Group

Testing

Private

Assessments

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Testing Information

According to Washington State's

Homeschool Law,

there are two options for testing/assessing:

Group Testing - You are required to have your child either tested or assessed annually. If you opt for testing, it is to be done with an approved standardized achievement test and "administered by a qualified individual." 

Private Assessments - The other option is to have your child's academic progress assessed by a "certificated person who is currently working in the field of education."  No additional specifics are given on how the assessment is to be administered...

David Nelmark

offers BOTH options to homeschoolers.

See write-ups on each below...

INFO ON PRIVATE ASSESSMENTS

           Dave with his lovely wife, Lisa:

FOR WHOM?  If you suspect that your child may have difficulty in a group testing situation, or is not reading fluently at a third grade level, you may want to consider an individualized, one-on-one assessment.  Some just prefer the more relaxed atmosphere ~ for the child ~ of a private assessment.

SCHEDULING:  These assessments are arranged by appointment and can be conducted any time during the year, and they usually take about 1½ hours to administer.

COST:  The cost is $75.00 per child.

EXCELLENT OPTION:  Individualized assessments are very accurate and fully meet the Washington State requirements for an annual assessment of your child’s progress.  For more information, please use the contact information below.

LOCATION:  My preference is to do this in the comfort of my home office.  I am open to doing "house calls" but do need to charge people for my gas and travel time, which would be within a 50-mile radius.

Recommendation from Barb Shelton...

I have known Dave for many years.  We attend the same church and are on worship team together.  (He plays bass; I do percussion.) As couples, my husband Dave and I are friends with Dave and Lisa, and we homeschooled our daughters at the same time for a few years.  Dave has also videotaped our dance class and recital.  (His wife is in the class I teach.  She also stamps with me!)  And we have been on a little get-away with them.  (See below left.)  So I know Dave from several angles, and in every situation, have known him to be a man of integrity as well as very good with people, children included!  He is very non-intimidating and "knows his stuff"! So I KNOW your child will feel at ease and relaxed with him doing an assessment.  I highly recommend him to you!!!

ABOUT THE TEST

WHAT AGES?  The group testing is for students from grades 3 through 12.

THE TEST:  The test given is the Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills Survey Plus (CTBS-Survey Plus, which is a newer version of the CAT-5).  This is a shorter, yet accurate group administered achievement test (for grades 3 through 12) that provides norm-referenced, curriculum referenced, and standard referenced information in a minimum of testing time.  This test includes Reading and Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies tests.  In addition, supplementary tests are provided in Word Analysis, Vocabulary, Language Mechanics, Spelling and Mathematics Computation.

TIMING OF TEST:  The test is administered in two half-day sessions, with each session being 3 hours long (including breaks and explanations).  The second day is longer for those who stay to score tests.  Testing is from 9 to 12:00, and then the scoring, which follows immediately, takes about an hour and a half.

WHERE?  I travel to administer the group testing in locations I have been invited to ~ by homeschool groups.  If you are interested in having me come to your location, I need a minimum of 15 students, and for it to be within a 75-mile radius of Longview, Washington.  Click here to see the testing dates I currently have scheduled.

COST? The basic cost of each test is $30 for parents who score their own tests.  (However the test for grade 3 is $40 due to the use of consumable test booklets that must be replaced each year).

APPROVED?  This test meets the Washington State Homeschool Law criteria as an approved test in that it has been evaluated by the Buros Institute of Mental Measurement.  (Buros is the test evaluation organization recognized by the State Board of Education under WAC 180-52-070.) 

COMPUTER PRINT-OUT?  If your child's test is scored by the tester (me), then a computer print-out of the test results is available to you as part of the price of the scoring.

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION:  A Certificate of Completion will be issued upon completion of the testing and scoring, at the end of the second day.

REGISTERING

Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Pre-registration is required.  (No walk-in's the day of the testing; tests must be pre-ordered and space reserved.)

To guarantee a place for your child, return the Registration Form with your payment as soon as possible. 

The reservation form needs to be postmarked no later than two weeks prior to testing.  You will receive confirmation by e-mail or phone.  However...

Late registrations may be accepted on a space-available basis.  If registering late, please call first.

REFUND POLICY

Refunds are allowed up until two weeks before testing.  In the case of illness on the day of testing, your child may be able to make up the test at another time and location, or your group testing fee may be applied toward an individualized assessment.

WHAT TO BRING

MATERIALS:  Each child should bring two sharpened #2 pencils with good erasers.

FOOD:  Nutritious snacks and beverages are recommended for students to eat and drink during breaks.  (Lunch is recommended for children of parents who stay to score the test on the second day).

NOTE ABOUT CALCULATORS: These are allowed but not required on portions of the math test grades 3 through 12.  If your child knows how to use a calculator, it is recommended that he or she bring it, as calculators will not be provided.

TIME-FILLER ITEMS:  Bring books, magazines, or some other quiet activity in case your student finishes any subtest early.  No electronic devices are allowed.

SELF-ADDRESSED, STAMPED LARGE MANILA ENVELOPE:  Bring this if you are having your test scored by the tester. 

SCORING OPTIONS

SCORING BY PARENTS:  Tests may be scored by the parents on the afternoon of the second day, after testing has been completed.  Parents need to bring a colored pencil or pen, a regular pencil, and a calculator.  Children must be supervised during scoring.  Please bring a lunch and game(s), book(s) or other quiet activity for them to engage in during scoring.)

SCORING BY TEST ADMINISTRATOR:  Parents can request to have test scored by the tester and mailed to their home for an additional fee.  Results will be mailed within two weeks.  Please bring a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you decide to choose this option.

PARENT HELP NEEDED

WITH PROCTORING!

IS THIS HARD TO DO?  Proctoring is not difficult, and most parents find it to be an enjoyable experience. 

HOW WILL I KNOW HOW TO DO THIS?  Proctoring instructions will be provided on the day of the test. 

IS THERE COMPENSATION FOR DOING THIS?  Yes!  A 20% discount toward one test will be refunded to you for helping as a proctor. 

YOU ARE ESSENTIAL!  Test proctors are essential to the success of group achievement testing.  Parents are welcomed and needed to help fill this role. 

ARRIVAL TIME?  Please arrive 30 minutes early to prepare for this important position.

LIMITED NUMBER:  I only have room for a limited number of proctors.  They will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis. 

HOW MANY DAYS WOULD I SERVE?  Proctors will be expected to serve both days of the test. 

HOW WILL I KNOW IF I'M CHOSEN?  All who indicate a desire to proctor will be notified as soon as possible before the first day of testing to inform them if they are needed or not.  Please indicate on the bottom of the Registration Form if you are interested in proctoring.