FAQ

What do the tests include?
The tests required for Oregon homeschoolers consist of three subjects: Reading, Language Mechanics, and Math Skills. The questions are multiple choice, and there are about 35 to 50 questions per subject.

Are there any essay questions?
No. No writing is required. All the questions are multiple choice.

How long are the tests?
Tests are delivered in sections, from 10 to 55 minutes long. There are breaks between each section, and sometimes breaks may be taken in the middle of a section if the child is feeling the need.

What if my child is a slow reader?
If your child has difficulty reading, and has an IEP or PDP that recommends accommodations for testing, the test proctor can read the questions and answers to the child. The actual reading passages must be read by the child. Tests that are read aloud would require a private test session.

What’s the difference between a group test and a private test?
Group testing is less expensive than private testing. Groups are two to eight children. Grade 3 tests in a separate group. Grades 4-12 can test in one group. Group testing requires that the learner be able to work successfully in a group. This means that the learner must be able to listen to the proctor, follow instructions, and work within the time constraints of the test. The learner must also be able to work independently without asking questions about the test during the test process. Learners who are distractive to other testers in the group will be asked to leave the testing session and will have to reschedule a private session (no refund on the original test session).

What results will I see and when, and what do I do with them?
Within about four weeks, the results of tests will be emailed to you. You’ll see how many questions the child answered correctly (out of a total) in each area (reading, language, math), along with an equivalent grade level and some other statistics showing how the child’s score compared with other children of the same age taking the same test nationally. If and when your Education Service District asks to see test results for a child taking the test for grade 3, 5, 8, or 9, you can send them these results.
You will also receive a Diagnostic Profile, which provides additional information about what specific skills your child is successful at, and what areas might need more work.

When should I schedule a private test?
*If your child experiences high test anxiety. It’s normal for children to have some degree of nervousness about the testing, especially if the parent models anxiety or stress. Our proctors are very much in rapport with the testers and most learners find that their nervousness recedes quickly once the testing begins. However, if your child is prone to high anxiety in many situations, a private session might be a good option. 
*Is your child likely to be disruptive in the group? A learner who feels the need to move around or talk during the test experience, or is likely to have the impulse to engage with other students, should schedule a private test session. 
*If your child has an accommodation for learning through an IEP, PDP, 504 Plan, or other official statement that specifies certain accommodations. If this is the case, the parent must provide a statement or copy of what the IEP or PDP states regarding those accommodations. Accommodations that alter the testing procedure that are not recommended in an IEP or PDP cannot be made. Some accommodations do not require private testing. Any child may use noise-canceling headphones, or special chairs or specially shaped pencils, in a group setting. If your child’s accommodations may be made in the group setting, we do recommend the group as limited private sessions are available.
Accommodations can include such things as:
*Reading out loud: The proctor can read the questions out loud. The learner must read the reading selections in the test on their own. The reader can read the answers out loud, but must not help the learner choose the correct answer. The reader also cannot define words or symbols for the learner.
*Extra time allowance: State standards for extra time accommodations allow up to three times the allotted time for the test. Such allowance should be figured into the testing schedule. If you think your child will need extra time for the test, you should schedule (and pay for) two consecutive test sessions.
*Extra breaks: Tests can be broken into more than the standard segments with short breaks between segments for rest, movement, snacks, etc. During the mid-segment breaks the learner will not have access to the test or to other materials that might provide access to the test topics.
*Visual accommodations: With proper advance notice, we will provide equipment or materials that are enlarged, or high-contrast, or color-modified to suit the learner’s needs

Can siblings test together in a private session?
Up to three siblings can test together in a private session. Four or more siblings are considered a group and other children may be included in the session. If one of the children requires accommodations that would be distracting to other siblings, that child should test in a separate session. Grade 3 tests are delivered separately from tests for grades 4-12.

What should my child know about the testing experience?
Our proctors begin each test session by letting the learners know what to expect. Some of this information can be communicated to the learners ahead of time, to help ease any nervousness about the testing experience.
*These tests only measure highlights of reading, language arts, and math skills. They do not measure creativity, personality, character, or any skills other than the ones being tested. And they don’t measure everything you know about an area.
*Many children finish the test sections in less than the allotted time. This does not necessarily mean they skipped anything or got things wrong.
*Many children do not finish the questions in every test section before the time is up. This is perfectly normal and does not necessarily mean they will score badly. The test-makers purposely put extra questions in each section to identify kids who are working above average.
*The testing scores reflect only correct answers. There’s no penalty for wrong answers. If a learner cannot figure out the correct answer to the question, it’s okay to guess.
*Overall, the tests are mostly a measure of how a child is learning in some key academic areas, not a full picture of learning. They might show a parent what kinds of things to focus on in the coming year, or identify where a child’s interest is highest.