What is the purpose and benefit of testing/assessment?
• Homeschool parents, because they work so closely with their children every day, usually know fairly accurately where their children are academically. But by regularly evaluating, it keeps us on the path of effective teaching. Remember the aim of a diagnosis is to help develop a plan of remediation. • Assessment should drive and direct our teaching. • Assessment has the potential to silence our critics. • Standardized tests can affirm both your child’s learning progress and the effectiveness of your current teaching strategies. • An objective evaluation can encourage teacher and student and also provide confirmation of your success to other family members, friends, and the state, where required. • Reveals your child’s strengths. • Standardized tests might also point out weaknesses that you may not have noticed. You can then work to improve in these areas.
