I do not know where you live, but home schoolers here have to pass all of the normal routine tests given to every grade. The home schoolers are doing great. I guess it depends on where you live.
Perhaps you're right - it may depend on where they're talking about home schooling. The kids I know who are home schooled are outscoring traditionally educated kids of the same age.
Of course, they have to pass, but we all know "passing" is barely above brain dead and doing well is a totally other thing.