Understanding the Annual Assessments Needed for Homeschooled 10th Graders

Homeschooling is becoming a popular choice for parents who want to have a greater say in the education of their student or provide their students with a unique learning environment. But with this freedom comes the responsibility to be aware of relevant deadlines and responsibilities. Therefore, it is important to understand the annual assessments typically taken by students in grade 10 and what they mean for your student’s future.

What is an Annual Assessment?

An annual assessment is a series of tests designed to measure a student’s college readiness level. Students in grade 10 may take one or more of the following assessments:

• The PSAT-10 or PSAT-NMSQT
• The ACT
• The CLT10

Why Should My Student Take an Annual Assessment?

Although 10th grade may seem early to start thinking about college, assessments are critical to homeschool students. They provide valuable insight into student academic progress, allowing you to make the best decisions as your student’s education continues.

Some states require that students take a standardized assessment. Please review Enlightium’s state resources and conduct your own research to determine if your student will need to take one or more assessments and which assessment would be the best option for them.

What are the Benefits of Taking a Standardized Assessment?

Regardless of whether your state mandates an assessment, 10th-grade homeschooled students can benefit from taking standardized assessments such as the PSAT-10, the PSAT-NMSQT, and the ACT. These exams help provide a snapshot of a student’s academic strengths and weaknesses so that their counselor can tailor their learning program accordingly. For example, if the student struggles in math on a standardized test, both the parent and the student’s counselor can add resources to assist the student in their math course.

It is also worth noting that scores on these exams can potentially qualify students for scholarships later on in life, making them even more beneficial investments in the long run.

Assessment Scores Can be Added to a Portfolio

Several states require or recommend that homeschooling parents keep a portfolio of their student’s education, such as curriculum samples or report cards. These portfolios often require standardized assessment scores. This allows parents and the state to evaluate a student’s overall performance during the year and develop a clear understanding of where the student is excelling and where there are areas for improvement.

Which Assessment Should Your Student Take?

• If your student is unable to or prefers not to test in-person, then first consider the CLT10.
• If they are fine with testing in-person then either the PSAT 10, the PSAT-NMSQT, or the ACT should work well.
• If they are interested in qualifying for the National Merit Scholarship program, they will need to take the PSAT-NMSQT in either their 10th or 11th grade year.
• If they want to best prepare for taking the ACT in 11th and 12th grade, then consider having them take the ACT in 10th grade.

Note that your student can take more than one of these assessments if they want to fine-tune their assessment-taking skills.

Enlightium Academy is a private Christian online school that serves homeschooling families by offering a Bible-based, flexible, accredited, teacher-supported, and affordable education from the comfort of your home. For any other questions about Enlightium, please call (509) 319-2288, or visit EnlightiumAcademy.com.