Hi ,

In the past, I've always had my kids do a non-test assessment to fulfill our state's assessment requirement (for those curious, I used a checklist assessment from Family Learning Organization for Washington's HBI requirements). However, they always wanted more work samples, and I just didn't have a ton. I knew my kids were learning a lot, but it's through field trips, conversations, YouTube videos, and of course games - you know how it is. I wasn't interested in having to ship a book of work samples, either.

So this year, I decided I was done with those shenanigans! And it took me a while, but I finally found a test to give my kids. We went with the Stanford 10 through Seton Testing. It's an untimed online test and is $45 per test. Pricier than I'd like, but what isn't these days? I'm not thrilled that they only give the test on certain days, but I was able to schedule it for non-drive days. Other popular tests include the CAT (paper only; I hate having to deal with receiving and sending physical mail while on the road!) and IOWA (timed). Since this is the first standardized, long test my kids will have to do, I figured untimed would be best so we can take breaks as we need them.

And I'm pleased to say that my kids completed their tests just fine, with results about what I would expect.

Sometimes, I just need to give myself one tiny goal to start building some momentum. What's one tiny goal that you can accomplish today? Until next time,

Happy Gaming!

~Ashley

Gypsy Gameschooler

P.S. I just have to add on here: please don't take test results too seriously! All a test can show you is how well your child did on that particular test on that particular day. It is not actually any indication of learning and certainly not of intelligence. I was one of those freaks who tested ridiculously well yet learned almost nothing. At the same time, I know there are plenty of brilliant people who simply don't test well. So whatever test results may show you, please don't put too much stock in them. You know your kids better than a standardized test does.