Around this time of year, public school children begin preparing for annual assessment testing. This often sparks thoughts in homeschoolers as to where their children rank in knowledge and comprehension. I want to encourage you today, mama, with some things to keep in mind when you do your annual assessment testing or evaluations.
First, children learn at different rates. This is probably one of the reasons that you chose to homeschool your children in the beginning. We want to encourage consistent learning and growth and try not to make children feel inadequate for not measuring up to state standards.
Next, most states will allow parents the option of either submitting standardized assessments or evaluations. You might consider an evaluator that will determine if your child has made a year's worth of progress in a year's worth of time as a means to know where he or she is academically.
Finally, know which ever method of evaluating your child you choose, the important thing is to praise a child for wanting to learning and for what they have learned in character, life skills, and academics.
You're doing a great job, mama! Keep pressing on toward the goal!!
Lyn`
Thanks! It is so true that it can get overwhelming to feel like we need our kids to compare to everyone else. The truth is they everyone, even public school kids all learn at different rates. We choose to have a teacher evaluation done each year just for that reason. Plus, it is helpful to have another teacher's opinion on how my kids are doing. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteGreat advice, Lyn! Thanks for sharing at The Homeschool Mother's Journal this week. We look forward to hearing from you again!
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