Per NYS Commissioner’s Regulation 100.10(h), home-instructed students must complete a year-end assessment, which varies by grade level:
Grades K–3
A written narrative assessment is required.
This may be completed by the parent or a designee (e.g., a certified teacher).
Grades 4–8
A standardized test is required at least every other year.
In alternate years, a narrative assessment may be submitted.
Example: If a narrative is submitted for Grade 4, a standardized test must be used for Grade 5.
Some districts may allow testing at the local school—contact your district in the fall to inquire.
Parents are responsible for purchasing and arranging the administration of the test.
A New York State certified teacher is recommended to administer the test, though a parent may do so.
Grades 9–12
A standardized test is required every year.
Parents must purchase and arrange the test administration, allowing ample time for ordering and shipping.
A certified teacher is recommended but not required.
Additional Testing Options (Grades 10–12)
PSAT (Grade 10 or 11) – Contact the school guidance counselor.
ACT, SAT, or SAT II (Grades 11–12) – Visit www.act.org or www.collegeboard.org.
College placement exams may also be used in Grade 12.
Submission Deadline
All assessments are due with the 4th quarter report by June 30.
Only official test results from the testing service will be accepted as valid documentation.
What types of assessment are allowed?
Commercially published norm-referenced achievement tests.
CAT, Stanford, Iowa, CTBS, State Ed test, PASS
Required for grades 9-12 and every other year in grades 4-8.
Narrative assessment based on an interview with the child and a review of the year’s work.
Grades K-3 and every other year in grades 4-8
Completed by a person or group as agreed on with the district.
Certifies adequate progress or failure to make adequate progress
Does anyone review the exam results?
BOCES reviews the exam results for adequate progress.
The composite score is above the 33rd percentile on national norms
OR the student’s score reflects one year of academic growth.
What if the progress is inadequate?
The home instruction program (for that child) is put on probation.
The parent must submit a plan of remediation that addresses the deficiencies in achievement.
Should include measurable objectives.
This plan goes to the district/BOCES for approval
Plan comes off probation if at least 75% of the objectives are met by the end of any semester within the year of probation.
Or if 100% of the objectives are met after two years of probation.