I just had a conversation yesterday with someone who said that homeschoolers where the reason that kids have such low marks compared to the rest of the world. They were talking about standardized testing. I informed them that most states don't require standardized testing for homeschoolers, so if the kids are doing such a poor job on these tests it isn't the homeschool communities fault. The person I was talking to was appauld however there were others that were merely curious to know how the state regulates to ensure the homeschoolers are getting a proper education. I explained the various other methods and most, except for the one person, seemed quite satisfied with the answers. Unfortunately there is a big misconception about homeschoolers (that I'm learning) and I'm happy to point anyone in the right direction if I can. I've only met a few that weren't quite sure about my choice to homeschool.
We have to have a letter of intent for each child over the age of 8 and once they reach 8 we also have to have them tested yearly. It upsets me that I have to have my kids tested yearly when the ps kids only get tested in 3,5,6,8 and 10th. I don't have to turn anything into anyone, I keep all results from the testing and I keep all portfolios. I heard one of the ladies in the office where I have to turn in my letter of intents tell someone that they have so little man power in the homeschooling office that they would never know if people were actually having their kids tested or even if people were complying with turning in their letters of intent. Basically if you homwschool you are not going to be looked into. I would just tell them that you are following all the laws. If they insist of why you don't test or ask if you do test, just tell them that you do test them. I mean...you do give them tests throughout the year don't you? Wouldn't that count as "having them tested"?
