To Test or Not to Test . . . .

My 13 year old daughter just finished taking the Stanford test this week, and that got me thinking about the value of testing. Some folks wonder if there is a benefit in having their kids tested. We personally don't do a lot of testing, but we do have them tested on a semi-regular basis, and here some of the reasons why.

One of the things that I believe testing does, is to help me as the teacher know which subjects I am adequately teaching my children and where they may need help. If they are falling behind in a subject, or need assistance in a subject, the test results can be helpful in finding out where their weakness may lie and thus enabling me to address that weakness.

I think another good reason to test your child would be to help them get used to the idea of taking tests - to take out the fear factor. If they have plans to go to college, trade school, Bible school, or most any further education after high school, they will need to get used to the idea of taking tests. I don't think it is a bad thing to prepare them for that event. Something as simple as filling in an oval, which we may take for granted, is something that a homeschooled child may have never have done before.

Also, we have found that testing before they enter high school has enabled them to be a part of the homeschool honor society Theta Zeta. Not only does being a member of Theta Zeta look good on a resume, but it provides great leadership opportunities and a chance to serve others in the community as well.

Lastly, testing in high school is often required for students to get the good student discount if they will be getting their driver's license at 16. Usually a student needs to be in the top 20% to receive the discounted price. If you have a young driver, (we will soon have two) you will appreciate that discount as it is substantial!

So as you ponder whether or not you should test your child, I hope the above information has helped you make that decision.