Ep. 109 - Homeschool Testing: When to Test, When to Skip, and Which Tests Are Worth It
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Show Notes
Every spring, testing season arrives — and homeschool families face a question that's equal parts legal, philosophical, and personal. When should homeschoolers use standardized testing — and when should they skip it entirely?
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In this episode, you'll learn:
- Why standardized tests were never designed with homeschoolers in mind
- When homeschool testing actually serves your family — and when to skip it
- Which standardized test is best for homeschoolers (Iowa, Stanford 10, CAT, MAP Growth, CLT compared)
- What states require standardized testing for homeschoolers — and alternatives most families don't know exist
- Whether homeschool kids do better on standardized tests
- Free standardized testing for homeschool prep resources
- How to use testing strategically — not reflexively
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Resources Mentioned:
Homeschool Laws By State — View state requirements
BJU Press Online Testing — Iowa Assessments + Stanford 10 online
Free Quote Notecard — "Fish and tree" quote printable
The Christy-Faith List — Find homeschool-friendly providers
Thrive Homeschool Community — Build a homeschool with excellence
Other episodes for you:
Why Homeschooling High School Isn't As Scary As It Seems
The 5 Myths of Homeschooling for High School
Underemployment, Student Debt, and the Homeschool Advantage
Connect with Christy-Faith:
Instagram — @christy_faith_homeschool
TikTok — @christy_faith
Website
Homeschool Rising — my book
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- (00:00) - Introduction
- (04:58) - The Wrong Ruler
- (07:32) - When Testing Actually Serves You
- (11:29) - When to Skip Testing
- (13:46) - Which Test Is Right for Your Family
- (20:01) - What Your State Actually Requires
- (21:54) - Wrap-Up + Key Takeaways