The Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) measures how well students grasp core subjects. It covers grades K-8 and assesses reading, math, and more. It's a respected tool for tracking student progress.
Research from the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) shows that homeschooled students typically score 15 to 25 percentile points higher than public school students on standardized academic achievement tests. A peer-reviewed study published in Peabody Journal of Education found that homeschooled children are typically well-adjusted socially and score above average on measures of social skills, emotional development, and daily living skills (Richard Medlin, 2013).
What is the IOWA test?
The Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) is a standardized test created by the University of Iowa in 1935. It checks how well students learn key subjects like reading, math, language arts, science, and social studies. It’s for grades K-8, with the ITED for grades 9-12. In 2011, the ITBS became known as the Iowa Assessments, but many still call it ITBS. It's well-regarded for measuring knowledge and critical thinking, making it popular with homeschool families.
How to order for homeschool
Ordering the ITBS is a bit different than other tests. You need a test administrator with a bachelor’s degree or teaching certification. Here are some options:
- BJU Press Testing offers online tests with results in 5-7 business days.
- Seton Testing Services provides paper tests for $29-$39.
- Triangle Education Assessments rents tests for homeschools and small private schools.
Check with your state homeschool organization because many set up group testing sessions with qualified people.
Understanding your scores
Your main score is the National Percentile Rank (NPR). This shows how your child did compared to other students in the same grade across the country. If your child scores 62, it means they did better than 62% of students at the same grade level. Scores between 26-74 are considered average.
The Grade Equivalent score shows performance in terms of grade levels (like 3.7 for the 7th month of 3rd grade). But don’t use it to decide if a child should skip a grade. Focus on growth each year rather than just one test score.
The bottom line
The Iowa Test (ITBS) is a solid choice among standardized tests. It's tougher than the CAT but less stressful than the Stanford 10. With its long history, it effectively measures knowledge and thinking skills, making it reliable for tracking academic progress. Just remember, if your child isn’t used to timed tests, they may score lower at first. One test score doesn’t tell the whole story—use it as part of a bigger picture of your child's learning.
