The Washington State Home-Based Instruction Law offers parents two methods to meet the annual testing requirement. One, your child can be tested using a State Board of Education-approved standardized achievement test. Or two, an assessment of your child’s academic progress can be written by a certified teacher currently working in the field of education. The testing requirement is for homeschooled children between the ages of 8 and 18.
If you want your child to take a standardized test, it can mean 1 to 2 long, tiring days of sitting through subtest after subtest, either frantically trying to complete the items before time is up, or waiting in boredom for time to lapse until the next session begins. For a child who is easily frustrated, easily bored or has special learning needs such as ADD or ADHD, a group achievement test may not give the best indication of his or her true ability.
Another option is now available. The Mini Battery of Achievement is a State Board of Education-approved achievement test, and covers Reading (Identification, Vocabulary, Comprehension), Mathematics (Calculation, Reasoning & Concepts), Writing (Dictation, Proofreading), and Knowledge (Social Studies, Science, Humanities—Art, Music, Literature). It is individually administered by a certified teacher, who is also a homeschool parent.
There are no practice books or sample tests, so students are assessed on their knowledge, not on their test preparation.
References are available upon request.
Non-test assessments are ideal for children who are unable to complete a standardized test. Children who are cognitively delayed, have severe speech impairments, or severe ADD or ADHD are good candidates for a non-test assessment.
To complete a non-test assessment, I will need samples of your child's work, and about one hour of your time to gather information about your child, and to get your impressions of the progress made. From this information, you will receive a portfolio outlining your child's educational background, as well as strengths and accomplishments in each academic area. I can also provide recommendations for the next steps to take in each area, if you so desire. (I love giving advice!) This will be returned to you in a covered portfolio format.
Since non-test assessments are more time intensive than standardized testing, the charge is $75.
"I know my child is bright, but I’m just not seeing the progress…"
"How can he memorize words to songs, but can’t memorize his spelling lessons?"
"She can’t do the fractions in her math book, but can double a recipe with no problem."
"He’d be in front of that computer all day if I let him."
"She tells the best stories, but won’t write them down. Why?"
"He won’t read a book, but put it on the computer or a video game, and he can read just fine."
Do you ever find yourself at odds with your child’s educational progress, wondering why your best efforts just aren’t making a difference? Does your child seem to slip a little farther behind each year, with no apparent hope of ever catching up?
The Learning Styles Inventory is a valuable tool for identifying student preferences for particular instruction techniques. The nine learning styles defined by this inventory include:
With the Learning Styles Inventory and Learning Styles packet (included with the purchase of the inventory), parents will be provided with practical guidance on identifying their child’s strengths and interests, as well as learning and thinking styles in order to create a more complete student picture.
The Learning Styles Inventory takes only 15 minutes to administer, and the parent and child can complete and score it at home—no outside help is needed.
Two forms are available: order Elementary for grades 3-5, or Middle School for grades 6-8.
Each inventory is $10. For orders of more than one inventory, only one Learning Styles packet will be included. Send check or money order to C. James, P.O. Box 7012, Kennewick WA 99336. Specify how many inventories you need, and which grade levels you need.
Many parents (myself included) have discovered that when they teach to their child’s preferred learning style, the results are amazing! Get to know your child even better, and improve your homeschool instruction, with the Learning Styles Inventory!
Do you ever look at your kids and think, "What am I doing?"
Teaching any child, especially one with special learning needs, can be a challenge. How hard should I push? What is a reasonable amount of growth to expect? Is there another way to approach this? These simple questions can quickly turn into crazy-makers.
Help is here.
Whether you want help with setting appropriate goals, teaching a specific skill, or are just looking for some encouragement, we can sit down together and work it out. Your child's education is your most important job; obviously, you already know that or you wouldn't be homeschooling. But having the perspective and guidance of an experienced teacher on your side may make the difference between despair and delight as you approach each school day with your child.
Initial consultations are $40 and last for 90 minutes (or less, if you choose, but you 'll have my undivided attention for 90 minutes.) Any subsequent appointments will be $25 and last for 60 minutes. There is no obligation, after the initial consultation, to return for more. Meetings will be scheduled on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.
*IMPORTANT* When you come for an initial consultation, please bring along a copy of your Intent to Homeschool form, SIGNED by the district representative. I've had the unfortunate experience of having my advice used by public school parents as "ammunition" against a classroom teacher. While I have chosen not to teach in the public school setting, I respect the job that teachers do, and I don't want to play a part in making that job any more difficult than it already is. I want to know that my time and energy are serving the homeschool community. If you do not have the form with you, we will reschedule for another time.
Phone: (509)735-2460 or (509)551-0954
Email: jamestown@charter.net
Snail Mail:
Camille James
P.O. Box 7012
Kennewick, WA 99336