Homeschooling can be a great way to provide educational opportunities for children in the comfort of their own home. It is a growing trend among parents who are disillusioned with the educational system in their area. It has become increasingly important for parents to decide whether or not to have their children partake in exams as part of their homeschooling experience.
In this article, we answer 15 common questions about exams for homeschoolers.
1. What Are The Reasons For Taking Exams?
Exams for homeschoolers can serve a variety of purposes. Firstly, exams provide an objective assessment of a child’s academic performance. They can also be used to evaluate the child’s readiness for the next grade or course level.
Additionally, exams serve as a benchmark when it comes to college or university admissions. Lastly, they provide motivation and a sense of accomplishment for children, as they work hard on preparing for, and taking the exams.
2. What Types of Exams are Offered?
Exams for homeschoolers can vary according to the curriculum being taught and the level of learning. The most popular exams are standardized tests such as SAT, ACT, and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).
These tests have established standards for assessing students’ academic progress. Other exams include end-of-year tests, end-of-speech-or-essay tests, and placement tests. Most states in the United States also have tests for homeschoolers, such as the Stanford 10 and California Achievement Test for Kindergarten to 8th graders and credit-bearing exams such as CLEP, DANTES, and AP Exams.
Finally, private schools and tutors may provide their own set of assessment tests for homeschoolers as well.
3. Who Administers Exams?
Exams for homeschoolers can either be administered by the parents or by a third-party proctor or test center. Standardized tests are almost always administered by a third party, such as the test center at the local community college or university. Private schools or tutors may also offer their own proctored testing services.
For other types of examination, it is up to the parents to decide who is in charge of administering the tests. Most states do not require parents to use a proctor, so it is important for parents to consider their comfort level and the needs of their child when making their decision.
4. Should Exams Be A Requirement?
Whether or not exams should be a requirement for homeschoolers depends on a few factors. If a family is aiming for college admissions or pursuing accelerated learning, exams may need to be taken.
It also depends on the curriculum being taught and the standards it is being held to. Finally, the parents should consider their comfort level and the needs of their child when making their decision.
5. How Far In Advance Should Parents Start Planning For Exams?
When it comes to exam planning, it is important to begin early. Parents should start by researching the exams that are required by their state, school or other entity they may be affiliated with.
They should also find out what tests their child needs to take, and when they need to be completed. After that, the parents can start the necessary preparations for the exams, such as purchasing materials and study guides, and scheduling exam times.
6. What Are The Costs Of Exams?
The costs of exams for homeschoolers vary depending on the type of exam and where it is taken. Most standardized tests, such as SAT or ACT, range between $50-$90 per exam. End-of-year and end-of-speech-or-essay tests can range anywhere from $50-$200 per test, depending on the test provider.
Credit-bearing exams such as CLEP, DANTES, or AP Exams can range anywhere from $60-$200 per test.
7. What Steps Should Parents Take For Preparation?
Preparation for exams should not be taken lightly. Parents should start by researching for tips, materials and study guides that can help their child in preparation for the exams.
They should also ensure that the curriculum being taught is aligned with the standards of the exams. Additionally, parents should consider hiring a tutor or joining a class to provide extra guidance for their child’s exam preparation.
8. What Resources Are Available To Homeschoolers?
There are many resources available to homeschoolers for exam preparation. These include websites that provide free and paid materials, such as Khan Academy and Exam Preparation, private tutors and classes, and private schools or test centers that provide proctored exams.
Additionally, there are many homeschooling support groups and forums that offer guidance and advice.
9. Is It Possible To Take Exams For Credit?
Yes, it is possible for homeschoolers to take exams for credit. Credit-bearing exams such as CLEP, DANTES, or AP Exams are exams that can be taken on certain topics, with the successful completion of which a student can earn college credits. This is an attractive option, as students can use these credits when applying to a college or university.
10. What Are The Advantages Of Taking Exams?
Taking exams for homeschoolers has many advantages for the children. Firstly, it provides an objective assessment of a child’s academic performance. Additionally, tests can be used to evaluate the child’s readiness for the next grade or course level.
Furthermore, exams serve as a benchmark in college or university admissions. Lastly, exams can provide motivation and a sense of accomplishment for children, as they work hard on preparing for, and taking the exams.
11. What Are The Disadvantages Of Taking Exams?
Although exams have many advantages, they can also be a source of stress and can lead to frustration, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Exams can also decrease a child’s interest in learning, as they may perceive learning as only something to be done in preparation for the exams. Lastly, examinations may take away from the family time and learning activities that home schooling can offer.
12. How Can Parents Help Their Child Prepare For Exams?
There are many ways parents can help their child prepare for exams. Firstly, they should encourage their child to set aside a set time for studying and make sure that it is free from distractions.
They should also provide resources that can help their child in their preparations for the exams. Additionally, parents should help their child keep track of their studying progress and provide support and encouragement, such as celebrating small successes along the way.
13. What Other Ways Can Parents Support Their Child Through Exams?
Parents can also provide a healthy and balanced diet for their child, ensure that they get enough sleep and make sure that their stress levels are regulated. They can also try to keep their child’s life as normal and balanced as possible, without over-focusing on the exams. It is also helpful if parents can make themselves available to discuss the exam’s topics with their child and provide emotional support.
14. What Are Some Activities To Do With Your Child After Exams?
It is important to celebrate the completion of exams with activities that can help students relax and de-stress. Activities such as playing board games, going to the movies or out for dinner, or having a picnic can be great ways to both celebrate and relax.
Other activities such as participating in sports or creative activities, going for a walk, or to the beach can also be great outlets for relieving stress and rejuvenating the mind.
15. Are Exams Necessary For Homeschoolers?
Whether or not exams are necessary for homeschoolers mainly depends on their goals. If a family is aiming for college admissions or pursuing accelerated learning, then exams may be necessary.
However, if the primary aim of the homeschooling is to allow parents to guide their child through learning independently at their own pace, then exams may not be absolutely necessary.
Conclusion
Exams for homeschoolers can be a great way to objectively assess a child’s academic performance and provide motivation and a sense of accomplishment. While there are many advantages to taking exams, these should be weighed against their potential disadvantages, such as additional stress and decreased interest in learning.
Before making a decision, parents should carefully consider their comfort level, the needs of their child, and the goals they have for their homeschooling experience. With the right preparation and resources, exams for homeschoolers can offer a great learning experience for children.