the same assessments used in traditional schools. The primary difference is that homeschoolers have the option to test on their own timeline, rather than testing on the same timeline as traditional schools.
This gives homeschoolers more freedom to prepare for the exam and to perform better than they might in a traditional setting. Furthermore, homeschoolers typically receive individualized instruction and feedback, which may allow them to improve much faster than if they were in a traditional school.
In terms of the subject matter, homeschool exams are typically designed to be more comprehensive and require students to have a deeper understanding of the material. This is due to the fact that homeschoolers have individualized instruction and do not have the same resources available in traditional schools.
Therefore, homeschool exams may focus on more specialized subject matters, such as mathematics and science, and may also require students to do more hands-on learning. Additionally, some homeschool exams may focus more on critical thinking and problem-solving skills as opposed to memorization and facts.
Do Homeschoolers Have an Advantage on Exams?
Homeschoolers do have the potential to have an advantage on exams, due to the individualized instruction they receive. Since they are not competing with a traditional school setting, they can focus on preparing for a particular exam, such as the ITBS or CAT, and can receive feedback from an experienced instructor. Additionally, some homeschoolers may have more time to prepare for an exam since they are not bound to the same timeline as a traditional school.
Consequently, homeschoolers may be able to create a more effective study plan and become more familiar with the exam. Finally, homeschoolers may have access to more diverse resources than their traditional school counterparts.
This may allow them to explore different topics and to become more knowledgeable on specific topics that may be relevant to the exam.
Conclusion
Homeschoolers do have the option of taking exams, just like their traditional school counterparts. These exams may include multiple choice tests, such as the ITBS or Stanford Achievement Test, or other assessments from a state-approved organization. Additionally, many colleges have special programs for homeschoolers that may provide additional testing and assessment methods.
Homeschoolers may have an advantage on exams due to their individualized instruction and the ability to focus more on a particular exam. Ultimately, homeschoolers should check with their state to determine what is required for college admissions and what resources are available to help them prepare for exams.