Testing with a private agencey is allowed under Arkansas homeschool law. Three testing companies are recommended by the state of Arkansas. Parents should look carefully at the testing options for each company. There are big differences in pricing and requirements for the same tests.
Seton Testing
Seton Testing services offer homeschoolers CAT testing, Terra Nova 2 and Iowa Test of Basic Skills. The CAT test is the CAT E/Survey. This test complies with all state requirements for Arkansas. There are no degree requirements to administer this test. The test ships within 24 hours of ordering. Cost for the CAT E/Survey is $25.
The Terra Nova 2 test is new to homeschool families. Two options are available from Seton, complete battery plus or survey plus. Both tests exceed Arkansas state requirements for testing. The cost of the Terra Nova 2 test is $45. No degree is required to administer this test.
Iowa Test of Basic skills requires the person administering the test to hold a bachelors degree in any subject. You must hold a 4-year degree to order the test. Seton Testing services asks if you have a degree and in order to receive the testing materials you must click on a box that states you agree to their terms. The test costs $29. Students in the 9th grade will take the Iowa Test of Educational Development. There is no difference in cost.
Bob Jones University
The Iowa Test of Basic Skills and the Stanford test are available through Bob Jones University. The cost for the basic test is $29. Only approved test administrators can order the test through Bob Jones University. The test's publisher requires that you hold a 4-year degree in order to have access to the testing packet. If you are in northwest Arkansas and would like to have me as a test administrator, contact me at the above email address.
The Stanford test is another option available through Bob Jones University. The test has very strict requirements for administering the test. You need a 4-year degree plus teaching experience at a traditional school. Pricing for this test is $55.
Brewer Testing Services
The Iowa Test of Basic Skills, Iowa Test of Edicational Development, and Terra Nova are available from Brewer Testing Services. The Iowa tests are $44 each. The Terra Nova tests are $55 each. The company also offers Woodcock Johnson testing and Kaufman testing. You must either arrange for someone from Brewer Testing Services to come out to your location for a group test or you must travel to their North Carolina facility to take the test.
If testing with a private testing service is the testing route you choose, the Arkansas Homeschool Testing Office recommends that you use the same test each year. Tests will be sent to your home or to the test administrator. The test packets must be returned according to the publishers guidelines.
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