State Testing and the PDP

How testing usually works, without a disability:

Oregon State requires that typically developing homeschoolers take a standardized test four times during school years: after grades 3, 5, 8, and 10.   

The test is on paper, takes about 3-4 hours total and covers ONLY language arts and math.  Parents are responsible for finding a provider and paying for it (about $50).  Then parents keep the results on file in case the ESD asks for them. 

With a disability:

If your child has a diagnosis or condition that would normally qualify them for an IEP at a school, you can write the homeschool equivalent, the Privately Developed Plan (PDP), which can specify an alternate method of demonstrating that your child has made progress on his/her learning goals.  That could mean taking a standard test at a different grade level, with accommodations, or a different evaluation method.   (Note:  This different than the "opt out" option for public schools and charters.  For a homeschooled child with a disability, you are replacing the testing with an alternative method, that is appropriate for the child.)  See below for evaluation ideas.

Do I have to write the PDP right away?

No!  If you are just getting started homeschooling, you have at least 18 months or more before you come up to a testing period.  If you do testing, just keep the results, you don't have to submit them at all unless the ESD asks.  You don't have to submit the PDP itself either, just have it available.   So take your time getting up to speed on homeschooling and come back to the testing issue later.

What are diagnoses that qualify for a PDP?

There are many on the list, but for kids on the Autism spectrum, typically they will qualify with a diagnosis of:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Specific Learning Disability (Reading, math, writing, oral expression, listening comprehension etc)

• Other Health Impairment (ADHD, OCD, etc)

Keep the documentation that shows these diagnoses or evaluations by doctors or therapists.

This is a brief overview. Please see the excellent detailed explanation of PDP qualification on OHEN's web site. 

What do I have to send to the ESD?

First, you don't have to send anything unless they ask.  Currently, the three PDX area county ESD's (Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas) don't usually ask.  Just register once when you start, keep your information on file and continue homeschooling.

If the ESD does ask for test results, and if your child did take the grade level test on time, then send them only the composite score.  If it is above the 15th percentile, they will not take further action.  If the child scored lower than that, you might want to re-evaluate your PDP goals or assessment method.

If the ESD asks, and your child did an alternative method, reply with a simple form letter stating that your child has a disability, and has made satisfactory educational progress according to his PDP, signed by you and the service provider or co-author of your PDP.  See example letter.  Keep your test or evaluation results (whatever you defined in your PDP) on file as backup.

How to write a Privately Developed Plan (PDP) ?

A PDP does NOT have to be so cumbersome as the usual IEP document.  Some parents do a simple one page table or list, some might outline their curriculum for the year, or goals such as getting through a certain point in curriculum, or passing a particular test.  

Legally a PDP is defined as:  An individual plan developed by a team including the parent and one or more private service providers to address the educational needs of a child with a disability. A PDP includes individual educational goals for the student and a statement indicating how satisfactory educational progress will be determined for the student. 

That’s it.

You define the educational goals and how “satisfactory educational progress” will be determined. You can choose one or more other people to collaborate with. This can be another homeschool parent, a therapist who knows your child, a doctor, tutor or anyone else who will provide helpful input. The law does not specify who a "service provider" must be.

This is YOUR child and YOUR plan. The plan can be as broad as you wish, but the minimum areas covered by the standardized testing are reading, grammar, and math.  Keep it simple and include whatever is helpful for you, for your planning or goal setting.  

See PDP Templates for ideas, be creative!

What are some alternatives to standard testing?

You can specify whatever evaluation method makes sense in your PDP.  It can include observation over time, demonstration of skills, an interview, a portfolio, written work, etc. You can use standardized tests if you wish. If so, you can choose the test, the tester, and the testing environment.

The goal is to determine whether or not the child has made “satisfactory educational progress", meaning: Educational progress across academic and/or developmental areas appropriate to the child’s age and abilities. The student need not complete all ...privately developed plan goals for the team to determine that the student is making satisfactory educational progress.

Here is a great list of ideas, perhaps pick one that works for your child:  

Journal, essay, project, group and/or individual discussion, drawing/diagram, display, video recording, audio recording, quiz, book report, narrative of experiences, interview, graphic organizer, field guide, summary of skills, teacher observation, outline, slideshow, speech, demonstration, portfolio, simulation, game, diorama, model, online evaluation, documentation of research, pictures, workbook pages, and learning logs. 

More Information

This page presents a simple overview, to allow parents to get started quickly with homeschooling.  When you have been homeschooling a year or more, go to the ODE Web Site and read their detailed Homeschooling Students with Disabilities FAQ. 

How does testing work if we are in a Charter School?

None of the information on this page applies if your student is enrolled in a charter school.  PDP's are only for are independent homeschoolers.  Charters are considered public school, and their testing standards apply.  See the Charter Schools page for details.