Tag Archives: standardized testing

Have Some Mountain Dew Before a Test?

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How do you feel about standardized testing? Chances are you aren’t an incredibly big fan of it. Children tend to strongly dislike taking standardized tests because it is stressful, confusing, frustrating, and very different from how their typical school day goes. Perhaps this is why a school in Florida found a controversial way to motivate students to take their standardized tests. Someone at Creel Elementary School in Florida came up with an unusual way to get students excited about taking the FCAT. The FCAT stands for “Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test”. A grandmother who learned about it contacted the local media. … Continue reading →

The Purpose of a Standardized Test. . .

Standardized testing season is soon upon us. I have talked to countless parents, both homeschooling and as a teacher, who felt the need to “prepare” for the standardized test. Since teachers are evaluated in part on how well their students test, there seems to be a culture about testing that is inevitable. It is in one word: pressured. I just thought today I would post with this thought: testing doesn’t need to be and shouldn’t be pressured. I also am of the school of thought that you don’t have to prepare for it. It should be a measure of what … Continue reading →

Homeschool Glossary (words homeschoolers should know) – S

School at Home – School at home is a form of homeschooling where the parents and children duplicate the methods and atmosphere of the classroom. This is usually unintentional. Many new homeschooling families begin homeschooling with the school-at-home method. Scope & Sequence – Scope & sequence information is usually provided by the publisher to inform the parent what is taught in the text or program. It is usually in outline form and includes grade level or course outline. This information can be used in the student’s portfolio to detail what was learned. Sight-reading – Unlike the phonics method of decoding … Continue reading →

Objectively Evaluating My Perfect and Precious Darlings

Alright, I admit it. My children are not perfect, or gifted, or superior in intelligence. Yet, objective evaluation and assessment is one dilemma that faces many homeschoolers. How do you know where your child is at compared to other kids? When I say that my child reads at a 2nd grade level–how do I know? When I say my child is especially talented in science and math for his age–how do I know? Most home schooling parents welcome an objective and outside view of their children’s work and progress. So how do you tell where your child is at academically? … Continue reading →

Kindergarten and Standardized Testing

Standardized testing is on the rise and teaching to the test is favored but now the Kindergarten grade has also been brought into this world of standards. Is it a good approach to begin standardized testing at a young age? My friend teaches in a school in Paterson, NJ and through a conversation, she mentioned that her class had testing this past week. It didn’t click right away till after I got off the phone call with her but my friend is a full time Kindergarten teacher! The age of a Kindergartener is around 5 years old. At this age, … Continue reading →