I was referring to your statement about not skipping to a grade if a child wasn't in the 90s in most subjects. DH thinks DSalmost 5 should be skipped. I'm considering getting the IOWA book to see how he might come out. Our district doesn't do grade skips but the info might give me the push to HS him.
Dazey-
I think the IOWA book was one of the most useful ones to me when I was a newbie - it explained the difference between an 'IQ' test, and an achievement test, and an 'above-level' test. That really helped me sort things out.
I think your proposed use is a wonderful way to use the Manual. You district may still not 'do gradeskips' by perhaps with the information in there, they would do subject accelerations, which are better for some kids, and almost always part of the whole package for HG/PG kids.
Also - if you do HS, and you aren't a total 'unschooler' you'll have to know where to start looking for learning materials, so having that information at your fingertips is a help.
There is such thing as a test which changes as the child takes it - those tests are the best of all IF they give detailed feedback. For example, on NWEA's MAP test, a child can be great at some aspects of Math, and need help in others, and they can give you really detailed feedback. Same with Language Arts. Aleks.com also offers an online teaching resource that can be used in this way, for Math, and don't be put off by the fact that they 'say' they start in 3rd grade Math.
What we, our schools, and our children really need is to have tests that reveal in detail what the child knows, what the child doesn't know, and a suggestion about what they might be ready to learn next. I call this teaching to a child's 'readiness level.' My kid was ready to learn about how our government works long before he could tell time. He was on a different developmental path than most people can concieve of.
We weren't in a position to homeschool him, but I think I would made sure he could do elementary school stuff at grade level, hothoused touch typing, and then 'unschooled' him with the rest of the time availible. Of course, every thing looks simple when one doesn't have to actually do it, yes?
Best Wishes,
Grinity