| Home schoolers are
able to participate in the annual MSE9 assessment of English, Mathematics
and Science.
Why is the assessment service provided?
The major purpose is to give parents information about the progress
of their children in relation to state performance. A second purpose
is to provide those responsible for teaching a child with information
that can be helpful in planning the child’s continuing education.
In the case of home schoolers this information is useful to you
as the parent and also as the child’s teacher.
Is participation compulsory?
No. You are responsible for providing education to your child and
you are the person who makes decisions about assessment of your
child’s progress.
If I wish to do so how do I participate?
It will be necessary to apply for the materials by 30 June 2006.
When does the assessment occur?
1. The assessment takes place in weeks 3 and 4, term 3. In 2006,
the assessment weeks commence on 7 August 2006.
2. The test materials as well as instructions about how the tests
should be managed will be mailed to your home prior to the assessment
time.
3. During the assessment weeks you will supervise the tests for
your children. The tests can be given on days and at times that
you choose.
4. When all testing is finished you mail the papers to the address
provided.
5. Towards the end of the year you will receive an individual report
for your children showing progress in relation to state performance.
What is assessed?
There are three Year9 tests: one each in English, Mathematics and
Science. To get most out of the assessment, it
is recommended that all components of the assessment are completed.
What are the tests like?
The Information
for teachers page provides samples and other information that
will give you a clear idea of what the assessment tasks will be
like.
Who will mark my child’s work?
People qualified to do so mark the papers and are bound to respect
the confidentiality of all results.
If I participate in the program what control do I have
of the process?
As home educator you make the following decisions:
· Whether or not to apply to participate.
· At any stage in the process, whether to continue with the
process.
· Whether to share the report information with your child
or with anyone else.
· Whether to use the information you obtain from the report
in planning your child’s continuing education.
I don’t use grade labels for my children. Does that
matter?
No. You are in charge of your child’s education and you make
the judgement about whether your child is suited to doing the test
or not.
My child has a disability. How will I deal with that?
You should give your child the same additional help during the test
that you usually give in learning situations.
What information is provided in the report?
You will receive separate reports about your child’s progress
in Reading, Writing, Mathematics and Science.
Each report will provide the following:
· Information that enables you to compare your child’s
progress with the achievement of other children at the same year
level.
· Information that enables you to compare your child’s
progress with the minimum expected standard for children in schools
at that year level.
· Information about your child’s developmental progress
in English, Mathematics and Science.
· Information about the skills associated with your child’s
achievement in English, Mathematics and Science.
What are the benefits of the assessment results?
The assessment results have most value when they are considered
in conjunction with your own on-going assessment of progress that
has been occurring through the year.
Information in the report will be a useful supplement to your own
judgement of progress, which can provide a useful basis for planning
future learning experiences.
How much does it cost to participate?
Participation is free.
How do I apply for the materials?
Complete the Application
Form and send it by fax, email or post to the address shown.
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