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    Kriston #37420 02/07/09 02:31 PM
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    yea, well, I don't see DS sitting through a 3 hour straight test either... Maybe we'll try ITBS. And there's no Explore in our state. Unless you want to recommend something else...

    Kriston #37421 02/07/09 02:34 PM
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    We have to test or have portfolio review by a teacher or committee. I think it's easier to test but many in our district go the portfolio route. I couldn't decide about going a grade level up so I figured for the first time, I'd go grade level. If he really maxes it, I might torture him with the next level up at a later date.

    questions #37422 02/07/09 02:35 PM
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    Originally Posted by questions
    yea, well, I don't see DS sitting through a 3 hour straight test either... Maybe we'll try ITBS. And there's no Explore in our state. Unless you want to recommend something else...


    You could choose the ITBS above level if you want to. Or, if it's just for your sake, you could administer only the portions you care about.

    You can't mix and match parts of the test, though. If you get a 3rd grade test, you get third grade on every subject. To mix and match, you'd have to get a separate test for each grade level that you want to use, at $40 a pop...


    Kriston
    Dottie #37427 02/07/09 03:02 PM
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    LOL! Wouldn't that be nice!


    Kriston
    Kriston #37428 02/07/09 03:12 PM
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    I sort of like the idea of testing in all the subjects instead of just the big 3. I just want to make sure there are no holes. Not concnerned about the above level stuff, as we'll continue to HS next year and I know what he's ahead on. Don't really need to know by how. much at this point. I just want to find the holes or confirm there aren't any. Do you think the ITBS is the right choice?

    questions #37429 02/07/09 03:26 PM
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    If you don't want to committ just yet, get one of the ITBS test prep books. THey are $7 and have sample test at the end. I found the questions a bit odd so I was glad I splurged for a book so that DS learns how to fill in the bubbles.

    For ex: on Capitalization and Punctuation section a question reads:

    5A After we watched the fireworks
    B from Uncle Vic's front window
    C monica and I went for a walk.
    D (no mistakes)

    So one sentence runs across all 3 answer choices rather than individual sentences for A,B, and C.

    questions #37430 02/07/09 03:27 PM
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    Sure. It's fine. The other common option is the CAT (aka the California).

    Do be aware that if you're not teaching to the test, there may be some (small) holes, especially in social studies and maybe even science, despite the fact that I KNOW your son is a science whiz. But if you never talked about something that's on the test--like, say, that a maple tree comes from a maple whirlygig seed, just as a made-up example from my own brain (NOT a real test question as far as I know)--then he'll get that one wrong.

    It doesn't mean he doesn't know a million other facts just as important as that one. It just means that he didn't know that one fact. Since social studies and science are quite fact-based, whereas math and reading are more skills-based, it is pretty normal for homeschoolers to score lower on those subjects. My DS is a Viking expert, but he's probably not as aware of the Native Americans as an in-school peer would be because he's just not as into them as the schools around here are. Does that really matter? I don't think so. Not yet anyway. We chose to do different things, but that doesn't mean we'll never cover the topics everyone else covers. So that flexibility of order means that the test is missing his knowledge base on that subject.

    ...And I'm okay with that. <shrug> No big deal. As long as he passes the test, it doesn't bother me. It did worry me a bit that he scored lower in social studies last year. (Like somewhere in the 80-90% range instead of perfect scores.) Then I talked to an old hand in homeschooling who has GT kids herself, and she said it happens to everyone.

    So just know that going in and don't stress...unless you covered the subject matter very carefully and he STILL does less well. Then maybe you should worry... wink


    Kriston
    Kriston #37474 02/08/09 12:06 PM
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    Interesting. Since I want to make sure we don't leave any holes in our district curriculum, makes me think I just need to get one of those practice test books they sell at BN and just give him the state 3rd grade test. If there are any gaps, I can just go back and fill them. I really don't have to worry about exactly where he is until we consider a returen to school or some other program requiring grade level info. Good to know that it only takes about a month to get these things scored - if our plans change, I'll just choose the appropriate one and go that route. And I can always do the Texas practice tests online for free. Thanks!

    questions #37475 02/08/09 12:10 PM
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    If that's your goal, the state test is probably your best bet. I agree.

    I am surprised though that they sell the state test! Or am I confused? Is it just a practice test you'd get in the practice book, or do you mean you can get the real thing?


    Kriston
    Kriston #37477 02/08/09 12:15 PM
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    Our state tests are available online for free for previous years.

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