Homeschool World Forum

saytutor · User Joined: 16 Feb 2006 Posts: 3

Hi,

I am wanting to put up a web site to offer tests for mastery of state standards.

This test measures the amount of knowledge a child has gained at a certain grade level. I would make available a standards test for each grade level in each state.

Even though homeschoolers do not legally have to meet these standards in most states, it could be reassuring to know if your child is keeping up or zooming ahead with other children their age.

These assessment tests are only for private use by the parent, and are considered a tool to help the parent become the best educator possible.

The tests would be purchased from a large company and are very expensive--several thousand dollars. The homeschooler would be charged under $50 for an assessment.

Please help me decide if I should put up this web site by answering the poll question.

Thanks so much for your help.

Regards,
Penny

Theodore

The answer depends a lot on how much you intend to charge.
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The board game has sold over 350,000 copies worldwide, garnered many awards, is used by over 2,000 schools, and is used extensively by homeschoolers.

MNKristy · User Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Posts: 51 Location: Minnesota

I agree with Ted.....I answered yes before reading your post. When I saw "several thousand dollars," I wouldn't be willing to pay that much to find out. I wouldn't even be willing to pay one thousand. I would say $100 max would be more like it!
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Kristy

Retired homeschooling mom/teacher to three wonderful kids

Theodore

No, he'd pay thousands of dollars to the company that owns the tests, but homeschoolers would pay him only a small fee.
_________________
The Farming Game - Software Edition for Mac and PC
The board game has sold over 350,000 copies worldwide, garnered many awards, is used by over 2,000 schools, and is used extensively by homeschoolers.

MNKristy · User Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Posts: 51 Location: Minnesota

okay, got it. Yes, I would pay a small fee to measure their progress.
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Kristy

Retired homeschooling mom/teacher to three wonderful kids

Christinethecurious · User Joined: 02 May 2006 Posts: 6 Location: Massachusetts

I myself would blanch at $50. I'd rather get one of those,'What your child needs to know" books out of the library and figure it out from observation and discussion. But your survey question is a little hard to answer. Are you asking what do OTHER homeschoolers want? Or what do I want? Many of my friends find standards comforting, and report to our state with a standardized test. I make a portfolio, and only really care right now what my son knows and how to get him to know more. When I'm schooling both my boys, I may need a timesaver, right now all I have to do is look at my school aged boy's notebooks and ask him questions.

alexisminnis · User Joined: 11 Aug 2008 Posts: 6 Location: Vancouver, BC

What you're doing sounds like a great idea and seems like it can be very helpful. I doubt I can take advantage of it though, I am in Canada.
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ncmom · User Joined: 13 Jul 2007 Posts: 324 Location: Eastern NC

I know a lot of people who would love this option. However, myself, I wouldn't use this option. Here is how I look at it. Why would I want to worry if my child is meeting state standards for each grade. Doesn't that take away from the ability to teach at the child's own pace? Just my thoughts on the subject.