I have a bright sixth grader who is highly intelligent, has always been advanced at math (currently holding a solid 4.0 in it), and now under the pressure of knowing that he'll probably have to take a placement test into the middle of sixth grade (or face redoing fifth if he bombs it), he cannot seem to do well on a test to save his life.
Seriously, the poor kid learned exponents, areas, and prime factorization in a week--much less time than it took me to get a grip on those concepts. He's bright. If he gets put back a grade for one bad round of testing, it will be the start of a terrible downward spiral for him--he does not do well when he's bored, and no one wants to be held back.
Because my records do not count as official transcripts, he will have to take a placement test to enter public school.
So...We're now testing a lot. But, I want him to get experience with the kinds of tests he'll be facing when he tests into public school. Anybody have any good websites that have printable tests? I'm not really picky about the states they come from. I'm looking for Common Core Standards, and anything similar to what he'll have to take to place at grade level come the start of next semester. All subjects.
Also, for anyone who does have experience with public school, I'm operating under the assumption that he'll only have one chance to test into grade level. True?
I'm not in the least bit concerned about his ability to do the work and get good grades--he's at grade level, if not above. If he can't prove that to the school on a placement test though...
So, anybody...?
Not sure what state you live in, but common core is probably not as difficult as you are worrying about. Usually kids that are coming from home schooling and/or private schools are farther ahead then the kids in public schools. I hope nobody is offended by this remark. I have five children who have or still are attending public schools. With the larger classes and other issues, the students are not able (I don't mean capable) to move quickly and learn at their own pace. Which is where private and homeschoolers have the advantage. So stop worrying and know that you are probably way ahead of the game. I have had to homeschool my children at different times because they were way ahead of the level they were being taught at. It can be very frustrating for both the student and the parent. Just be careful that your child doesn't test in to 8th grade or something like that. And with everything, be your child's advocate. Your taxes pay for the public schools. Demand a second chance if you need to.
ReplyDeleteI am satisfied with my children's education in general. There have been times when the kids have been in advanced classes, which they loved. They learn to work with other kids. And they are exposed to things that they would not see anywhere else. And I don't mean drugs - kids find those anywhere.
Sorry for the ramble
I have to degree with you. My kids go to public and I know private/ home school is farther along.
DeleteBlondie,
DeleteOh, I could really just kiss you for this comment!
Thank you.
@ His Slut,
he's always been varying degrees ahead of the curve, my fear is just the testing aspect of ending up where he should be. But I have to say, you ladies have made me feel a bit better about that!
State of florida dept of ed has a website with testing materials
ReplyDeleteThank you, anon. I will check it out.
DeleteMost state ed dept. have some websites with examples of testing material. I would practice with him,....timing him...so he learns to not spend time worrying over one problem he may not know. Sounds like he will do great.
ReplyDeletehugs abby
Thank you, abby!
DeleteI have started putting more emphasis on time (which is the one thing I've been pretty lax about), and i think the practice is paying off--he got 93% on a timed test yesterday with one minute to spare, lol.
Could you ask to have him tested in your current district - as if he were going to enter that system - that would get at least one practice in a more 'test-taking' environment vs. home.
ReplyDeletegg,
Deletethe local school district is supposed to provide testing services for home-schooled kids. And I think it's a great idea. Especially because it would give him experience with the general environment he'd actually be testing in (unfortunately for him, general fidgeting and wandering seems to help him think--he does it at his tournaments too. It's a habit he'll have to break).
Though, highlighting the deficiencies trend around here, I have never been able to actually speak to whoever is supposed to be in charge of that, and no one else knows anything.
They can be kind of funny about home-schooling, so I figured that I would wait until knowing for sure if he is going to public school next semester. If so, I'll make a real effort to get him tested by the school (you know, camping out in the gym, stalking teachers, keeping the principals phone line busy, the little things that are apparently needed to get information around here. Lol).
Try khanacademy.com
ReplyDeleteHis Slut,
DeleteThank you! I'll check it out today.
I am on the west coast, and the public schools here are using computer testing beginning this year instead of paper. It might be worthwhile to contact a local public school to ask their counselor what resources they provide for students who have problems with testing, because it's a pretty common issue.
ReplyDeleteRiver Wild,
DeleteHmm, I should probably mix up the paper tests with some computer testing...Just for good measure.
Thanks for sharing your ideas!
I was going to suggest this. I'm an educator (on the east coast) and all our official testing is going electronic.
DeleteLea,
DeleteThanks!