2009 Testing Information and Schedule.
schedule is in process
registration

Please note: test sites fill quickly. No at the door registration is possible.
The cost is  $35/child 

What test will be given?
The Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS), latest edition. This is a well-established test that we find best cued to the curricula many homeschool families use. The test is longer than some other popular standardized tests in use.  We feel the ITBS gives a better score because the student has more questions to answer in each section.  Inaccurate answers do not penalize a student as greatly in this situation as they do on a shorter test.

What grades will be tested?
Grades 3rd-8th grade. 

What grades must be tested?
The PA homeschool law requires that parents submit test scores for students in 3rd, 5th and 8th grade.  Testing must be done by someone other than the parent. You are not required to test in other years. However, many families prefer to test annually in order to create a more accurate picture of a student's progress. This information is for your personal use, and does not need to be submitted to your school district.  However, if your child does not test particularly well during the required year, you may decide to submit scores from prior years in order to demonstrate progress. 

What subjects will be tested?
The complete battery for the latest edition of the ITBS will be administered. This includes: 

What kind of report will I receive?
We will provide you with an extensive report with a lot of helpful information.  Besides the grade equivalent, percentile and stanine ranking for your child's overall performance, you will receive a criterion-referenced skills analysis report. This will show you exactly how your child did in each specific sub-skill area ( for example, double-digit subtraction when borrowing is necessary).  You will know how many problems were posed in each sub-skill, how many your child attempted and how many attempted your child then got right.  At this level of detail you will be able to determine exactly where your child's strengths and weaknesses in each subject area lie. 

We will post a detailed explanation for reading the report on the Web, and provide answers to your questions via phone or e-mail after you receive your scores.

What is the time for the test?
Arrive at your test site by 8:30 AM.  Students must be in their seats by 8:45 AM.  Testing will conclude by 1:15 PM with several breaks for snacks and physical activity provided. 

Will I receive a confirmation & directions?
Yes, you will receive your confirmation via e-mail.  Directions to each site are posted above. Click on hyperlink for your site.

Must I stay during testing?
Parents of elementary students should stay with their child during the first 15 minutes of testing to help fill out the student information grid. During this time, we will also ask students/parents to self-address a business-size envelope ( we will provide this)  in order to mail test results to you.

Parents should be available at the breaks to encourage their children and show interest in their well-being.  Neither HSRC staff nor the church are responsible for student supervision outside the testing room.

What is the cost of testing?
The cost is  $35/child. (After Jan 20, 2009 price increases to $45 per student.)

What should students bring to the test?

How can I prepare my child for this test?
Before the test: If this is your child's first standardized test, or if he is not confident about taking tests, then use the Scoring High Test Preparation program for the ITBS available from us.

What if my child is a non-reader? If your young child is not able to read the simplest of childrens' books or follow directions, than please call us for advice before registering for this type of testing.

What will happen if my child becomes upset or disruptive during testing? Our foremost responsibility is to keep the testing environment peaceful and focused for all students.  If a child is visibly upset during testing, we will first try to comfort the child.  However, if the distress continues, we will ask a parent to talk with the child outside of the testing room. 

 If the child is obviously unable to read the test, continues to be distressed or disruptive, then we will dismiss the child from testing.  This is to preserve the integrity of the test for others, and in consideration of the child's best interest as well.  In this rare case, your money will be refunded.

What is your refund policy?
We can provide a full refund for cancellations received no later than 5 days prior to testing.

When should I register?
Sites in Lancaster and Camp Hill tend to fill very quickly.  If you wish to have your child tested at the site closest to your home at the best price, then registering soon is advised.

I wanted to register for testing and now most sites are closed. What can I do?
Information will be provided as needed.