Arkansas homeschoolers show improvement in test scores

Once again Arkansas homeschoolers show a marked improvement in mandatory statewide testing. According to an article in the Arkansas Democratic Gazette, homeschoolers scored in the 61-80 percentiles. Overall, scores improved over 2007-2008 scores by 6 to 20 percent. Fourth graders were particularly impressive. Homeschooled fourth graders in Arkansas scored in the 82 percentile in reading. This is a 16 point improvement over last year's scores. This means that they performed better than 82 percent of the students taking the test..

The national average for traditionally schooled students is in the 50-60 percentiles. Arkansas Department of Education states that the scores from homeschoolers cannot be compared to public school scores because the students take different tests.

It is required that all Arkansas students in grades 3 through 8 to take mandatory standardized tests in reading and math. Homeschoolers are included in this mandate. Testing for homeschoolers is provided by the state of Arkansas at no charge to parents every April. Alternate testing is available, prior approval is required and parents pay for any fees associated with alternate testing. Certain individuals are exempt from testing. This is usually due to learning or physical disabilities that would interfere with the child's ability to take the test.

According to state officials, there are 16, 061 homeschooled students in Arkansas. A total of 7,590 fall into the mandatory testing category. Out of these approximately 1,162 or 15% did not take the test. There could be many reasons for this. Some may have started homeschooling after the registration deadline in March and others may have moved or returned to a traditional school. Failure to comply with mandatory testing laws can result in truancy charges and the loss of a parents' right to homeschool. Homeschoolers are the 4th largest school group in Arkansas outside of the Little Rock, Springdale, and Pulaski school districts.

Overall, Arkansas homeschool parents should be proud. The test scores clearly demonstrate that the Arkansan homeschooling community is doing what it takes to educate their children.

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