The TerraNova Test is a standardized test for K-12 students, measuring skills in reading, math, science, and more. It's accessible for homeschool families and can be administered by parents without a degree.
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 TerraNova test?
The TerraNova Test is a set of standardized tests from Data Recognition Corporation (DRC). It was first created by CTB/McGraw-Hill. This test measures K-12 student skills in subjects like reading, math, science, and social studies. The latest version, known as TerraNova, Third Edition, uses 2017 norms from a national study. For homeschoolers, the TerraNova Test is great because parents can give TerraNova 2 to their kids without needing a bachelor's degree.
Grade levels and subjects covered
The TerraNova Test covers all grades from K-12. It tests reading comprehension, language skills, math (including geometry and statistics), science (like physical and earth sciences), and social studies (covering geography and civics). There are different versions of the test: the Complete Battery and Multiple Assessments offer the most testing, while the Survey version is shorter. For grades 3 and up, there are spelling and vocabulary subtests. Starting at grade 5, students also answer short-answer questions.
How homeschoolers access TerraNova
Homeschoolers have several options for taking the TerraNova Test. Many parents choose to administer it themselves through services like Seton Testing Services or Kolbe Academy. They can rent the test materials, follow the instructions provided, and return the materials in two weeks. No degree is needed for TerraNova 2. Alternatively, groups like the Family Learning Organization offer in-person or remote testing options for TerraNova 3. Testing can happen all year round.
State compliance considerations
TerraNova 2 is widely recognized and meets the testing requirements in most states. However, rules can differ. For example, Oregon needs TerraNova 3 to meet state requirements. North Carolina, New York, and many other states accept TerraNova. South Carolina and Wisconsin cannot use TerraNova 2. Always check your state's homeschool laws before choosing TerraNova. Resources like HSLDA offer detailed guidance on compliance.
The bottom line
The TerraNova Test is a good option for homeschool families looking for affordable standardized testing that meets most state requirements. Parents can administer TerraNova 2 without needing a degree, which is a big plus compared to other tests. While the 2017 norms may be getting old and the results are less detailed than Stanford 10, many families find TerraNova convenient and cost-effective.
