Services & Programs

Home Education Services & Programs...Testing

TYPES OF TESTS AND THE INFORMATION THEY PROVIDE

Diagnostic Tests

• A Diagnostic Test reveals the appropriate grade levels into which a child should be placed. Public schools normally assign a student to a grade level based on age. A Diagnostic Test, on the other hand, usually reveals that a child should be in different grades for different subjects. The Diagnostic Test used by FCA covers multiple grade levels, beginning with simple questions and gradually asking more difficult questions until the child is no longer able to continue answering questions. FCA believes it is much better for a child to be allowed to work at his or her true grade-level capacity. Therefore, FCA highly recommends that every child be given a Diagnostic Test after enrolling in any of our programs. FCA will use the results of this test to help parents determine which curricula to purchase.

• KTEA is the Diagnostic Test given to all FCA students and is required for all students enrolling in its On-Campus Program. The test is optional for home-educated students but is highly recommended. When home-educating parents give the test to their own child (a recommended “first step” in the home -education process), FCA discounts the cost of the test.

• Home-educating parents will receive a computer print-out of the results of the KTEA Test showing grade-level equivalency for each subject area. FCA will assist the parent in choosing grade-appropriate curricula and in assigning work to the student based on test results. This information will become part of the student’s file and will remain confidential.

Achievement Tests - click here for 2007 Test and Pick-Up Dates

• An Achievement Test is much like a final exam, testing what a child has actually learned in all the subject areas through the grade level being tested. Parents, teachers, schools and colleges use Achievement Tests to determine if a student has mastered material he/she is supposed to have learned. If an Achievement Test reveals that a child has not mastered the material, the parent or school can use this information to allow the child to retake the course and gain mastery.

• Many different Achievement Tests are available to parents and schools. The college entrance ACT is an Achievement Test while the college entrance SAT is used to determine how a student might be able to handle college-level work. Some colleges require both the ACT and the SAT.

• Who may take FCA’s Achievement Tests? Achievement Testing is offered for students in all grades, and is offered each spring.

• Parents whose children are not enrolled with FCA may test their children with FCA students if parents are willing to sign FCA’s Statement of Faith and students adhere to FCA’s Dress Code during testing times.

FCA-ADMINISTERED ACHIEVEMENT TESTING

Type of Test and Results
• FCA administers the Stanford Achievement Test: Christian School (9th & 10th Edition).
• The “Stanford” is an Achievement Test, not a Placement Test. It can be used as an indicator of weak academic areas which need to be strengthened. FCA offers Diagnostic Testing specifically designed for helping with grade placement and with choosing curricula.
• The Stanford Corporation scores tests and sends the results to FCA in June. FCA provides a date and time in late June for parents to pick up test results, reenroll, and receive bookstore discounts.

What the Test Measures
The test is an excellent tool to measure strengths and
weaknesses on a broad range of subjects, including
the following:
Areas Evaluated Grade Level
Word analysis K5 – 2
Reading skills/comprehension K5 – 12
Vocabulary 2 – 12
Mathematics K5 – 12
Language 1 – 12
Spelling 1 – 12
Study skills 4 – 12
Social studies & Science K5 – 12
Listening K5 – 8

Information the Test Provides
• Scaled, percentile, grade-equivalent scores.
• Ability/achievement comparison on combination tests.
• A narrative explanation of results.
• Evaluation of specific academic skills.

Registering & Paying for Testing
• The Deadline for Achievement Test Registration is February 15.
• Use FCA Enrollment Form to register for test.
• Use the FCA Worksheet to pay for test.

Length of Test
• Grades K-8: 2-3 hours per day, 2-3 consecutive days.
• Grades 9-12: 3 hours per day for 2 consecutive days.

Testing Dates & Locations
• FCA offers testing across the state of Tennessee and in Orlando, Florida. (See FCA Enrollment Form on page 38 and check desired location). FCA will assign your test location which will be printed on your student’s card. Site locations are subject to change due to availability and FCA reserves the right for final site approval.
• Tests are held during the 2nd semester (March and April) and are available to all students enrolled with FCA.
• Tests are currently given in cities across the state of Tennessee & in Orlando, Florida. If you have a large support group you may qualify to have tests administered within your area.
• Use the FCA Enrollment Form to mark the testing site of your choice.

Private Testing
• FCA offers private testing for the Stanford Achievement Test at the student’s home, at one of our bookstore locations, or any other location approved by FCA. Deadline for Private Testing Registration is February 15. (See FCA Fee Worksheet)
• Students who are married (male or female) and pregnant students are required to test privately. If the student becomes pregnant after enrolling, parents must contact the school to switch to private testing (additional fees apply).

Test Administered by Certified Teacher
Parents may choose to have their student(s) tested by a certified teacher at the location of their choice. If you would like your child tested privately by a teacher in your area, we ask that you arrange for a certified teacher to administer the test. FCA requires the following:

• Teacher must provide FCA with name, address, phone number and proof of certification at the time of test registration.
• FCA will mail the test to the teacher between February 15 and March 15. Any additional cost for this service will be the responsibility of the teaching parent(s).
• Administering teacher must follow all policies of FCA.
• All testing deadlines must be followed. If the teacher is not sure he/she can complete and return the test within the designated time frame required by FCA, the teacher’s services should not be used.

Dress Code
Review our Dress Code Policy which is enforced at all test sites.

Make-Up Tests
If, for any reason, a student is unable to test on an assigned date, or if the student missed part of a test, parents must arrange for Private Testing through FCA. Call the FCA office. An additional cost will be assessed.

Changing Test Location
If, for any reason, the test location must be changed, the following fees will apply:

• $15.00 for changes made before January 1st.
• $25.00 for changes made after January 1st.

Administering Various Test Levels Simultaneously
Levels K-3 tests: Each grade must be administered independently.
Grades 4-6: May be administered simultaneously with minor adjustments (Listening Test).
Grades 7 & 8: May be administered together.
Grades 9-12: May be administered together.

Testing Administered Out of State
See information in section “Test Administered by Certified Teacher”, above.

What to Expect the Day of the Test
• Our testing policies are in effect to ensure a proper, fair and safe testing environment. Please help us maintain these policies so our students can have a good testing experience.
• Students must test in the grade in which they are enrolled.
• Parents are allowed to sit with children in K, 1st, and 2nd grades.
• Testing begins promptly at 9:00 each morning except the first morning when classroom assignments and a required orientation session begins at 8:30.
• Testing lasts from 9:00 AM to approximately 12:00 (actual schedule given at orientation session).
• Approximate times for each subtest, break times and finishing times for each grade will be announced at orientation session.
• Students should come to the test rested.
• Bring scratch paper, at least 2 sharpened #2 pencils, a ruler (with inches and centimeters) and a calculator for 4th grade and above.
• FCA uses facilities graciously donated to us. Please take care of the property and be sure to stay within designated areas. Children are allowed in testing rooms, break rooms, and bathrooms only.
• Please realize we are all witnesses as Home Educators. Instruct your children to obey all rules and teachers or they will be expelled from testing (and, possibly, from FCA).
• Parents must be available to supervise their children not being tested and students finishing early.
• Parents are encouraged to bring juice, fruit or any other nutritious snack.
• FCA suggests that you monitor its FAMILY magazine for specific information on testing dates and events.
• Smoking is illegal at all test sites. Do not bring any type of tobacco products.
• No student will be permitted to leave the premises before testing is over.
• If you are not sure of your testing date or site, you must call the Records Department for that information. FCA is not responsible for missed tests.