If your child is in grade 3, 5 or 8, the portfolio must include the results of a standardized achievement test for reading/language arts and math. The list of approved tests (as of the date of publication of this article-please check the PDE website for updates) can be found on the Pennsylvania Department of Education website and includes:
1. California Achievement Test (CAT)
2. Comprehensive Testing Program (CTPIV)
3. Iowa Test of Basic Skills
4. Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) ****NEW as of 2017
5. Metropolitan Achievement Test
6. Peabody Achievement Individual Test (Revised)
7. Stanford Achievement Test
8. Terra Nova
9. Woodcock-Johnson Revised Test of Achievement III
10. Woodcock-Johnson IV
11. Wechsler Individual Achievement Test III (WIAT-III)
Where to Find Tests
A quick google search will help you find suppliers or certified administrators of the tests listed above (only some require certified testers). I’ve always ordered from Seton Testing Services and have had fast, reliable service. (I’m not sure Seton still provides the 3rd grade level hard-copy testing materials).The testing materials for each grade level costs about $25. I wouldn’t recommend spending the money on the test prep materials.
Some people prefer online testing. Results are instant after the test is completed and it is self-proctored. The Academic Excellence website offers a non-timed version of the California Achievement Test. An online version of the CAT is also available through Christian Liberty Press.
If you order a paper version, expect materials to arrive within a week of ordering. Scores are returned within a week or two after you mail the completed test back. If you experience a delay on either end, contact the company directly. Be sure to make a copy of the completed answer sheet in case it gets misplaced or damaged, though I’ve never had a problem. I have always returned the materials via first class mail but you may want to take the extra precaution of mailing it with confirmation of some sort.
Some restrictions and myths
1. Grade level
The law requires testing in grades 3, 5 and 8 but the parent determines the student’s grade level regardless of the child’s age. This should not be used to avoid taking the tests (promoting your second grader to fourth in order to avoid testing in 3rd grade). Although school district superintendents no longer review portfolios, a qualified evaluator should expect results in the portfolio in the relevant grades. Tests can be inconvenient but it’s an important skill to learn and most students will enjoy the change in routine.
2. Test level does not have to equal grade level
The supervisor also determines the test level. The homeschool law requires testing in those grades, it does not dictate the test level. So, for example, it’s perfectly legal to administer a 2nd or 1st grade level test to a third grade student.
Be sure to order the test level that you prefer, regardless of your child’s grade or age.
3. Parent cannot administer test but….
The only restriction regarding the standardized tests (other than the grades in which they are required) is that they may not be administered by a parent.
Any other human; a relative, sibling, family friend or another homeschool parent may administer the test. After a paper test is administered, you (supervisor or parent) will collect the booklet, score sheet and instructions and mail it back to the supplier from which you ordered the test and wait for the scores.
Online tests are considered “self-proctored” or “computer-proctored” so you don’t have to recruit another person to administer it.
Some homeschool co-op groups offer testing and there are other organizations that conduct testing on certain dates all over the state but with the ease of online testing, I’m not an advocate of this option.
Homeschoolers also have the option of participating in the mandatory testing at the local school district (PSSAs or Keystone Exams) but I wouldn’t recommend this option for a few reasons. First, these exams are not required for homeschooled students. Second, only reading and math are required under the homeschool law and the child would have to complete all sections tested for public school students in their grade. Finally, studies show that students perform better on tests in familiar surroundings. The most familiar environment for homeschooled students is most likely the home, not a classroom or other rented space utilized by a testing service.
4. Performance doesn’t matter
The portfolio must include results of a test in grades 3, 5 and 8. Poor test scores do not affect the parent’s right to continue the home education program. There are many reasons why children do not score well on standardized tests, many of which have nothing to do with quality of the home education program. Some evaluators only verify that the scores were obtained and don’t consider them at all to determine whether an appropriate education has occurred.
I hope this helps.
My son is taking 3 classes at the high school and I homeschool him the rest. They keep pressuring me and saying that he has to take the Keystone exams for Algebra 1 because he takes that class at the school. It has been my understanding that this is not true.
He has taken all of the. Testing required by homeschool law. The Vice Principal said according to the dept. Of Ed. He has to take it because he takes the class at the high school. Please help. Do you know where I could get proof that this is not true? Thank you,
Margie Earl
This is an interesting question, Margie and I’ll answer without studying the legislation and policy related to standardized testing. First, the homeschool law does not require Keystones for graduation. So, homeschooled students who take Algebra 1 (required at the secondary level) in a traditional homeschool setting or, say, at a Community College, are not required to take the Keystone exam.
I’m assuming you plan to issue a high school diploma yourself under Act 196 of 2014. The basic graduation requirements under the homeschool law do not require Keystone exams. They are required for graduation from a traditional school.
If you don’t want to go through the process of claiming a religious exemption to the test (you can check out this handy fact sheet: http://www.elc-pa.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/ELC_FactSheet_TestingOptOut_March2014.pdf), I guess you can challenge the school to show you exactly where in the law your son is required. In other words, put the ball in their court. Again, this is assuming you aren’t expecting a high school diploma from the school.
Here’s the thing, though. Your decision (if your successful in challenging) may affect the school’s decision in the future to allow homeschoolers to participate in classes that are graded. The Equal Access Law does not require school districts to allow homeschooled students to participate in graded courses, it’s completely discretionary. I have no idea whether Keystones are in any way tied to “Average Daily Membership” (attendance) which is a metric to determine state funding but I know districts are penalized if students who participate in those key courses do not take the Keystone exams related to those courses.
I’m not suggesting that your son should or shouldn’t take the Keystones. Clearly, they’re not required under PA homeschool law. But for purposes of the school’s Algebra I class, he isn’t a homeschooled student. Make sense? Let me know how it turns out and whether your argument (if you don’t maintain a religious objection) is successful. I’m sure others will benefit from your experience.
Hi! Does the sibling administering the test have to be of a certain age? I am testing an 8th grader. Can my 10th grader administer the test? Is the on line option a good choice or are there downfalls to using that service? Thank you!
Hi Gina,
No age requirement for the sibling administering the test. A reasonable standard is whether the sibling can read. Just to be clear, the law does not define who may administer the test-only that a parent may not. Your 10th grader administering is fine. If you choose online, no separate person is necessary as the computer (software) is the proctor.
I don’t have experience personally with online tests. Some people prefer them, others suggest that it wasn’t a great fit for their child. It probably depends on the test and the child (as with anything-right?)
My daughter’s test was lost in the mail after returning it to the test center. Not sure what to do. any suggestions will help
If the test center never got it, you have no other choice but to order a new test. Unfortunately, she’ll have to take it again. I always made copies of the answer sheets for this reason but never asked whether the testing center would score a photocopy.
Bottom line, the portfolio must include results of standardized tests in grades 3,5 and 8. You should have plenty of time for that before June 30. Sorry.