I have been reading up on Ar homeschool laws... I have read, and read all the info, but I am wondering if I have to do the mandatory testing at the test sites or can I give her the test at home. My youngest is not a great test taker, she freezes up on these things... also, I can not find this but if they fail the test... can the state make them go to public school.. My friend who homeschooled all her kids said that when they were in Ar pastoring that if her child failed the state test, they had one yr to bring it up or the state would make they go to public school, now I have no idea if this is still the case or not... all her kids are grown now... so ..... I am just trying to get my head in the game for Ar rules...
I just moved here, however... My understanding is that you can establish (somehow) an alternate testing site within your own home. Our co-op run an alternate site and I'm told that you can follow a similar procedure to give the test in-house. The downside is that you have to pay for it out of pocket then (when it's otherwise free). But... again... I could be wrong. NO!!!!!!!!!! They cannot ever force you to send your kiddo to public school!!!!!!! EVER! (P.S. My oldest is a terrible test taker, too. I told him that I didn't give two hoots about that silly test and if he sat there and picked his nose the entire time I was 100% OK with that.)
I have found that usually, if you contact the biggest homeschool group in the state (as opposed to somebody actually connected with the state and state agencies), somebody there will have the straight scoop and will tell you how the state law actually plays out in real life practicalities.
Thanks, I think I will call the huge co-op in Rogers... and ask them how it really works. I have read up on the laws, but they were not clear on the testing part.
This will be my 5th year homeschooling in Arkansas, and I know that the test is only required for grades 3-9. You can use an alternative site, although I am not sure about the home. The public schools never even see the testing results, and they can in no way force you to put your child back in public schools. When you sign the homeschool waiver form, which is due by August 15th for the beginning of the school year, it states that the state of Arkansas is not responsible for your child's education. Honestly, I think the only reason the tests are mandatory here is to try to ensure that the children are not just being kept home for other reasons. I had had so much trouble with my local school district before starting to homeschool that I was sure they would try to harass me into sending my kids back to public school, but thankfully, once I pulled them out, they lost interest in us, lol! We only moved here seven years ago, so the laws may have been different before we arrived, but currently the state is pretty hands-off when it comes to homeschooling, other than requiring the test once a year. I forget if this is mentioned in the homeschooling laws, but the test that is used is the Iowa Basics, and they are only tested in math and English. It is about a 1/2 day of testing.
We are in central Arkansas and just finished our 3rd year of homeschooling. The first year, we tested at home. I have a college degree and registered with Bob Jones and ordered the Iowa test through them. You have to pay for the complete test even though we are only required to take 2 sections of the test. The state does not keep up with test results. When testing at home, I did not have to submit results! We have been part of a co-op for the past 2 years and we have tested through that group. It is really not a big deal but is good practice for the future!
Then why do the require testing if they're not interested in the results? Sounds like a waste of money to me! I mean, there are people who want to test to reassure themselves, and that's fine. But if you're comfortable with what you're doing and you really don't care how your child compares with all the others, I wouldn't want to spend the money on some stupid regulation that has no purpose!
That is what my husband and I thought. If they do not see the results than why the requirement. Well, I will just sign up at one of the testing sites from their website when I do all the other stuff they want done. I have been spoiled with Tx laws... I really did not have to do anything like this...
If you test at a state site, they do get the results and compile them for you. The report comes to you from the state. They keep them on file, but your child is not penalized for not scoring well. I do not know why they require the test. I just do what they ask! My dyslexic daughter is exempt from testing. If you test with the state, there is no charge and a minimal charge.
If I am correct, then the state agency that records the scores is the Arkansas Home School Testing Office. I have been told by the volunteers at the testing site in Clinton, AR, that the scores are not shared with the school districts and are kept confidential. Although it does seem a bit ridiculous to take the test, children who don't take the test can be counted as truant for the school year.
ive been wondering some of the exact same things. we live in southern ar. i knew that it was required for 3-9 grades and my daughter is in kindergarten this year. i just like to know everything possible that way i am prepared for the future i did find a website once that listed testing sites but i cannot for the life of me find it again. as far as the testing goes once you sign the intent to homeschool waiver and all do they contact you from that information and tell you if/when you need to test? do you have to sign this waiver every year? how involved is the state of arkansas in homeschooling? do they keep a close eye or pretty much let you be? i looked at every hardcore pro and con list and weighed it all. our little dinky, far outdated school district was NOT a fit for my daughter im already a stay at home mama. seems like a perfect match for us
I can't post links yet, but the url for the website with Arkansas testing information is arhomeschooltesting.org . Once you sign the waiver, which you must do each and every year (unfortunately) by August 15th, the homeschool testing office contacts you sometime around January-February. The state sponsored testing sites are set up for dates in April. The forms give you info about how to register for testing at their sites, or how to go about doing testing at alternate sites. If for any reason your child is exempt, such as due to a doctor certified disability, there is information in the packet about that, also. They will only contact you if your child is in the required grades for testing, so since you have a kindergartener, the testing office would not send you anything until she is in 3rd grade. By the way, although the waiver forms ask you for your "qualifications" and for the highest grade you and your spouse have completed, that has no bearing on whether or not you are "allowed" to homeschool. You could be a 5th grade dropout, and the school district must honor your desire to homeschool. They will ask for the curriculum you plan to use, and the subjects you plan to teach, but the school district does not have any authority over your choices. If you change your mind about a subject or a curriculum, you do not need to notify anyone. At least in my experience, the school district will try to discourage you verbally from homeschooling, and then after you have filed the forms, they will leave you alone. This is probably obvious, but it is a good idea to keep a copy of the form. Because my oldest two got their learner's permits this year, I had to get their intent to homeschool notarized, and I might do that again this coming year, just for my own peace of mind. However, I have never been harassed since pulling them out of public school, and considering the hassles I had with the school before I took them out, that is saying a lot, lol.
thank you so much Theresa! ive tried other forums and sites before and got no answers or answers that were really vauge.
I agree with everything Theresa said. Also check out that Arkansas Education Alliance website. You can get alot of info there. Happy you made the decision to homeschool. Wish we had started in kindergarten! Just be sure you complete the waiver by August and keep a copy.
when i went to look at our local public school (the only in the district) i got this unsettling gut feelings, the buildings are old and crumbling and poorly drawn looney toons characters were everywhere, it was like a 1980s clown exploded. the office staff was quick to reply with short and undetailed answers and the superintendant couldnt be bothered to look in our direction, i forsee a hassel coming from these people when i do have to turn in the waiver
Well, don't worry. Just put the waiver in an envelope with his name on it and hand it to the administrative assistant and leave. Be sure to keep a copy with the date you turned in and the name of the person you gave it to. Go in with a smile and know that you don't have to explain!
