Homeschool Testing & Portfolio Review With Kendra
The Peabody Individual Achievement Test (PIAT) is a standardized, nationally norm-referenced achievement test. If
you’re looking for a nationally norm-referenced test, I recommend it for younger students K-3 but will administer it to
older students as well. It is individually administered by a trained examiner such as me, with assessments
completed in the following broad content areas: General Information, Reading Recognition, Reading
Comprehension, Mathematics, and Spelling (5 subtests). The subtests and composite scores are calculated
immediately with derived scores indicating grade level equivalents. The test is oral in format and almost
conversational in tone. It takes 45-75 minutes to administer the test, but the exam is not timed. I charge $100 for
the PIAT per student. Here is a link to a description of the PIAT…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peabody_Individual_Achievement_Test
(Also satisfies PEP)
Testing@The Homeschool Resource Center
103 S. Parsons Ave, Brandon
May 28-29 or
June 2-3
DEADLINE: May 6 (this is set by the testing company)
If you would like to schedule an appointment for the IOWA test, please email me ASAP
at westrafab5@gmail.com to secure a spot for your child(ren). After you email me, I will send you the instructions
for ordering the test(s). The testing fee will be $50 per student. You will be responsible to purchase the test, which
costs about $40 from BJUPressHomeschool. The testing will take place at the Homeschool Resource
Center (HRC), located at 307 S. Parsons Ave., Brandon, 33511. If you choose NOT to send in your child’s test
scores, you will also need to schedule a portfolio review.
The test takes two half-days to complete.
I recommend the IOWA for students in grades 3-12 (I don’t give it to students younger than 3 rd ) due to the more
detailed analysis it gives of the student’s strengths and weaknesses. Here is a link to a description of the IOWA…
$100 per student
This is an achievement test which measures an individual’s ability to read words, comprehend sentences, spell,
and compute solutions to math problems. The test is appropriate for individuals aged 5 years through adult. It
will satisfy the testing requirements for the SUS-PEP scholarship. Word Reading, Spelling, and Sentence
Comprehension are untimed (as well as Math for K-2); Math for 3rd-12 th graders is timed for 15 minutes. Here
is a link to a more in-depth description…https://www.txautism.net/evaluations/wide-range-achievement-test-
fifth-edition
$50 for the first PR and $25 for each additional student
I don’t need to see every page your child has completed in the last year! Samples (spread throughout the year)
are really helpful. A reading list is helpful (keep the receipts from the library! They are an automatic reading list.
For those taking any online classes, you may print the “gradebook” or list of assignments with the grade
received.
Every family is different. Every student is different. My goal is not to pick apart everything you’ve done (or not
done), but to encourage and guide you on your homeschool journey. If I think you should do more of certain
subjects, I will kindly let you know. Generally, I look to see if the younger students are hitting reading and math
hard. As students get older, I look to see if they are working on additional subjects. There may be some years
that your family works really hard on science, other years history, maybe there’s a new baby in the family or a
move, or one of your students has special needs. I consider all these (and more) when doing a portfolio review.
Each PR takes 15-20 minutes. I love to see pics of projects, plays, recitals, gardens, field trips, etc as well!
Portfolio Pages Must Be Sent to me AT LEAST 3 Days in Advance
If you have been homeschooling for a few years, please consider the Zoom option. If you are new to
homeschooling and still have plenty of questions, please request an in-person portfolio review. The key: simply
show your student has made progress (that’s all FL law requires).
Zoom is super easy and quick!
Here are some options for a Zoom eval:
Extra pictures of fun stuff (field trips, family vacations, projects, gardens, recitals, sports, etc.) can be
included.
THESE MUST BE SENT TO ME AT LEAST 3 DAYS IN ADVANCE OR YOU WILL BE
RESCHEDULED.
I will look at everything in advance, take notes, and spend 15 minutes discussing what you sent me with each of
your students (with you there on the Zoom screen of course 🙂
This option will allow me to see more people and need less physical space to do it in.
After receiving payment, the evaluation form will be scanned and sent to you via email.
You can send me copies/scans/pictures of 4-8 pages from each subject, spread throughout the year (Ex:
pages from Sept/Dec/Feb/April) attached to an email (or multiple emails) or through Dropbox, Adobe
Acrobat, or zip files. Feel free to keep it simple.
If you are creative, put together a slideshow with samples of their schoolwork and include pics of sports,
recitals, projects, field trips, etc.
Older students might want to create their own website using Wix.com or another application with links
to short videos and/or images of essays, a good score on a test, etc. A project like this can count toward
high school credit as well!
I’m open to other options if you can show your student’s progress in multiple areas. Get creative!
If you need guidance on homeschooling topics such as curriculum choices, planning, high school preparation, or general encouragement, I offer consultations via Zoom or phone call. These consultations are priced at $2 per minute. Feel free to email me to schedule a time.
About Me
My name is Kendra Westra, and I have been conducting homeschool evaluations for over 10 years. With a background in Exceptional Student Education and Educational Administration, I have extensive experience both in the classroom and as a homeschooling parent of three children. I am passionate about helping families in the Tampa Bay HEAT community and love offering personalized support to each family’s unique homeschooling journey.
Let’s work together to help your homeschool experience be the best it can be! Email me today at westrafab5@gmail.com to get started.
