tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3418369524826413856.post6945269496869451279..comments2022-11-09T06:59:13.484-06:00Comments on How to Work and Homeschool: {Homeschool Tips} Why Homeschoolers Need Not Fear TestsPricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01440306286962105757noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3418369524826413856.post-7791481984446729032013-07-01T10:25:45.365-05:002013-07-01T10:25:45.365-05:00If all public schools took the hands-on approach t...If all public schools took the hands-on approach to assessment that you are describing here, we might actually close the achievement gap that everyone is so worried about because we would really know what we need to do to close it!<br /><br />I don't homeschool traditionally, but I do work with my kids throughout the summer to make sure that they don't lose ground (and that they are ready for the upcoming year). I take a similar approach to the reader above. We work on two vocabulary words each day, pulled from my kids experiences and interests. I formatively assess where they are at with their sight words as we read our way through our surroundings. I use everyday situations with time and money to formatively assess also.<br /><br />I use more summative assessment during the year to make sure that the kids are on track and that the teacher is being objective in their assessments. I have found that sometimes teachers (including myself) want their kids to succeed so much that they lose their objectiveness. I think "teach to the test" has created this monster as well. <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3418369524826413856.post-85951941973186386172013-06-10T09:37:58.321-05:002013-06-10T09:37:58.321-05:00I like that you are exploring a touchy area of hom...I like that you are exploring a touchy area of home schooling! From your list I test my kids on information/concepts they're learning with observation and dialogue, using real life application whenever possible (I will ask my 9 yr old how much an item will cost if it is 40% off, challenge him to work vocabulary words into conversation, etc.) If a kid can discuss and defend his knowledge, viewpoint, etc. verbally and in writing I think traditional tests are unnecessary; public tests like those you listed can easily be passed (assuming the knowledge base is there) if a student can read and respond to instructions. "Test taking" is not a skill I grew up learning in private or public school. The summative tests I took measured kids' ability to remember the information that had been presented. Now "test taking" is a stand alone curriculum that trains kids in how to make the best selection from ABCD choices. I definitely won't take time from educating my kids to teach that at home!Carissa Houstonhttp://www.alldaymom.comnoreply@blogger.com