Can Homeschool Parents Administer a Standardized Test to Their ...

Many homeschoolers don't know that they, as homeschool parents, have the option of administering a standardized test to their child. I have gathered some information and am sharing it here with you in what I hope to be a clear and logical order. Don't take this as legal advice, and always consult the HSLDA for legal advice. Also, please use the links I have provided to double check everything for yourself.

Let's read how this law is written from the Georgia Department of Education website:

"Students in home study programs shall be subject to an appropriate nationally standardized testing program administered in consultation with a person trained in the administration and interpretation of norm referenced tests. The student must be evaluated at least every three years beginning at the end of the third grade. Records of such tests shall be retained"

This is how it is stated on the LexisNexis website as well. If you'd like to read it from there, visit their website and search for Georgia Code 20-2-690.

Here is how the HSLDA has it written in their 2012-2013 Legal Analysis of Georgia Homeschool Laws PDF.?

"Standardized Tests: Children must take a nationally standardized achievement test every three years beginning at the end of the third grade. The test must be administered in consultation with a person trained in the administration and interpretation of norm reference tests. Since science and social studies are required subjects and the testing is required to evaluate the student?s ?educational progress,? HSLDA is of the opinion that the complete battery form of the standardized test should be used. Test scores must be retained but are not required to be submitted to public school authorities. Ga. Code Ann. ? 20-2-690(c)(7)."

So at this point, we've established that the test must be administered in consultation with a person trained in the administration and interpretation of norm reference tests. Now I want to share with you that the testing suppliers determine who this "trained person" administering the test is.

Taken directly from the GHEA website this morning, we read under Testing and the Homeschool Law:?

"Georgia?s Home Study law (GA Code Ann. 20-2-690-(c)(7), requires that children take a national standardized achievement test every three years, beginning at the end of the third grade. These test scores are NOT to be submitted to public school authorities, but are only to be seen and kept on file for at least 3 years by the parents. There is NO exit exam required of home school high schooled students to graduate.?

The teaching parent may use any nationally normed standardized test. The testing companies set the rules as to the qualifications of the person administering the test and under what circumstances the test should be given. The home schooling parent is responsible for the cost of the test and having their children tested. The state does not provide this service."

I think it's important to note that the women that are in charge of the GHEA have been politically active in the past and therefore have first-hand experience communicating with congressmen about all sorts of homeschool issues. I feel confidant this information is still accurate and up-to-date, but if I ever question that I will simply give HSLDA a call!

I think it's worth noting that although each of these three sources (GA DOE, HSLDA and GHEA) have shared the same information regarding what the law is, the HSLDA and GHEA have added some additional and beneficial information. From HSLDA, we are informed of the law and we also learn that they are of the opinion that the complete battery form of the standardized test should be used since science and social studies are required subjects in Georgia. This makes perfect sense. From GHEA, we again are informed of the law, yet we also learn that testing companies set the rules as to who can administer their tests as well as the fact that test scores are not to be submitted to public school authorities. One might be able to interpret that for themselves from the law, but I don't think so because many people have been surprised when I've told them this. It sure is nice to have these important issues elaborated on by the HSLDA and GHEA.

Hopefully, this information will help homeschool parents make an informed decision that best suits the needs of their family. In another post, I'll share information about tests and testing companies.

Source: http://homesweethomeeducation.blogspot.com/2013/02/can-homeschool-parents-administer.html

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