Posted by Pauline on March 21 2008 at 23:31:27:
In Reply to: autistic son IQ 75 must he take the iowa test? posted by cindy holden on March 21 2008 at 07:15:55:
I am assuming you are home educating. (You submitted an affidavit, etc.)
You do not *have* to take the Iowa test. I donīt think it would be the best choice in your situation. Here are your options:
1) You could ask your superintendent for an exemption from the testing requirement. The law does not mention this but it is my understanding that sometimes this is done.
2) There are 10 or so approved tests you can choose from when doing the required 3rd, 5th, or 8th grade testing. Instead of the IOWA, which is long, sometimes given over several days, and may overwhelm your child, you could use an individual, ungraded test like the WRAT. Itīs cheaper than the IOWA, itīs given one-on-one, itīs short, and your son can stop when the questions get too hard. This test is often suggested for kids who are working below grade level.
3) Consider your sonīs grade level. Home educated students need to be tested in 3rd, 5th, and 8th grades. I know grade levels mean little when homeschooling, and even less for kids like yours, so the whole idea of assigning a grade level is kind of silly. Nonetheless, the law speaks of grade levels. If your son is only in 2nd grade, you can wait until next year to test. You decide which grade he is in. You may want your portfolio or your evaluatorīs letter to make the situation clear, so that your district knows your sonīs grade level and does not expect tests if it is not a testing year.