This time of year, the local homeschool groups are all abuzz about testing. It’s always the same questions – What are my options for Homeschool Testing in Georgia?
What is Required?
Where can I test?
When should I test?
Can I administer it myself?
Who do I need to pay?
Which grades need testing?
Where do I send my results?
Per Georgia State requirements for 2016-2017:
Standardized Tests: Children must take a national standardized achievement test every three years beginning at the end of the third grade. “Test scores are not required to be submitted to public school authorities.” Ga. Code Ann. ? 20-2-690(c)(7). Parent must write an annual progress report and retain it for three years. Ga. Code Ann. ? 20-2-690(c)(8).
Now what?
How can you find a standardized test and which one is right for your family?
Here are a few options that we have found:
- Hewitt Homeschooling PASS Test: This is a great test that can be administered by a parent and this is the testing that we use. It is untimed so children do not have to stress on rushing.
- CAT5: No college degree required to administer test, so this is great for parents as well. This test is timed. I have no experience with this test, but I know several that have and like it.
- Check with your local homeschool co-ops. Many will know a teacher willing to administer the standardized test to your child for a fee.
Once you have finished testing, the parent just needs to keep the results on record.
You should also check out the Georgia homeschool requirements to make sure that your are within all the laws and are fully aware of how to start homeschooling in Georgia.
Also make note of the homeschool expo, such as the GHEA Convention. There are a ton of great tips and ideas that can be gleaned from those sources.
For more great homeschooling tips, visit our Homeschool tab.
If you have any other options you’d like to add, please leave a comment!
Sindyt says
Wow, I’m an idiot! …mmm Hi my name is Sindy, I have a daughter, a senior this year and she has been homeschooling pretty since the sixth grade, when she was getting bullied so badly we took her out of public school, The catalyst she went to the counselor at her school – who proceeded to tell her she needs to forget all the things she likes (fantasy, being a nerd etc) and be like and like what all the other girls in school like, ie…. Justin Beiber, One Direction. It was all I could do to not get arrested that day. Not sure why I felt it necessary to share that… what I really need to know is what the penalty is for being an idiot and forgetting to test Kat after 3 years… This year will be her second, third year so good here, bad three years age. So my question is…. what is the penalty for forgetting to test after the 3rd year????? Thank you so much!!
MommyOctopus says
Hi Sindy. I think that is a question you’ll have to direct to the department of education. I would suggest testing her ASAP in the meantime.
Amanda says
Is the cat or the Hewitt a nationally norm E.D. test and ga and if it is Can I give it to my son. This is my first year homeschooling him and he will be testing 2017-2018 School year here in ga.
Amanda says
I my son has to be tested every 3 years but am not sure which route to go or which test to use. If the test Hewitt or cat is nationally normed and I send off for test results do I have to take him to be tested anywhere else if I use these test?
MommyOctopus says
In Georgia, you just need the one test and then that’s it 🙂
Amanda says
I just have one more question??? Can I use pass test for 6th grader
Starr says
Question I’m in Georgia as well we are unschoolers , I was wondering is there a place that I can take my 12th graders to be tested as far as the national standardized test go , and also how do I go about writing a annual progress assessment report?
MommyOctopus says
You can ask your local homeschool co-ops and they will likely know where to go if you want an actual place, but as I mention in this post, I am able to test my kids at home. The annual progress assessment is simple. Just write a page of strengths and weaknesses and where you’ve seen growth and ways to improve. You can see one easy form here: http://mommyoctopus.com/end-year-homeschool-evaluation-form/
Maria Singh says
In Georgia, I saw you wrote we only need one test to test our children. The Hewitt Test…does that require that I have a college degree? Thanks for answering 🙂
MommyOctopus says
No, it is not required. That is the one I have given my children.
abby says
im in ga need to test our children this year what test can i do with out a college degree
Kalenah says
Thank you so much for providing information to parents like me who are looking for resources to do a good job.
It’s empowering to know that there is much can be done on our part to make sure that education is not stressful.
Please keep up the good work that you do. If I could send you a donation I would because I know it takes energy to compile the info and offer it to others. Take care.
Marlo Cooksey says
I homeschooled my daughter in 8th grade and currently finishing up homeschooling for 9th grade. We plan on her returning to public school this fall. Will taking the Hewitt PASS rest count for National testing to reenter public school in Georgia?
MommyOctopus says
That is something you will probably have to ask your local school, however, I do not believe the PASS test goes up to 9th grade.
Sarah says
Is the CAT nationally recognized?
And do I have to have a bachelor’s degree to give my children the test in GA?