I think you've answered your own question. If he doesn't do his best in a timed test, then you will not have a good picture of his actual achievement level. In all cases, what would a double-digit number tell you (e.g. he got a 21)? Are there awards for 3rd graders or a placement that would be facilitated by a high Explore test (e.g. DYS).
There are other ways of finding out what your child knows (e.g. Singapore math placement tests).
If he truly doesn't like being timed, the experience he'll gain from taking the Explore in 3rd grade might very well be a negative experience. Not to scare you, but there were a few children coming out of the testing room in tears when my dd took the Explore last year. It is a real concern. Would he be upset if he didn't know how to answer several (maybe even many) questions? The question packet they send you when you enroll is easier than the test itself.
Last edited by herenow; 09/20/11 07:02 AM.
