Early Homeschool Test

Q. I tested my son in October when we began homeschooling. Can I submit these test results or do I need to test him again?

A. A baseline test early in the year may provide helpful information as you begin your homeschool journey. It could reveal your child’s academic strengths and weaknesses and be helpful in choosing curriculum. However, an early homeschool test would not show “evidence of progress” as the law requires.

According to §22.1-254.1 (C), evidence of progress must be provided “by August 1 following the school year in which the child has received home instruction….”

The purpose of providing the results of a standardized achievement test is to show that your child has made enough progress for homeschooling to continue the following year. A composite score in or above the 4th stanine (23rd percentile or higher) is one way to meet this requirement.

The results of a test administered after the child has received home instruction–in the spring or early summer–would fulfill the purpose of testing.

~Yvonne, HEAV