CHEWV

Category: Testing

  • Homeschool Perspective

    Homeschool Perspective

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Public School Test Scores Show Failures

     
    A recent news article by WV Metro News points to the dismal public school climate in West Virginia, at least as evidenced by this past year’s standardized test scores. Statewide, 35% of public school students have a “minimal understanding of, and ability to apply, math knowledge, skills and abilities.” That means that more than one in four students can’t do basic math. While language arts fared better, fewer than half of WV students in public schools were proficient. Such statistics hardly bode well for our future citizenry.


    Let us     hasten to say that we don’t believe teachers are the problem here! There are many issues that play into that failure, the current state of families being one.


    As pointed out in our reThinking Education booklet, God places the responsibility for the next generation on the shoulders of parents! Yet our current society places peer pressure on parents to punt their parental responsibilities to daycares, schools, grandparents — even churches. In today’s environment, homeschoolers stand apart as committed parents investing in their kiddos with great success!


    CHEWV’s standardized test scores for spring 2024 reveal that, statewide, home educated students average in the top half of national scores in reading, math, language, science and social studies  – in every subject area! And, while CHEWV’s membership represents only a portion of WV homeschoolers, the important takeaway is that what each of you is doing works! To take responsibility for your own children’s education is – be assured – both a cultural and academic game-changer!


    In a broken world with growing issues, parents who profoundly invest in the lives of their children, and thus in the future, are a bright, shining hope.


    Amidst the daily learning challenges your kids face, be encouraged that you’re in fact doing well. You are undoubtedly maximizing your children’s potential, for God’s higher ways are both wise and effective!  In the fray of daily life, it helps us all to be reminded of His faithfulness.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

  • Help With Ordering Your Test Center Tests

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#284679″ header_text_color=”#298500″ global_colors_info=”{}”]

    Test Center Ordering Instructions

     

    Read through these steps so you will know how to order your Test Center test through the Christian Home Educators of WV (CHEWV) Parent Portal at BJU Press.

    [/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#284679″ header_text_color=”#298500″ global_colors_info=”{}”]

    • When you click the green Parent Portal link at the bottom of this page, you will see that your cart has already been filled with every grade level test. Carefully delete the ones you don’t need.

    • Click “Checkout.”

    [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://new.chewv.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/paper.png” title_text=”paper” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#284679″ global_colors_info=”{}”]

    • Check your shipping address and edit as needed.

    • Read and agree to the User Agreement. Check the box at the bottom and click “Save.”

    • Enter the student information for each test, beginning with the one that is highlighted (see example in screenshot below). Click the green check-mark.

    • Repeat previous step for each remaining test by clicking on each test to select it, and then enter student information and click the green check-mark.

    [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://new.chewv.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/stud.png” title_text=”stud” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#298500″ link_text_color=”#298500″ global_colors_info=”{}”]

    • Fill in the administrator information by entering the test center coordinator’s account number or email address (see website for this information) and click the appropriate button to search (see screenshot below).

    • Once the administrator’s name appears in the grey box, click on it to select.

    • Enter the date for your test center (see website for this information). Click “Save and Continue.”

    • Select “Free Shipping,” even if it is close to your date. BJU Press assures us it will arrive in time.

    • Enter payment information.

    [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://new.chewv.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/test-center-admin.png” title_text=”test center admin” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#298500″ header_text_color=”#298500″ link_option_url=”Portal.bjupress.com?cart=5637425290:1,5637425292:1,5637425294:1,5637425296:1,5637425299:1,5637425301:1,5637425303:1,5637425305:1,5637425307:1,5637425309:1,5637425312:1,5637425314:1&organiza#on=12729&umbrella=12729″ link_option_url_new_window=”on” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Click here to return to the CHEWV Test Center page to complete the steps to order your tests.

     

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

  • Help With Ordering Your Private Tests

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#284679″ header_text_color=”#298500″ global_colors_info=”{}”]

    Private Test Ordering Instructions

     

    Read through these steps so you will know how to order your Private (paper) test through the Christian Home Educators of WV (CHEWV) Parent Portal at BJU Press.

    [/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#284679″ header_text_color=”#298500″ global_colors_info=”{}”]

    • When you click the green Parent Portal link below, you will see that your cart has already been filled with every grade level test. Carefully delete the ones you don’t need (see first screenshot below).

    **Please note that you will need a Student Kit for each child and a Test Administrator Kit for each level of test you are ordering (see second screenshot below).**

    [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://new.chewv.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/paper.png” title_text=”paper” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https://new.chewv.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/privatepaper.png” title_text=”privatepaper” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#284679″ global_colors_info=”{}”]

    • Click “Checkout.”

    • Check your shipping address and edit as needed.

    • Read and agree to the User Agreement. Check the box at the bottom and click “Save.”

    • Enter the student information for each test, beginning with the one that is highlighted (see example in screenshot below).

    • Repeat previous step for each remaining test by clicking on each test to select it, and then enter student information.

    [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://new.chewv.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/stud.png” title_text=”stud” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#298500″ link_text_color=”#298500″ global_colors_info=”{}”]

    • Fill in the administrator information by clicking “Me” if you are administering the test, or your chosen administrator’s account number or email address and click the appropriate button to search (see screenshot below).

    • Once the name appears in the grey box, click on it to select.

    • Enter the date you plan to test. This must be within the CHEWV testing window — between March 4 and April 5, 2024. Click “Save and Continue.”

    • Select “Free Shipping,” even if it is close to your date. BJU Press assures us it will arrive in time.

    • Enter payment information.

    [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://new.chewv.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/administrator.png” title_text=”administrator” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#298500″ header_text_color=”#298500″ link_option_url=”Portal.bjupress.com?cart=5637425383:1,5637425384:1,5637425385:1,5637425359:1,5637425360:1,5637425361:1,5637425362:1,5637425363:1,5637425364:1,5637425365:1,5637425366:1,5637425367:1,5637425438:1&organiza#on=12729&umbrella=12729″ global_colors_info=”{}”]

    Click here to go to the CHEWV Parent Portal to order your Private paper tests.

     

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

  • Help With Ordering Your Online Tests

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#284679″ header_text_color=”#298500″ global_colors_info=”{}”]

    Online Test Ordering Instructions

     

    Read through these steps so you will know how to order your Online test through the Christian Home Educators of WV (CHEWV) Parent Portal at BJU Press.

    [/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#284679″ header_text_color=”#298500″ global_colors_info=”{}”]

    • When you click the green Parent Portal link below, you will see that your cart has already been filled with every grade level test. Carefully delete the ones you don’t need. Click “Checkout.”

    [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://new.chewv.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/online-screenshot-1.jpg” title_text=”online screenshot 1″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#284679″ global_colors_info=”{}”]

    • Check your shipping address and edit as needed.

    • Read and agree to the User Agreement. NOTE: If you haven’t done the System Check on the device you will use for testing, you can find it in the User Agreement. Check the box at the bottom and click “Save and Continue.”

    • Enter the student information for each test, beginning with the one that is highlighted (see example in screenshot below).

    • Repeat previous step for each remaining test by clicking on each test to select it, and then enter student information.

    [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://new.chewv.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/stud.png” title_text=”stud” _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#284679″ global_colors_info=”{}”]

    • Fill in the proctor information. Choose the EST time zone. Click “Save.”

    • Choose a test date and time from the available slots. Click “Save and Continue.”

    • Enter payment information.

    [/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#298500″ header_text_color=”#298500″ link_option_url=”Portal.bjupress.com?cart=5637425383:1,5637425384:1,5637425385:1,5637425359:1,5637425360:1,5637425361:1,5637425362:1,5637425363:1,5637425364:1,5637425365:1,5637425366:1,5637425367:1,5637425438:1&organiza#on=12729&umbrella=12729″ global_colors_info=”{}”]

    Click here to go to the CHEWV Parent Portal to order your Online tests.

     

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

  • Terra Nova vs. Iowa Assessments

    Terra Nova vs. Iowa Assessments

    For the past many years, WV homeschoolers have had both the Terra Nova and the Iowa Assessments readily available to them as viable assessment options. Starting this year, the Iowa alone will be the primary testing option. For that reason, CHEWV has compiled a list of differences between the two tests in order to help prepare those who are used to the Terra Nova.

    A quick and easy read, our information sheet can be accessed here: Terra Nova & Iowa

  • Why Test at a Test Center?

    Why Test at a Test Center?

    With the convenience of online testing and the ability for parents to test at home, one may wonder why anyone would test at a test center. Here’s some background as to why choosing a test center may still be a good option.

    In years past, most testing was done at test centers. Parents were not allowed to administer tests to their own children, and only someone with a 4-year college degree could become approved to administer to others. Test Center Coordinators worked to find approved administrators so that parents did not have to find someone on their own. During this time, the two or three days of testing actually became one of the highlights of the school year for many homeschool families.

    What did they look forward to so much? Community. The test centers had a built-in sense of camaraderie. Moms connected with each other, discussing things like curriculum choices, learning styles, and organization tips. They encouraged one another through casual conversations about child-training, marriage, and more. Those moms knew they were not alone in the homeschooling adventure, and it helped many of them to stay the course. The children were of course excited to connect with their friends every year.

    The test center atmosphere was also a nice change of pace from regular academics and the routines at home. At many centers, moms would bring snacks to share with everyone during breaks. Often, groups would lunch together at a park or a restaurant with an indoor playground at the end of each day of testing. Some even had a cookie or pizza party at the end of the week!

    Not every test center is the same, but they all share the sense of working together for the good of the community. Other benefits include becoming familiar with group testing in preparation for college entrance exams later, learning to follow directions given by another “teacher,” and being considerate of others during quiet test periods. But being part of a group of like-minded people is the best. You may be surprised at how much good it can do for you and for others.

  • NEW DIRECTIVE for Assessments

    NEW DIRECTIVE for Assessments

    A new directive from the WV Department of Education relating to Hope students could also impact privately-funded homeschoolers. According to the WVDE, only “actual results from the testing company” will be accepted for Hope students taking a nationally normed standardized test for their annual academic evaluation. It remains unclear whether privately-funded students will be impacted. This past Tuesday, a representative of the WVDE advised that CHEWV’s County Report form would not be accepted for Hope students.

    We do not know how easily counties will be able to distinguish between assessment submissions for Hope scholarship students versus traditional homeschoolers. However, the directive leaves room for privately-funded homeschoolers to also be affected.

    CHEWV’s County Report has been accepted statewide for privately-funded homeschoolers for over 30 years. Its intent is to help families (and counties) understand whether students have made acceptable progress according to the standards of WV code. Additionally, we do not want families to have to submit more information than is required by law unless they voluntarily do so.

    If you are a privately-funded homeschooler who tested with CHEWV and the county rejects your CHEWV report, please let us know.

    To summarize, CHEWV reports will not be accepted for Hope families this year.

    For privately-funded homeschoolers, assessments must be performed every year, but results only need to be submitted to the county for grades 3, 5, 8, and 11. The submission deadline is June 30th for private homeschoolers schooling under 18-8-1(c)(2).  

    CHEWV is committed to assisting homeschool families; please contact chewv@chewv.org or testing@chewv.org with any submission questions.

  • Assessment Considerations

    Assessment Considerations

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Hmm…portfolio review or standardized testing? While a homeschool assessment must be done EVERY YEAR for students of compulsory age, which assessment option is best? 

    The portfolio review option was hard-won back in 1994 to help special needs students and others for whom testing is less appropriate, such as students with test anxiety or pre-readers. For example, there are disadvantages to using standardized testing prior to 2nd or 3rd grade.  We recommend becoming educated about the level of reading required for early-level testing.  If your student is not yet ready for that reading level, you might consider a different assessment.

    As you consider your choices, this article about reading-readiness prior to age seven should be helpful.  If you decide that testing is your best choice this year, another of our articles gives prep ideas, many of which need implemented several weeks before testing.

    Keep in mind that testing environment matters.  While students who are good testers (usually those who easily sit still for book work) do well in almost any testing environment, most students do better when the environment is familiar.  That serves well when testing with co-op buddies or homeschool friends, but for those who are heading to an unfamiliar test center, prepare your child by helping them relax and not feel pressured from the stress of the new social situation. 

    Private testing in your own home is an option that allows a young student to test in an un-rushed manner in a familiar environment. Short attention spans might also benefit from private testing, as a parent could make arrangements with a private administrator to span the testing over additional days.  

    Using the same assessment option year to year isn’t necessary, as both testing and portfolio review have their own benefits.  While portfolio review is designed to compare the student with his or her own abilities, testing does give credible and useful information about how your student compares with other students.  Standardized tests are also good practice for testing environments down the line, such as college prep exams and dual enrollment classes.  Many parents who use portfolio review in the early years switch to testing by mid-elementary. 

    Hover over the “Assessments” menu option to peruse all your assessment options.  Still have questions?  Email testing@chewv.org.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

  • Score Reports from CHEWV

    Score Reports from CHEWV

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

    What score reports can you expect when you test with CHEWV?

    First, you will receive the complete IOWA score reports directly from BJUP. The Profile Narrative provides the National Percentile Rank (NPR) for each subtest along with the five scores that must be averaged to obtain the “mean” for WV homeschoolers. The number of items and percent correct can also be quite helpful to the parent.

    However, the composite scores are probably the most valuable. More information about how to use this score report can be found here.

    *Please note that actual score reports received may look different than the samples shown.

    The Performance Profile score report has additional graphs and is basically a synopsis of scores.

    While these reports are both very valuable to the parent, neither of the above reports are ideal to send to the county. Both contain additional information that is not required by WV law. We do not recommend submitting information that is not required for a variety of reasons. That’s where the WV-specific CHEWV reports come in handy.

    CHEWV testing families can request one of two CHEWV-generated score reports. The first is the County Report which is designed to be turned in to the county for grades 3, 5, 8, and 11. It contains all the information that has been submitted to satisfy the law for the past 30 years.

    The other option is our Progress Report. It is designed to help the parent determine the progress of each child according to WV’s standards – helping them determine whether “acceptable progress” – as defined by 18-8-1c2 – has been made for the year.  Used with our flow chart, it’s easy to see what the next step is. The Progress Report is appropriate in years when scores must be kept on record but not submitted to the county, i.e., K, 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 7th, 9th, 10th, and 12th.

    More information about scores are here and here.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

  • 2023 CHEWV Testing Highlights

    2023 CHEWV Testing Highlights

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]

    Online testing has grown in popularity over the past few years – precipitating many changes in the testing world. One change is the online registration process used by test distributors. If you have tested with CHEWV for a while, you’ll notice that we no longer order the tests ourselves but rather must send you to the CHEWV Parent Portal at BJUP where you place your own order.  As a result, your family and contact information goes straight to them and it is no longer available to us.  

    In our ongoing quest to make registration reasonable despite the new constraints, we have made the CHEWV-produced WV-specific reports optional this year. If you would like one of these reports, you now have to submit a request through a CHEWV form – so that we can capture the needed information. 

    If you have already ordered your test through the CHEWV Parent Portal but have not yet requested these reports, click here to do so.  For general testing information, click here. Still have questions? You are always welcome to email testing@chewv.org.

    Important to know: ALL students testing with CHEWV will automatically receive the complete publisher score reports.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]