G.R.A.C.E.

Testing Policy

Why Annual Testing

Annual testing is a legal requirement of the state of North Carolina. GRACE offers the IOWA Standardized Achievement Test for its members as well as any other homeschool family who needs this service. Our members are not required to test with GRACE, as there are other options available through testing services or in-home programs.

Why a Testing Policy

• All children testing with GRACE should have an equal opportunity for success in what is a stressful environment for some of them.
• We are required to follow all the guidelines set forth by the publisher and distributor of the test.
• We must consider how our group presents itself to the facility we are using, and ensure that our presence is uplifting, rather than a burden.

Testing Policy

• The state regulations require testing for children age 7 and over. Because of our limited resources, we will not offer testing services for children who will not be at least 7 by the end of the school year.
• All GRACE member families who test with the group are required to provide one family member to assist with testing. (This help may include: being a testing proctor or assistant, helping with set-up and clean-up, child-care, helping on extra days to test children who were sick., providing snacks, etc.)
• All families who are not members of GRACE are required to provide one family member to assist with testing, as well as pay a non-member testing fee. (This fee, in its entirety, will be included in a love offering to the facilities we use on a regular basis).
• Test Proctors (the lead teacher in each classroom) are required to have a 4-yr college degree.
• Everyone wanting to test with GRACE must be registered by the Deadline.
• Children must be able to be in a classroom setting without a parent present.
• Children must be able to follow the instructions of the Testing Proctor.
• If any child has been sick and needs to be tested after our scheduled days, the family will be responsible for any extra costs associated with the testing, such as childcare for the proctor.
• Any child who displays conduct or behavioral problems will be asked to leave. That family will then need to find another option for testing the child.

Beyond the Policy

The homeschool environment is very different from the testing environment for most children. By our nature, homeschoolers do not regularly take tests, especially “fill-in-the-circle” tests. We tend to be more concerned with the quality of our children’s work, rather than placing them under time constraints. Also although the children tend to be more broadly skilled in social environments and often in academics in general; they have less experience in classroom situations than their other-schooled peers. Lastly, because testing is a legal requirement, some families feel significant stress to perform well on these standardized tests.

Help your children to feel comfortable. There are practice tests available which cover each category of the IOWA. There are also practice tests which teach test-taking skills such as good-guessing and pacing oneself. Realize that there is no performance requirement for these tests, only that the tests be taken. Be sure your children understand that no matter how they perform on these tests, their freedom to homeschool will not be taken away, and you will still love them. Lastly, prepare them physically. They need a good night’s sleep before each day of the test, and a good, healthy breakfast to start the day.