Testing Requirements

Annual assessment is a yearly evaluation required by some states to verify homeschool student progress, typically through standardized testing, portfolio review, or evaluator assessment.

A certified teacher evaluation is a formal assessment where a state-certified educator reviews a homeschooled student's portfolio and progress, then provides written confirmation that the child is demonstrating adequate educational growth. Several states offer this as an alternative to standardized testing for compliance.

A composite score is a single number representing overall performance on a standardized test, calculated by averaging scores from multiple test sections—like the ACT composite that averages English, Math, and Reading section scores.

A homeschool evaluator is a qualified education professional who reviews student portfolios and conducts interviews to assess educational progress, providing an alternative to standardized testing in states that require annual assessments.

A minimum score requirement is the lowest acceptable performance threshold on a standardized test that homeschooled students must achieve to demonstrate adequate academic progress according to state law.

A portfolio review is a formal evaluation where a certified teacher or qualified professional examines a homeschool student's collected work samples, logs, and records to verify adequate academic progress, as required or offered as an option in several states.

A proctored exam is a test administered under formal supervision to verify the test-taker's identity and ensure academic integrity. Homeschoolers encounter proctored exams for college admissions testing, earning college credit, and meeting state compliance requirements.

A professional evaluation is a formal review by a qualified educator who examines a homeschooled student's portfolio and typically interviews the child to certify that adequate educational progress is occurring. States like Pennsylvania, New York, and Florida require these assessments.

Progress demonstration is the formal process of providing evidence to state or local authorities that a homeschooled student is making adequate educational progress. It's how families prove compliance with state homeschool laws.

Standardized test requirements are state-mandated assessments that some states require homeschooled students to complete, typically using nationally-normed tests like the Iowa Assessments, Stanford 10, or CAT to demonstrate academic progress.

A subtest score is an individual score earned on a specific section of a standardized achievement test, such as reading vocabulary, math computation, or spelling, that measures performance in a particular skill area before being combined into composite scores.

A test administrator is the person responsible for administering standardized achievement tests to homeschool students. Requirements vary by test: some allow any parent to administer, while others require a bachelor's degree or certified professional.

Test score submission is a compliance requirement in certain states where homeschooling families must administer standardized tests and report results to state or local education authorities, typically requiring scores above the 15th-33rd percentile.

A testing window is the specific period during which a homeschool student can complete required standardized testing. Windows vary by state—some mandate testing within a rolling 12-month period, while others specify particular months or grade-level deadlines.