CAT Test

Part of homeschooling, we have to show "evidence of progress" at the end of each school year. This can be done by either have an evaluation done (basically an interview with someone, usually a former homeschooling mom, who has a masters degree or higher, who writes a report stating whether or not the student shows evidence of progress for their age) or you can do an accepted standardized test (Calif Achievement Test, Iowa State test, etc). Most of these standardized test are the same ones kids in public school take also, they just typically take them beginning in the third grade, then very so often after that. We choose to try the CAT test. Punkin is the only one who has to take the test, because she is the only one "officially" in school. So at the beginning of the week we did a practice test so she would be familiar with the format of the test. We were also able to talk about the test and questions after she finished and work through any she may have had difficulties with. She did great. 

So yesterday, I asked her if she wanted to do part of her test. She grinned and said yes. Great!! We sat at the table and Button watched a show on the iPad. We want through 3 of the 5 tests - the language, reading, comprehension and vocabulary sections - like a breeze. She was awesome. We took a break after that and she played with Button for a while. Then Button went to take a nap. I asked her if she wanted to move on to the Math sections or wait until the next morning. She was game. So we started the math tests which included addition, subtraction and various math applications (shapes, money, calendars, word problems).  I'm telling you she did great. I'm biased, I get that. But she really did great. There were a few that she didn't get to in the time allowed, and that was fine. But to watch her think through the problems and figure them out as I sat quietly reading the instructions as the administrator. And for her to be confident in what she was doing. It was rewarding as her homeschooling mom to see her excited about taking the test and confident in displaying her knowledge. 

She understands that she had to take the test to show the school system that she is learning while she is at home so we can continue homeschooling. She gets it. She also gets that she is a smart girl. I am proud of her. We are taking her to a celebration dinner tonight for her awesomeness. She originally said she wanted sushi, but has now said Mexican. We shall see. 

It's been a great first "official" year of homeschooling. Both girls have progressed more than I could have expected. Blessings. They are blessings. It has been a blessing to homeschool them also.