Testing

Basic Testing and Evaluation Information:

How do I test my child? Where do I find the test? Who can give it? What do I do with the test results. Is the TCAP required or acceptable?  What other option is there besides testing?

Homeschoolers in Colorado are required to evaluate the academic progress of their children in the odd grades beginning in the third grade by using a nationally standardized test or by having an evaluation done by a qualified evaluator. Parents can administer these standardized tests on their own or have someone to do it for them. There are different requirements for the administration of each test. Here is a list of the most popular tests and their requirements:

Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) – 4-year degree required by the administrator; is timed; gives detailed report of test results; HSLDA now interprets the core total from ITBS as satisfying Colorado law for a composite score, so the extra tests to get a "composite" score from ITBS are not deemed necessary. Click here for a sample of the Performance Profile you will receive after completing the test. 

Stanford Achievement Test (SAT) – 4 year degree required by the administrator; is untimed; gives detailed report of test results. As of late 2012, qualified parents or relatives are allowed to administer the SAT to their own children without at least one other family being present for testing.  (Please Note: this is not the SAT that high school students take for college admission. You can find information about the college admission SAT test below under High School Testing)

California Achievement Test (CAT) – No special requirements for the administrator; basic report of test results, online version available (When you see Catform, it is referring to a testing program, not a specific test).  For more information on interpreting CAT results Click Here

Terra Nova Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills (CTBS) - the publisher of the CAT/5, with its 1991 norms, has released this new test that was last normed in 2005. There are no special requirements for the administrator.

General Information regarding testing:

Where to submit test scores: The test or evaluation results are to be submitted to the school district that received the notice of intent or to an independent or parochial school within the state of Colorado that is willing to hold test scores.  If the test or evaluation results are submitted to an independent or parochial school, the name of the school shall be provided to the school district that received the notice of intent.

The CHEC Independent School is able to hold test scores for those families who have filed a notice of intent and are looking for a place to file the tests.  For a one time fee of $25.00 we will create a file for your family and add test scores as you submit them to us.  Please print and mail the Request Form, copy of test scorese and payment to CHEC Independent School, 10461 South Parker Rd., Parker, CO 80134.

What about the TCAP? Private and homeschooled students may take the TCAP test at their own cost, although it is not mandatory, and DOES NOT meet the requirement of a nationally standardized test. Even if the homeschooled student is taking some classes at his or her local public school, he or she is not required to take the TCAP test.

Options other than testing: A child's academic progress may also be evaluated by a "qualified" person.  "Qualified person" means an individual who is a licensed teacher, a teacher who is employed by an independent or parochial school, a licensed psychologist, or a person with a graduate degree in education.  Evaluation results must show that the child is making sufficient academic progress according to the child's ability. If you are planning on doing an evaluation, please contact your chosen evaluator at the beginning of the school year to find out if they require a portfolio or record of the child's work.

Testing FAQ answered by the Teaching Home: Testing part 1, Testing part 2.

Where to order self-administered tests:

Bob Jones University Press, Testing and Evaluation Service
800-845-5731
bjupress.com – BJ Testing and Evaluation Service
Tests available: Iowa Test of Basic Skills, Stanford Achievement Test

Seton Homeschool Services
1-800-542-1066
http://www.setontesting.com/
California Achievement Test (CAT-E)

Also, any family that needs to test can obtain the CAT5, CAT6 or IOWA tests, at a discounted price, through FACE. All grades are on hand for immediate use.

High School Testing:

HSLDA's testing information page - www.hslda.org/highschool/testing.asp
High School Testing - information

Testers and Evaluators:

The inclusion of the following entries does not constitute an endorsement by Christian Home Eduators of Colorado of the program, organization, or tutor. It is the parent's responsibility to investigate who will be involved in their children's education. We encourage parents to thoroughly investigate a potential tester and to stay involved on an ongoing basis with their children's testers. You should also ask for references and talk to others who have used these organizations/persons' talents.

Jill Bailey
Colorado Springs, CO 719-637-0797

Jan Hummel
Loveland, CO 970-667-1449

FACE
Westminster 303-426-8484
CAT, ITBS, TerraNova/CAT 6
On-line standardized testing by CTB/McGraw Hill

Elma Field
Denver 303-423-5664
ITBS, evaluations. Also gives curriculum advice and advice on getting started.
Reading evaluations and solutions

Nancy Horne, MS
Colorado Springs Area 719-495-9702
HomeSchoolEvaluator@gmail.com
Evaluator

M. Lee Watt
Denver, Colorado 303-985-8840
www.makelearningefficient.com
leewattdenver@gmail.com
Woodcock Johnson, FirstSTEP, Interactive Metronome, PACE, approved BJU tester, identify underlying casuses of learning difficulties.

Dayspring Christian Schools
dayspringeagles.org
Greeley 970-330-1151
SAT, ACT, PSAT, PLAN. AP for Biology, English, History, Calculus

Shema Christian Academy
Carol Hartz 303-678-1989 carol@shemaca.org
Diane Aschmann 303-678-1672
PO Box U
Berthoud, CO 80513
shemaca.org
Offers Stanford Achievement Test , CAT, ITBS

Glenda Childs
Shiloh Christian Academy
Highlands Ranch, CO
Woodcock Johnson III Test of Achievement
glendachilds@comcast.net
303 937-1567
Credentials: BA~Elem. Ed. & MA ~ Curriculum & Instruction, 22 years of experience in the field of education

Elizabeth Ridgway, MS
Northern Colorado
970-532-5653
ridgway_e@hotmail.com
MS, Special Education and Educational Diagnostics, BS in Education, Teaching Certificates in CO, TX, and IL.
Woodcoock Johnson III Test and the Iowa Test of Basic Skills

Judy Van Acker
Canon City, CO
jfvanacker@gmail.com
https://sites.google.com/site/coloradohomeschoolevaluations/
jfvanacker@gmail.com
Evaluator since 1990.  Whether you use a formal curriculum or you are an unschooler, this easy evaluation template will meet your needs, and fulfill the requirements of Colorado Homeschool Law. Credentials: Colorado Certified Teacher. Masters in Library Science.

Joan Girkins added 2-18-10
Morrison/Littleton
303-697-1615
ocforever1@gmail.com
Service: Stanford Achievement Test, Iowa Test of Basic Skills
Credentials: I am an approved tester through Bob Jones University

Kim Almas
Broomfield and surrounding cities
303-483-1520
2boysmom00@comcast.net (preferred)
Service: Evaluations based on work samples (portfolios or notebooks welcome!) and oral reading assessment. My approach is thorough, yet not intimidating or overwhelming for your child.
Credentials: Current teaching license in CO and CA. Experience with a variety of schooling methods, styles, and curricula. Experience working with special needs and accelerated students. 10 years in the classroom, 3 years as consultant/evaluator for a homeschool charter, and currently a homeschooling mom.

Angela Dormish
Broomfield
303-359-4794
AngelainCO@yahoo.com
Service: evaluations, testing, and tutoring.
Credentials: BS in Elementary Education Homeschooler and Options School Teacher