Group Testing

OVCHE 2023 Group Testing Information

The following information for group testing is outlined below. Please be sure to take advantage of the different discounts, as it can save you a significant amount of money. WVHEA testing service is fully designed to comply with state law governing homeschoolers. We will be using TerraNova Third Edition tests for our students. You will be receiving your order form soon, in the mail, if you tested last year. If not, you can print a form at WVHEA.org. click here for link

You can only register by completing the form and mailing it to:

Please note that orders are made payable to WVHEA.

Here are the details:

2023 Deadlines, Discounts, and Fees:

Early bird discount: Orders received by January 15, 2023-- subtract $5.00 per test

WVHEA member: Subtract $10.00 per test

Regular registration deadline: February 15, 2023

Late Order Fee: Orders received after February 15, 2023-- add $10.00 per test

NO ORDERS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER FEBRUARY 28, 2023.

Testing will be held on April 3, 2023 at First Baptist in Wheeling. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at [email protected] or call me at 304-843-1818.

Also, if you are new to homeschooling, testing is not required. It is just one option available for yearly assessment.

** Please note: test administrators are needed! If you are interested in volunteering, please contact me for more information. Without enough administrators, testing cannot happen. The only requirement to be a test administrator is completion of a short powerpoint training. **

Thanks,

Valerie Hensley

Link to download form

FAQ

Do I have to test my child?

No. In both West Virginia and Ohio there are several assessment options parents may choose from. Providing a nationally normed standardized achievement test is only one of the options. Please see the links to the WV state law and OH state law.

What if I need more informtion to compare he benifits/drawbacks of standardized testing vs. portfolio review?

The powerpoint from Dr. Bruce Howard, which he presented during a MNO, may be helpful click here

What is the TerraNova Test?

TerraNova is a nationally normalized standardized test. We are currently using the Third Edition of this test. 

What subjects are included on the Terra Nova Test?

The Kindergarten test includes reading, language, and math. All other grades include reading, language, math, science and social studies.

Can my younger kids test if they are not strong readers?

Most of the kindergarten test (Level 10) is read aloud, though there is some reading required.
At 1st and 2nd grades (Levels 11 and 12), all instructions are read, and only the reading section contains much independent reading by the student. All of the math, science and social studies sections are read aloud. However, the questions and possible answers are NOT read aloud. Beginning in 3rd grade, most of the test is read independently by the student, included instructions printed in the booklets. 

The TerraNova test is a critical thinking test that requires a certain amount of reading at all levels. If you feel your child is not ready for this type of assessment, we strongly encourage you to seek another assessment option such as preparing a portfolio of your child's work to be reviewed by a certified teacher.

How do I determine the correct TerraNova test level for my child? 

State law interpretations require that homeschooled students must be assessed using a test intended for use at the grade level that was reported by the parents in the Notice Of Intent. Homeschool parents do have the right to determine the appropriate grade level for their child, including skipping or repeating grades, but this should be stated in the Notice Of Intent, and the test level must match. 

How do I prepare my child for testing?

Practice tests are available commercially through companies such as Spectrum and Soaring High. Some of these test prep items can be found at your local bookstore. If your child has never tested using the bubble in method or an answer sheet, please take time to expose them to this method so they know what to expect on test day.

Where does the testing take place?

Our group uses the First Baptist Church in Wheeling as our testing site. It is located at 1470 National Rd. Wheeling WV, 26003

 How long does the test take?

The test timeframes vary by age group. The younger age groups allow for a few more breaks. On your assigned test day, plan to arrive by 8:30. Testing will begin promptly at 9:00. All testing is generally completed by 3:00.  

What do I need to bring to testing?

Please bring two sharpened #2 pencils with good erasers, a sack lunch, and a book for your child to read once they have completed their testing. You will also need to bring a self-addressed stamped envelope for each child that should be addressed "To the Parents of". Your results will be mailed back to you in the envelope you provide.

What if I miss the registration deadline?

Pay close attention to the registration deadlines so you don't miss the registration. We are required to follow the timeframes of the testing company providing services for WVHEA. If you should miss the deadline, you will have to determine which of the other assessment options you will pursue.

Who administers the test?

The tests are administered by parent volunteers who have completed the required Tester Certification training. If you are interested in becoming a tester, please contact Valerie Hensley, [email protected]  

How is my student's progress assessed under current law?

Mean score is calculated by averaging the national percentile scores in the required areas. If this mean is at or above the 50th percentile(required for WV) or above the 25th percentile(required for OH), the child's scores are considered to show "acceptable progress." If the score is below the required percentile, acceptable progress is defined as "improvement" from the previous year's scores.  "Improvement" can be demonstrated by an increase in the mean percentile, advancement in grade level with the same average, or increase in the "scale score." If progress is not documented by these criteria, a "remedial plan" must be adopted. If no progress can be shown after two years, the parent must provide evidence that appropriate instruction is being provided. ***Please refer to the specifics of the law requirement in the state that you reside.***

When will I receive my child's results?

Parents should receive scores by mid June. In June, two copies of the machine generated report form are mailed in the pre-addressed envelopes. WVHEA sends score reports only to the parents, who are responsible for submitting scores to their local superintendents by the timeframe required by law. Please refer to your state's law. An explanation of the child's score will be enclosed with the score reports.

How do I report my scores?

In both WV and OH, parents can use the Academic Assessment Report provided by HSLDA, Christian Home Educators of Ohio or West Virginia Home Educators Association to turn in to their local superintendent. If testing with the group, parents would mark the option that states "a person duly authorized by the publisher of the test." You are only required to list the percentile score. You do not have to send in the full copy of your child's test results. 

Who do I send my registration to?

Please mail your cheack made out to "WVHEA" to Valerie Hensley 205 Ash Ave. Moundsville, WV 26041

 ***Note: All of this information was provided directly from state law and from our Regional Test Coordinator Manual from WVHEA.***

For more tips on testing: http://www.wvhea.org/getting-started/annual-academic-assessment/standardized-testing