Standardized testing checks how well students perform on the same questions. For homeschoolers, these tests often cover reading, math, and other subjects, helping to measure progress objectively.
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 standardized testing?
Standardized testing is when all students answer the same questions and get scored the same way. This helps compare academic progress across the country. For homeschoolers, it usually includes tests on reading, language arts, and math, with some covering science and social studies too. Unlike regular classroom tests, these measure overall skills based on what students typically know at each grade level. Some states require these tests for homeschoolers, while many families choose to test on their own.
Why homeschoolers test voluntarily
Even if it’s not mandatory, many homeschool families opt to test. Here’s why:
- Identify gaps: Tests show areas needing focus that might not show up in daily lessons.
- College prep: Regular testing helps kids get used to formats, easing anxiety for college entrance exams later.
- Third-party validation: Outside scores give proof that your teaching is effective.
- Scholarship opportunities: Good test scores can lead to merit scholarships.
- Progress tracking: Yearly scores help track growth better than just parent assessments.
- School transitions: If your child moves to a traditional school, standardized scores help with placement.
Accessing testing as a homeschooler
There are several ways to access standardized tests:
- At-home testing: You can use the CAT, TerraNova, or online Stanford 10 tests.
- Testing services: Companies like Seton Testing and BJU Press offer materials or online access.
- Group testing: Local homeschool co-ops often provide a formal testing environment with qualified proctors.
- Public schools: Some allow homeschoolers to test alongside enrolled students. When choosing a test, consider the administrator requirements (some need a bachelor's degree), your child's testing style, and how quickly you need results.
Understanding test results
Test scores can look different, and here’s what they mean:
- Percentile rank: This shows how your child did compared to others. For example, the 75th percentile means they scored better than 75% of students.
- Grade equivalent: A score like 5.4 means your child scored like an average student in the 5th grade, 4th month — but it doesn’t mean they should be in 5th grade!
- Stanine scores: These group results into nine categories, with 4-6 being average.
- Raw scores: Just counting correct answers isn’t enough. You need to convert them to these normed measures. Remember, a low score may just mean the material wasn’t covered yet, not that your child is struggling. Don’t let one test dictate major educational choices.
The bottom line
Standardized testing gives homeschool families a clear view of academic progress. It can validate your teaching, highlight areas to improve, and help prepare students for future tests. Whether your state requires it or not, pick a test that suits your child’s learning style. Always view results as one piece of the puzzle — they’re informative, not definitive. Don’t let test anxiety steer your decisions; these tests are tools for gathering information.
