Pros & Cons of Standardized Testing and Portfolio Evaluations

by Peg Watson

This article orginally appeared in the VaHomeschoolers Newsletter in 2000.

Are you a homeschooling parent thinking about what to send to your local school division by August 1? In my unscientific analysis, I have noted that those new to homeschooling are apprehensive about this issue; those new to homeschooling in Virginia are also apprehensive about this issue; and those who've become seasoned homeschoolers in Virginia aren't any too thrilled with the issue either. Why is this the case? Perhaps it's because of the little phrase "in the judgement of the division superintendent."

The Virginia home instruction statute, 22.1-254.1, states "The parent who elects to provide home instruction shall provide the division superintendent by August 1 following the school year in which the child has received home instruction with either (i) evidence that the child has attained a composite score in or above the fourth stanine on a battery of achievement tests which have been approved by the Board of Education for use in the public schools or (ii) an evaluation or assessment which, in the judgement of the division superintendent, indicates that the child is achieving an adequate level of educational growth and progress."

While it's up to our state legislature to cooperate and spread out that judgement power a little (see Legislative Update), I can offer a few pros and cons of meeting Virginia's August 1 requirement with standardized testing or a portfolio evaluation, the two most common methods. In considering the choices, bear in mind that the home instruction statute does not specify credentials for a test administrator or other evaluator and this too is resigned to "the judgement of the division superintendent."

Portfolio Evaluation

Creating a portfolio of your child's work throughout the year can highlight achievements and provide a nice keepsake. Depending on the materials used, it can also become expensive, time consuming, and require extra organization.

Portfolio Evaluation Through Local School Division

Advantages:

Parents can present a positive image of homeschoolers and maintain a personal contact with the local school division.
Parents have no additional costs.
The portfolio can reflect the depth and diversity of learning experiences beyond the typical classroom environment.

Disadvantages:

Portfolio evaluations are very subjective and could be harshly critiqued by someone with negative opinions of homeschooling.
If the portfolio is evaluated negatively, the division superintendent may refuse to allow a second type of evaluation such as testing.
Often minimal time is spent by the school division personnel "evaluating" the portfolio making the efforts involved in creating it seem like a waste; however, if this portfolio option is used in successive years and quality and/or quantity of the portfolio decreases, that will be noticed.
The school division may ask to keep the portfolio for some period of time to review it and lose the portfolio in the process.

Independent Portfolio Evaluation

Advantages:

Parents can choose the evaluator.
Parents can receive guidance or reassurance in their homeschooling endeavors.
Parents receive the written evaluation; they can decide if this is the evaluation they want to provide to the local school division.
The portfolio can reflect the depth and diversity of learning experiences beyond the typical classroom environment.

Disadvantages:

The fee charged and scheduling is dependent on evaluator.
The evaluator should offer criteria for completing the portfolio, but may evaluate or interpret the criteria in ways not anticipated by the parents.
The local school division may still ask to review the portfolio in conjunction with the written evaluation.
The written evaluation is open to "the judgement of the division superintendent."

Whatever you decide to provide to your local school division by August 1, if it's to be mailed, keep the original and send a copy. Including a brief cover letter will help clarify the purpose of what you are sending should the mail be opened and sorted by an assistant unfamiliar with the homeschooling requirements.

Standardized Testing

Having your child complete a standardized test in the spring or early summer can provide reassurance that your child is learning through homeschooling. Depending on the test, the administrator, the environment, and the family's test anxiety level, it can also become expensive, time consuming, and stressful.

Testing Through Local School Division

Advantages:

Parents do not have to order or administer the test, nor report the results.
Parents do not have to pay for the test.
The approved test (currently the Stanford 9) will be given and the composite score must be objectively considered by the division superintendent as being above or below the fourth stanine.

Disadvantages:

A child may become very nervous and anxious in an unfamiliar environment with strangers.
Parents must follow the school division's schedule.
If your child has low scores, the division superintendent could refuse to consider any second type of assessment for that year.

Independent Test Administrator

Advantages:

Parents may chose the test administrator, possibly even an acquaintance or relative.
Parents have more control over which test is completed, testing environment and scheduling.
Parents usually receive the test scores.
Parents can decide if this is the evaluation they want to provide to the local school division.

Disadvantages:

A child may become very nervous and anxious.
Parents may need to order the test and arrange for transportation.
Parents usually pay the test administrator, often in addition to the cost of the test.
Unless the approved test (currently the Stanford 9) is given, both the test and the scores are open to "the judgement of the division superintendent."

Parent Administered Testing

Advantages:

Children usually feel more comfortable and relaxed in their own home. It is a familiar learning environment.
Parents may choose from several tests.
The testing may be completed at a time convenient for the family.
Parents receive test scores; they can decide if this is the evaluation they want to provide to the local school division.

Disadvantages:

The number of "quiet" hours required for administering the test is contingent upon which test is given. This is primarily a concern for those with additional young children.
The cost involved and processing time depends on which test is ordered and from which provider.
Unless the approved test (currently the Stanford 9) is given, both the test and the scores are open to "the judgement of the division superintendent."

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