Actually, I haven't given the Iowa in about ten or eleven years -- I used an older version even then -- because our state uses a form of the Iowa, so private people can't get it (like from Bob Jones or anywhere). Back then, I was able to get an older version, but then the company came up with the rule that you have to send them a copy of your homeschool approval letter with your order, to prove you're a homeschooler. But I can't do that since I'm not, really, anymore. The company (companies) found out that some people were posing as homeschoolers and getting tests and using them as practice for their public-schooled kids - which is cheating - to improve their scores. But then I was able to get the Stanford 10 through ACE because I'm actually a school -- the ACE company even sent their representative to visit and see our school to verify before approving us, so now I can just call and order what I need for the year.
I agree. I would rotate the test to give different looks to my kids-- not to compare the results. I appreciate the dialogue-- as a new homeschool teacher, this is very valuable information for me to consider. Dustin
PA requires a standardized test in 3rd, 5th, and...I don't remember the rest, we haven't gotten that far, but I think 7th lol. Last year was my oldest's "off" year, and she got all "what I don't get to take the test?!" upset on me so I went ahead and ordered it and took it, then threw it in. Since she's a high scorer, it just makes her look better in the portfolio and evaluation IMO. We took the CAT test. It's timed, and it must be administered by a non-parent. Sort of a hassle, but our first year I switched with another homeschooler, and last year (she was going through a divorce) asked a friend from church who substitute teaches to administer it. Though I gripe going through it, IMO it helps my kids get used to a non-mom standardized test. I intend to homeschool through highschool but...I'm a single mom, so things are still up in the air. While not the same as testing in a room with 20 kids (which our state offers for free but I'm loathe to accept), this is a step in the "being ready" direction. They are SUPER fast. Like, I mailed my test in the post office's flat rate envelope on Friday and had the results the next Friday. I think their "official" turnaround is two weeks, but both years they've been fast, which is good since...I procrastinate too much lol $25 for the test http://www.setontesting.com/
The CAT is a very short test, which can be a good thing, but then again it's not going to provide as much detail as longer tests like the Iowa tests or Stanford. Also, from what I've read the CAT has much older norms because it has been discontinued (I think). Anyways, the only test provider I'd ever heard much about was BJU, but recently I heard that A Beka has started offering the same tests, but for much less. It might be worth checking out.