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Lisbet
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| Posted: Aug 07 2008 at 4:05pm | IP Logged
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In lui of our normal portfolio assesments this year, my four oldest children took the CAT tests. (It really was easier on all of us than a face to face assesment!) I was never a good test taker (or student for that matter!) and I have a general dislike for test and their usefulness.
But, I just received the results from their tests, and I could have given the precentiles of each child before they even took the test! The results were spot on where I would have guessed - even in each section. Isn't that funny? (btw, they all scored above average - most of them well above!  )
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Lisa, wife to Tony,
Mama to:
Nick, 17
Abby, 15
Gabe, 13
Isaac, 11
Mary, 10
Sam, 9
Henry, 7
Molly, 6
Mark, 5
Greta, 3
Cecilia born 10.29.10
Josephine born 6.11.12
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12stars
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| Posted: Aug 07 2008 at 4:21pm | IP Logged
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That's great I hope I can have as keen observation on my children as you have. Wow , I just hope for the best. 
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Claudia in Southern California
Wife to George,
Mom to DD 14, DD 10, DD 7, DS 4, DS 2, 1 in heaven, and now due 5/11.
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Barbara R.
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| Posted: Aug 07 2008 at 8:18pm | IP Logged
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I've used the CAT for several years (Stanford and Iowa before that), too. There are always some funny moments, especially with social studies in the early grades, like when my first first grader thought the graffiti sprayer was "being a good citizen"! Those little pictures can be hard to figure out...
Like you, I find that the results match my assessment of individual strengths and weaknesses. I know who will get the high math and low spelling scores. I start testing after first grade because it is easy and the children enjoy a week of "school lite". I now time it for Holy Week, when all our neighbors are on spring break and we can take off by the end of the week.
I think it's useful for my children to practice taking standardized tests, because most of them will need to sooner or later. By starting early, they are comfortable rather than nervous. I can also see who needs coaching before next year about how to take a test (don't stay stuck on one question, LISTEN to the directions, etc.), especially since as proctor I narrate most of the first and second grade tests.
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mom2mpr
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| Posted: Aug 07 2008 at 10:42pm | IP Logged
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This is the first year we have tested too. I did not administer the test. Sure enough, I knew pretty well where ds would be low, and high. Isn't that just so cool? If he were in school, I would just look at the numbers and feel helpless and lost. At least after homeschooling for this long.
Anne
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TracyQ
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| Posted: Aug 08 2008 at 12:29pm | IP Logged
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Lisbet,
It proves we know our children the best! Well done!!! 
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Blessings and Peace,
Tracy Q.
wife of Marty for 20 years, mom of 3 wonderful children (1 homeschool graduate, 1 12th grader, and a 9th grader),
 homeschooling in 15th year in Buffalo, NY
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4Real Forums : Living Learning
Topic: Interesting Testing Observation
