Part 3: Standardized Testing Companies

If you haven't read Part 1 and Part 2 of Standardized Testing, please do so.

Part 1: Can Homeschool Parents Administer a Standardized Test to Their Child?

Part 2: Standardized Tests Homeschool Parents Can Administer

So from Part 2, I've decided to administer the Terra Nova, Second Edition, CAT/6. I know it will either be the Complete Battery Plus or the Survey Battery Plus. I'll probably choose the Survey Plus because it's a shorter test. Last year, I didn't realize the Survey Plus included Social Studies and Science, so I ordered the Complete Battery Plus, and it was pretty time consuming.

Now I'm looking at which testing company will best suit my needs. A few years ago, I used Seton Testing. Last year, I used Bayside School Services. Those are the two companies I'll be comparing. Take a look at what I've learned so far.

Cost:
Bayside has lowered their cost from $55 to $50 as of 2013.

Seton's test costs $45.

Ordering:
Both Bayside and Seton say you should order your testing materials at least 3 weeks before testing week.

Bayside says you will receive your testing materials on the Saturday before your requested test week. Also, just because you request a particular week to be your test week, they do not guarantee you will receive your materials prior to that week.

Seton says you will receive your testing materials 1-2 weeks before your testing date.

Returning Materials:
Bayside gives you exactly one week to complete the entire testing process. You must have your testing materials postmarked by the Saturday following your test week. If it is postmarked after that Saturday, late charges will apply.

Seton says you need to return testing materials immediately after testing and materials must be returned within 30 days of the test date.

Results:
Bayside says results are usually sent to you within 6 weeks but that it is typcal for that to take anywhere between 4-8 weeks.

Seton says they usually have results ready within 2 weeks.

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Overall, it appears to me that Seton is more flexible. The main thing that strikes me is the fact that Bayside expects your testing materials to be returned and postmarked the Saturday after your designated testing week. This added a lot of pressure on me last year, so I really like that Seton doesn't state it has to be postmarked by a certain date. Although Seton wants you to return it "immediately after testing is completed," they give you a 30 day window or should I say, some breathing room. I also like that Seton will send you your testing materials 1 - 2 weeks prior to your test week, so you have plenty of time to look over the materials and prepare to administer the test. This also means you could start testing sooner if you wanted to; you're not locked into a particular week.

Although I think Bayside is an excellent choice and I'm so appreciative of their service to the homeschool community, personally, I'm going to use Seton this year. I've already created an account with Seton and signed their Administrator Agreement form. Which reminds me, by the way, if you sign this form electronically, your signature should look like this:

/s/(space)First Name(space)Last Name

/s/ Jane Doe

Happy Testing!