Dear Homeschooling Friend,

As you may know, homeschooled students in Pennsylvania are required to take standardized achievement tests in the 3^rd, 5^th, and 8^th grades. In addition to this, some parents like to have their children tested for various reasons in other grades as well. Many families choose to have their children tested in a group situation with the Richmans at Camp Kanasatake in September. Dates for those tests are usually posted in the PA Homeschoolers Newsletter or you can contact the Richmans at (412) 783-6512. For those who do not choose to have their children tested in September, it seems that, in the past, there has been a shortage of qualified test administrators available in our area.

To assure the validity of test results, the publishers, distributors, and processors of the tests have established strict guidelines for test administration. Bob Jones University Testing and Evaluation Service functions as a sort of liaison between homeschooler and the testing companies.

I am now an approved test administrator through Bob Jones University Testing and Evaluation Service and can give either the Stanford Achievement Tests or the Iowa Achievement Tests. Both are available year-round. You may choose to have your child tested in the basic battery only, (which consists of math and English.) Or, you may choose to have the complete battery which includes social studies and science as well. Pennsylvania law only requires the basic battery.

If you would like to have your child tested, the cost is $35.00 for individualized testing or a discount rate of $30.00 for group testing for the basic battery. For the complete battery, the charge would be $5.00 more. This fee is necessary in order for me to cover my costs in training, materials, postage, and time. In addition, Bob Jones University Testing and Evaluation Service charges a fee of $24.00 (plus tax) for processing, scoring, interpretation assistance and use of testing materials. If you are a member of Homeschool Legal Defense Association, you qualify for a discount. Your cost would be $20.00 plus tax. You should receive the test results within 4-8 weeks. I will be available to help you interpret them if necessary.

If you would like me to test your child, call me between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. at 237-2924. If there are other families who would like to be involved with you in a group-testing situation, have their names ready when you call so that we can make the arrangements with them as well. We will then order the tests, and schedule the testing date and site.

Please read the attached information sheet to help you determine how you want your child tested.

I. Should I choose the Stanford or the Iowa tests for my child?

1. Both are top rated

2. Both have the same purpose

3. Both evaluate thinking skills

4. Neither is more difficult than the other

* There are advantages to using the same test in each testing year. This will allow a more accurate tracking of the progress of your child.

II. What if my child reads below or above grade level?

If a child’s reading level definitely varies from grade level, it is recommended that you order a test level appropriately above or below grade level. If a student’s reading ability varies by 3 or more years, other individual, orally administered tests are recommended. (This is especially true for those reading below grade level.)

III. When should I make arrangements for testing my child?

In order for the Bob Jones University Testing Service to process your order and for your test administrator to receive and organize the materials for testing, you need to order your tests 5-8 weeks before the scheduled test date. Once the test administrator receives the testing materials, they must be returned to the Testing Service within 50 days. Test results will be mailed within 4-8 weeks of the Testing Service’s receipt of the tests. The results will be sent to the person who placed the order for the test.

IV. How do I order the test for my child?

You may either order it yourself by calling the Testing and Evaluation Service of Bob Jones University at 1-800-845-5731. Or, you may call me, and I will order for you. If you are a member of the Home School Legal Defense Association, I will need your HSLDA membership number for your discount. (This is found on the address label of the publications you receive from them.)

For group testing, we may place a group order. An order form is required for this which may be acquired by calling the above toll free number. On this order form, you will need the following information under the section "Qualified Tester’s Address:"

Bonnie Dripps

818 Wintergreen Circle

State College, PA 16801

(814) 237-2924

If you have any further questions, you may call the me or Testing Service at Bob Jones University.

Thanks!

Bonnie Dripps