My state (MN) requires testing at the end of the year. My oldest is just finishing 1st grade with a textbook approach, and we will be implementing CM’s methods little by little hopefully starting this week or next. My question is, what about those end-of-year tests that ask questions about grammar and such? If we don’t start that until age 10 or so, how will she know those answers on the tests?
Do you have to turn in your test scores to anyone, Sara B.? In Georgia, we have to administer the test, but we don’t have to turn in the scores. So I don’t worry about those areas that we haven’t covered yet. I assume she will score lower on those areas because she hasn’t learned about it yet (and I’m sure to let her know that there is no pressure on those sections, so she won’t stress out about not knowing answers).
If you have to turn in your scores to someone and your privilege of homeschooling is dependent on the scores, you may need to try some gentle approaches for those subjects in the younger grades.
I don’t have to turn in the scores, but if they are “too low,” I think there is a rule for that. We are new to the state, so I’m still trying to get a feel for the laws. Here is the part about it from HSLDA.org: 3. Children who score below the thirtieth percentile, or one full grade below children of the same age, must be evaluated for learning problems. Minn. Stat. Ann. § 120A.22 Subd.11(c).
Like you, I would expect them to test low. Would she test so low that she’d need to be evaluated for learning problems, or would she be able to answer enough questions to still be above the minimum?
You could use the “What Every Child Should KNow…” series at her “grade” level as a read aloud together. That way she’ll get exposure to stuff you may otherwise not cover.
I have mine read out of theirs weekly. KInd of like a safety net.