Let me be the first to say that standardized testing is NOT for everyone. But here in Virginia, end of the year as a homeschooler also means having to show Proof of Progress (POP) to our county’s Superintendent. And this is where the worry starts to set in. Have we done enough? Will they pass? When do I have to start testing them? When do I have to have the test scores submitted? What if they don’t pass? Will I still be able to homeschool? My child did horrible in public school on tests, there is no way they will be able to test to show progress. YOU.ARE.NOT.ALONE!
My children regularly test well above the standard for Virginia and they are excellent test takers (they even find it fun… weirdos) and I still stress more at this time of year than any other.
Ok so let’s start with who needs to test? In Virginia, if your child is 6 no later than September 30th of that academic year (Ex. for this year it would be 6 on or before Sept 30, 2021) you must provide Proof of Progress to your superintendent that year. If your child was still 5 as of September 30th, you get to wait another year, save the rest of this for next year and enjoy your summer.
If you are like me and have to show proof of progress, let’s keep going. You are going to need to decide which method of Proof of Progress you will use. In Virginia, your options are limited and not, at the same time. The law states:
§ 22.1-254.1(C) The parent who elects to provide home instruction shall provide the division superintendent by August 1 following the school year in which the child has received home instruction with either
(i) evidence that the child has attained a composite score in or above the fourth stanine on any nationally normed standardized achievement test or
or an equivalent score on the ACT, SAT, or PSAT test, or
(ii) an evaluation or assessment which the division superintendent determines to indicate that the child is achieving an adequate level of educational growth and progress…
Assuming you choose to show POP through a testing option, you then can choose which Nationally Normed Standardized test you will use. There are quite a few options you can choose from but the important thing to note is that these tests are NOT the same as the Virginia SOL (Standards of Learning) Tests that are administered to public schoolers starting in 3rd grade. Using this link, and information provided by HEAV (Home Educators Association of Virginia) you can get a quick overview of what the tests are like, who can administer them, and if they will suit your needs. Personally we use the untimed, online version of the California Achievement Test (CAT) through Academic Excellence and have been happy with it but all of the testing options are going to have their pros and cons.
How do you know if they passed? Here is where it gets confusing. Each test is going to have different sections on it that are all scored. Some tests include history and science, some only test Math and Language/Reading. No matter which test you child takes. You only are required by law to send in the combined score from the Math, Language, and Reading sections. This combined score can be called base score, composite score, etc. It doesn’t matter what it is called as long as you know what it is that you have to send in. If you test results do not come with this score automatically, usually you can call the testing company and have them send you that specific score separately although it may cost a few dollars extra. So you have all of your scores. The raw scores are great to know specifically where they need help for you. However, only the percentile or Stanine number matter to the district. If your child has scored in the 24th percentile (4th stanine) or ABOVE for their combined Math/Language/Reading score, congratulations! Your child has passed and now you just send in those results and enjoy your summer!
I think it is important to note for parents and children alike, that your child is not likely to know every answer on the test. This is done on purpose. The test will not count those answers against them per say if they are not in the normal range of knowledge for that child’s age. If your child does know them though, that is fantastic.
What if my child won’t test well? Most children test just fine, even those with differing abilities, however, you also have the option to choose to have your child evaluated rather than tested. Evaluations are done by a licensed teacher or a person holding a Master’s Degree in any academic discipline who also has knowledge of the child’s academic progress. An evaluator has final say on how they will evaluate each student. It can be through a self made test, it can be based off a portfolio supplied by the parents, it can be a discussion with the student or many other ways. The evaluator will then supply a 1-3 page report on the progress of the student and if that is sufficient progress for that student. In a few districts, the superintendent may allow parents to submit a portfolio of work directly to them to be examined and evaluated but this is unorthodox and not widely used. If you choose to attempt this method, I recommend contacting the superintendent’s office and asking if it will be accepted. If it won’t be, use the portfolio as part of the progress shown to an evaluator instead and let them write the report or letter stating progress is sufficient.
What if progress isn’t shown? In the event that your child does not score high enough on their standardized test AND and evaluator will not write a letter stating they have shown sufficient progress, what are your options? There unfortunately aren’t many. My first suggestion would be if you child does not score high enough on a test, go with an evaluator. If the evaluator will also not provide proof of progress, you do have the option to retest (if done early enough) using a different test, or following the test makers recommendation on how long to wait between testing (usually 2-3 months at least). If you choose to send in the low (non-passing) scores, the superintendent has the right to place your homeschool on probation. At that point you will have to provide evidence that you have the ability to provide adequate education to your child as well as a remediation plan to make sure that your child has sufficient progress the following year.
If you are placed on probation AND your child does not show progress for a second year, your superintendent has the right to require you to enroll your child in a formal school (not necessarily public school) setting.
What if my child has a documented learning disability or needs accommodations for testing? If your child has these conditions, it is possible to have the test still administered. Contact the vendor of the test you are using or the test maker themselves to find out how to get the accommodations your child needs.
But I don’t think my child needs to be tested… There are a few other exceptions to the proof of progress rule. If you are homeschooling under an accepted religious exemption through the state of VA then you do not have to show Proof of Progress. If your child has graduated, your child is exempt from the Proof of Progress clause. If your child is being taught under the certified tutor option, they are also exempt from the proof of progress requirement whether the “tutor” is the parent or otherwise.
It seems scary and stressful but it doesn’t have to be. If you have any questions about it, comment below and I will answer to the best of my ability.
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