Homeschool Moms,
I have a son that is 13 yrs old and is ADD/LD. He has been tested using the Kaufman Individual Test for the last two years. I would like suggestions for yearly achievement tests, appropriate for LD students.
Do most of you test your LD homeschoolers through standardized testing or have them tested by developmental specialists?
Thanks for any input.
Carol …………Tampa,FL
I'm in FL. This is what I'm doing.
I am having my dd tested with the Brigance. I like it since it is not a timed test. The teacher takes dd as far as she can in math, reading, listening, etc. However, the Brigance only goes up to 6th grade I think.
I wish that my dd’s S&L therapist could test my dd. She has used almost every available test for assessment possible. However she does not have a teaching certificate and is not a developmental psychologist with the registered liscence number required by the state.
I would suggest either find a special ed. teacher or specialist that is qualified by the state to test your child. I would think the Woodcock test would be one that could be used for reading.
Another option would be to do a portfolio evaluation. This would take alot of stress away from the child. It may put more on you to get all the materials together and to get it organized, but it could well be worth it.
You could contact the Florida Parent Educator’s Association (FPEA) for more information. They may have a list of specialists who could help you test your child. It’s worth a try to find out.
God bless,
Jan P.
Re: Appropriate Testing for LD Homeschoolers
Ann,
Thanks for your suggestions. Actually we are ok with curriculum, just looking for an end of the year achievement test, required by his private umbrella school each year.
Thanks,
Carol……..Tampa FL
Re: I'm in FL. This is what I'm doing.
Jan,
Thanks for all the great suggestions. I would love to continue to have him evaluated, but unfortunately, the private umbrella school that I am currently with, will not accept evaluations and if I go under the county, he won’t receive a diploma. So you can see my dilema. Your other suggestions sound like good ideas. I will look into them. Thanks for your help!
Carol……….Tampa, FL
Testing by a professional is always good. If you are looking for a homeschool curriculum, I would see if that curriculum has a diagnostic test to check for learning gaps. If you are placing a child in a new curriculum the diagnostic test will ensure the child is placed properly and looks for any learning gaps. A learning gap is a concept that was never mastered, and a good diagnostic test should reveal learning gaps. For example, I’m weak in Math and was in college…I’m sure there are concepts I didn’t master in Jr. High or High School before moving ahead. If you discover those learning gaps you can review material before moving ahead. It’s a great way not only to set a child up for success, but the parent too. If you’re frustrated, so will the child. Remember a diagnostic test is not an intelligence test or IQ test, achievement test, etc. it is simply to place children correctly in the curriculum that you are considering using. Good luck with your school year.