G.R.A.C.E.

Testing Options

For those of you who do not wish to test using the IOWA in a group setting, here are some options. Note that this is NOT intended to be an exhaustive study, NOR is it intended to imply endorsement of any service. We are just being helpful in providing some information which is known to us. Testing options - You have four main options: CAT, Iowa, Stanford, and Woodcock-Johnson. There is also a test know as PASS, but we currently have no information about it.

If you are just testing to satisfy the state, a recommendation would be to go with the CAT. It is quick (could be done in one long day) and easy to administer, no special qualifications needed.

If you are looking more for quality and comparative info, a recommendation would be either Stanford or Iowa. You can easily administer the Iowa on your own if you have a degree. Stanford requires a qualified proctor, so unless you know someone off hand, this would be the harder option here.

If your child has any special needs, one recommendation would be the Stanford, administered by an experienced tester in a semi-private setting (1-4 children in each group), available at one of the private Christian schools such as Carmel Christian. The administrator comes around in March or April (whatever the school spring break is) and does everything. You drop off and go. It is rather expensive, with an estimate being about $60. But, it is very thorough and the administrator of the test sits down with you and reviews in detail the results.

Another option for special needs is the Woodcock-Johnson. It is VERY thorough and goes through each category (say, vocabulary) until your child misses a question. So you get a very detailed and exact (as exact as a standard test can be) description of your child. It is a good test for a child that has uneven abilities - say very high math, very low verbal/writing skills. Alternately, it can be very exhausting for a bright child - you have to keep answering questions. A lot of it is done orally (which could be a plus). It is also very expensive since it is administered one-on-one (about $100).

The following organizations provide testing services for home school students:

Bayside School Services
PO Box 250; Kill Devil Hills NC 27948
telephone: 1-800-723-3057
email: ballfam@interpath.com

Homeschooling parents who are also suppliers of the California Achievement Test (CAT) and the Terra Nova. Please be advised that the Terra Nova has been designed to reflect the standards-based education that is currently being taught in our public schools. Parental certification is not necessary to purchase either test.

Bob Jones University Press
Testing and Evaluation Service
Greenville SC 29614
telephone: 1-800-845-5731

Supplier of the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) and the Stanford Achievement Test (SAT).

Christian Liberty Academy
502 West Euclid Avenue
Arlington Heights IL 60004
telephone: 1-847-259-8736

Supplier of the California Achievement Test (CAT) - 1970 version. Parental certification not necessary.

Thurber's Educational Assessments
400 Clayton Road; Chapel Hill NC 27514
telephone: 1-919-967-5782
email: thurbersnc@aol.com

Supplier of the California Achievement Test (CAT). Parental certification not necessary. Group rates.