Q: Do homeschooled students have to be tested by the state or attain a minimum test score to be able to continue home schooling?
A: Homeschooled students do not have to attain any minimum score in order to continue home schooling. They must take the same norm-referenced test at the same grade levels as public school students. Currently, public school students are tested in grades 5, 7 and 10 using the SAT9.
Q: Who will pay for the tests?
A: The State of Arkansas pays the entire cost of the test and its administration if the test is taken at the sites and times specified by the director of the local educational service cooperative.
Q: Where will homeschooled students be tested?
A: Homeschooled students will take the test at a site or sites selected by the director of their local public school educational service cooperative. The test will be given at approximately 35 sites across the state. In Pulaski County, Little Rock, North Little Rock and Pulaski County School Districts will administer the test.
Test sites in l997 were Batesville, Benton, Booneville, Brinkley, Bullshoals, Cabot, Calico Rock, Camden, Clarksville, Clinton, Conway, DeQueen, El Dorado, Forrest City, Fort Smith, Gosnell, Green Forest, Harrison, Heber Springs, Hope, Hot Springs, Huntsville, Jonesboro, Little Rock, Mena, North Little Rock, Ozark, Pine Bluff, Rogers, Russelville, Searcy, Siloam Springs, Springdale, Star City, Texarkana, Warren and West Memphis. In l998, at least two sites will be added: Hoxie/Walnut Ridge area and West Helena.
Q: When will homeschooled students take the test?
A: Homeschooled students in grades 5, 7 and 10 must take the SAT9 sometime between September 14 and September 24, l998.
Q: How will homeschooled students know where and when to report for the test?
A: Each local educational service cooperative will notify the parents. If parents with students in the required grades are not notified, they should contact the director of their local educational service cooperative or their local school superintendent.
Parents will get a list of test sites in the area. They may test in a different coop if it is closer.
Q: Will homeschooled students take the test with public school students?
A: No
Q: Will parents be allowed in the room while their child is taking the test?
A: No. One individual selected by homeschoolers will be allowed in the room to monitor the administration of the test.
Q: What should parents do if their child will be unable to take the test on the testing dates?
A: Make arrangements with Bob Jones University Press (1-800-845-5731) or another testing institution to be tested at a time that fits your schedule. Scores will not be a part of the composite scores averaged in the state report. The cost will be borne by the parents.
Q: How will parents obtain the results of their child's performance on the test?
A: Individual test scores will be mailed to the parent at home with a breakdown of the test results.
Q: Which state or local agencies will maintain the test scores of homeschooled students?
A: Individual student test scores will not be maintained with the local school district, educational service cooperative or the Arkansas Department of Education. The Arkansas Department of Education will receive a composite test score of all homeschooled students averaged together for reporting purposes.
Q: Are there any alternatives to taking the test at the time and location established by the educational service cooperative?
A: Yes. Parents desiring alternative testing arrangements must develop a written plan for alternative testing and submit it to the director of their local educational service cooperative at least 3 weeks before the testing window begins. Approval of alternative testing arrangements is at the discretion of the director of the local educational service cooperative.
Q: What qualifications are necessary for an individual who administers the test at an alternative test site?
A: The individual must be trained as a test administrator.
Q: Does alternative testing mean that homeschooled students can take a test other than the same one taken by public school students?
A: Alternative test site tests will be the same as other homeschoolers take at a designated site.
Q: Will parents who take advantage of alternative testing arrangements have to pay for the test or its administration?
A: Parents taking advantage of alternative testing arrangements will pick up copies of the test at the local educational service cooperative. They will have to pay for the test and other expenses associated with it. The estimated cost is about $10 per student. They may have to pay qualified individuals to monitor the test or pay for the use of a place to give the test.
Q: Will parents be allowed in the room with their child taking the test at an alternative site?
A: This decision will be left up to those who are conducting the alternative testing site.
Bill Ballard is a retired public school administrator and most recently interim Assistant Director for Curriculum and Planning at the Arkansas Department of Education. Mr. Ballard was responsible for organizing the testing at designated state sites in 1997. We greatly appreciate his efficient organization of testing and willingness to accommodate homeschoolers.
Last updated: 02/20/2000
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