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Performance in academics, athletics, and the work place is tested, measured, and ranked. We are quite accustomed to getting a grade that indicates our competitive position. What about home education? Some argue that testing, grades, report cards, and transcripts are unnecessary headaches. But before you say YES to less paper work, consider some benefits of a moderate approach to evaluating your child's progress.

THE EARLY YEARS
In first through fourth grades, testing and grading in the formal sense are not necessary. As the teacher, you will be working so closely with your child that you will automatically know their comprehension and progress. For example, if they have completely mastered a 2nd grade math curriculum around the age of 8, you can assume that they are on-target in math. If you haven't completed at least two-thirds of the material, you should determine the reason. It could be a matter of diligence, it might be your teaching method, or it may be the learning style of your child. This shouldn't be seen as a failure, just make a mental note and keep an eye toward progress. Since you are not testing, make it a point to have systematic reviews side-by-side with your child.

For those that want a big picture of what is typically accomplished in a given grade level, there are several "scope and sequence" guide books that will help you sort this out. A couple of titles are Checklist by Cindy Downes which covers K-12 and the Home-Schooler's Complete Reference Guide, covering K-6, by Kay Milow. Diagnostic Grade Placement and Screening by Jill Dixon is a book that provides a method for assessing your child's grade level.

THE MIDDLE YEARS
In the fifth through eighth grade introduce regular testing in core subjects, such as math, science, history, grammar, and spelling. Getting accustomed to evaluations is beneficial and time-constrained quizzes are good preparation for higher education and standardized testing. Grade the tests and provide feedback and encouragement to your child.

Standardized tests such as the Iowa Basic Skills Assessment and the Stanford Achievement Test are useful for comparing your child's performance to public and private school children. They are time-limited tests, and are not always the best barometer of what the child knows. Use the results cautiously. Your child may be able to take the test at a private school with a certified test administrator. During these years, plan on the Iowa or Stanford tests every-other spring.

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