Oh Right . . . Testing

Part One of the I’m Tired: How Do I Finish Well? Series 

Spring is here and it’s time to think about testing. Over the years, I have met the yearly testing requirements in a variety of ways. Some years, I did the bare minimum. Others, I’ve had my kids tested orally, one year we tried the portfolio method for one of my kids. In high school, I made sure each of my kids took a timed test with other kids at the high school in order to prepare them for that kind of test taking environment.  

It’s not time to panic, but it is time to ask the right questions. Tests and testing atmospheres vary greatly. So, let’s consider the questions that will lead to testing that adds to your homeschooling goals. Here are a few questions to ask to insure you’re in compliance with your state, school district, and educational needs/goals for your kids. 

1. What are my state’s actual requirements?

Start here, because everything else flows from this. 

• Is testing required every year or only at certain grade levels?  

• Are there specific approved tests?  

• Do results need to be submitted, or just kept on file?  

• Are there score thresholds or just proof of participation?  

Requirements vary widely, so knowing exactly what’s expected prevents unnecessary work or missed requirements. 

2. What kind of test fits my child best?

Not all tests measure the same things or feel the same to a student. 

• Is the test timed or untimed?  

• Is it online, paper-based, or administered by a professional?  

• Does it emphasize multiple choice, or include written responses?  

• Is it a good fit for my child’s age, learning style, and temperament?  

For example, a child who struggles with anxiety may do better with an untimed or at-home option. 

3. Who can administer the test?

This is often overlooked but is important. 

• Can I administer it as the parent?  

• Does it need to be given by a certified teacher or testing service?  

• Are there approved proctors I need to use?  

Knowing this early helps you plan logistics and avoid last-minute scrambling. 

4. When should we test?

You often have more flexibility than you think. 

• Is there a testing window, or can I choose the timing?  

• Should we test at the end of the school year or earlier when my child feels fresh?  

• How long will it take to receive results?  

Many families find that testing before burnout sets in leads to a better experience while others prefer to wait until more of the curriculum has been completed. 

5. How should I prepare my child, if at all?

This is less about “studying” and more about readiness. 

• Does my child need practice with the test format? Think filling in bubbles! 

• Should we do a sample test to build confidence?  

• Are there simple ways to reduce anxiety (snacks, breaks, quiet environment)?  

Over-prepping can backfire, but gentle familiarity can make a big difference. 

6. What will the results actually tell me?

Testing is only helpful if you understand how to use it. 

• What do the scores mean in plain language?  

• Do they show strengths and weaknesses, or just a general level?  

• How can I use this information to guide next year’s learning?  

Instead of viewing results as a judgment, treat them as feedback. 

7. What if my child doesn’t perform well?

This is one of the biggest fears and worth thinking through ahead of time. 

• Are you required to report scores to the state?  

• Are there follow-up steps, evaluations, or improvement plans?  

• How can I respond in a way that encourages my child rather than discourages them?  

Don’t let one test on one day of one school year define your child or your homeschool. 

8. How does testing fit into the heart of our homeschool?

This is the grounding question. 

• Am I treating this as a requirement or as a measure of worth?  

• How can I keep our home atmosphere calm and steady during testing season?  

• What matters most when the test is over?  

Your homeschool is built over months and years, not captured in a single report. 

A steady perspective to carry with you

Testing is simply a snapshot. It doesn’t measure curiosity, character, growth over time, or the relationships being built in your home. Those are the things that truly shape a learner. 

Approach testing as one small part of a much bigger picture—and you’ll find it becomes far more manageable. 

This is the point in the year when many homeschooling parents suddenly remember they need to look up requirements, register for tests, or figure out what their state actually requires. Additionally, it’s time to evaluate what kind of testing will be best for your kids. What kind of academic information will serve you best 

And it can feel like just one more thing on an already full plate. 

But this doesn’t have to be overwhelming. 

Start simple: 

• Check what your state requires (it may be less than you think)  

• Decide whether you’re doing standardized testing, a portfolio, or another option  

• Look at registration deadlines and get something on the calendar  

• Choose the simplest option that meets your requirement, as well as your needs. 

That’s it. Don’t overthink it or make it bigger than it is. 

Testing is not a measure of your homeschool year. It’s just one small checkpoint along the way. It doesn’t define what your children have learned, grown in, or will become.