Testing
Homeschoolers in Minnesota have a choice in what standardized test
to use for their children. The law requires that children take a
standardized, norm-referenced achievement test the school years that
children are 7-15. There are many resources for testing. Additional
testing resources are welcome to add to this file. The following
describes some testing resources available:
The Peabody Individual Achievement Test (PIAT)
The PIAT or "Peabody" is a standardized, nationally norm-referenced
achievement test that is individually administered by a trained
examiner. Assessment is completed in the following areas: Reading,
Math, Spelling, Science, Social Studies and Humanities. The subtests
and composite scores are calculated immediately, so there is no waiting
for results. The test is non-bracketed which means the results will
indicate a child's grade level from K-12 in the different subtests,
rather than only providing achievement level for the child's grade. The
test is oral in format and almost conversational in tone. The testing
experience is casual and unintimidating for the child, making it a
popular test among homeschoolers. It takes 60-90 minutes to administer
and score the test, but the exams are not timed. Testing is available
year round and wlll assess K-12 grade levels.
Testing sessions may be arranged with the following testers in your
home, the tester's home or other agreed upon location. Testers may have
different preferences for test location and availability. Each tester
sets their fees for testing and travel costs. Be sure to discuss these
matters specifically when setting your child's appointment with an
Independent Peabody Tester.
Contacts:
Ann Mathews-Lingen, MSW, LGSW, (651) 698-1244,
a.mathewslingen@comcast.net
St. Paul, metro area and outstate by arrangement, evening & Saturday
appts. available
Kim Jaworski, (651) 552-0044
kdjaworski@usfamily.net
metro area & outstate by arrangement
Barb Windholz, (651) 554-3042
metro area and outstate by arrangement
Beth Skwira, (651) 306-9623
carkim@earthlink.net
metro area
Helen Dougherty-Wakeman, (651) 770-1223
metro area
Judy Vermeulen, (651) 786-4040
testingbyjudy@aol.com
Twin Cities area
Julie Ritter, (651) 631-1443
djritterclan@usfamily.net
New Brighton & other metro locations by arrangement
Lisa Paschen, (952) 236-4038
lisa@paschencommunications.net
metro area
Wendy & Jonathan Friesen, (763) 229-5897
friesenpeabody@yahoo.com
metro area and outstate by arrangement
Michelle Sullivan, (651) 257-6719
Forest Lake area
Kim Doerfler, (952) 891-1628
kim4cm@frontiernet.net
South Suburbs, Farmington & Northfield area
Sara Floerke, (218) 624-7421
sarafloerke@charter.net
Duluth area
Betsy Trout, (320) 203-4478
betsyjim@charter.net
St. Cloud, Detroit Lakes and Central MN area
Nancy Blanchard
blanch51@embarqmail.com
Greater Metro Area and State-wide
Testers listed above: Please contact us if there are any changes to your contact
information, or if you would like to be removed from this list.
echo-mn@earthlink.net
Date of Last Update: 05/10/2009